2023 Suzuki Vitara launched in Japan

Tthe Japanese automotive manufacturer Suzuki has recently launched the 2023 Escudo / Vitara SUV in Japan. The same SUV which is also known as the Suzuki Vitara in European markets has been launched with an all-new hybrid powertrain in Japan. The 2022 Escudo has been launched with a slight makeover and the addition of some new features along with the new drivetrain.

Suzuki launched the Vitara back in 2014 and since then the model has gone through significant overhauls in its life. The Vitara got a minor redesign in 2018 including new turbocharged engines, which were then followed by the installation of 48V mild-hybrid technology in 2020 and, eventually, it has gotten a 140V full-hybrid technology in 2022. In Japan, the latter is the only choice; however, in Europe, it is marketed alongside the mild hybrid.

The new powertrain integrates a normally aspirated 1.5-liter DualJet four-cylinder engine with 99 horsepower (74 kW / 101 PS) and 132 Nm (97.4 lb-ft) of torque with an electric motor that comes with 33 hp (24.6 kW / 33.4 PS) and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).

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According to European statistics, the total output is 115 horsepower (85 kW / 116 PS), which is less than the mild-hybrid 1.4-liter TurboJet’s 127 hp (95 kW / 129 PS). This is obvious in the performance, with the HEV accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 12.7 seconds and reaching a high speed of 179 km/h (111 mph) in 12.7 seconds, compared to 9.7 seconds and 190 km/h (118 mph) for the MHEV.

For the transmission duties, a 6-speed ASG automatic transmission with shifting paddles and Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD system has been employed in the new Vitara/Escudo. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed ASG automatic transmission with shifting paddles and Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD system. The vehicle also comes with Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock settings, allowing the category to have exceptional off-road capabilities while enhancing performance. In several European areas, the hybrid Vitara is also available in front-wheel drive, with AWD as an option, as is the rest of Suzuki’s lineup.

As the 6 Ah battery is larger in the new Vitara than in the mild-hybrid models, it is installed beneath the cargo compartment which used to be under the front seats. As a result, the Escudo / Vitara may be driven solely on electric power in specific situations, such as deceleration or reverse. Suzuki claims a total WLTC fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres (46 mpg).

The Suzuki Escudo which is already available on the market in Japan costs ¥2,970,000 or Rs 17.71 lakh ($23,153) and comes complete with a plethora of safety (ADAS) and comfort features. The Suzuki Vitara has also been available in Europe since early 2022, with prices starting at £25,499 or Rs 24.4 lakh ($32,464) in the UK, making it more costly than its more powerful but also thirstier mild-hybrid sibling.

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