GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Suzuki - Vitara - RT-X Diesel

Suzuki Vitara

Vitara

Make: Suzuki

Model: Vitara

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Jul 1991

Suzuki logo1 Jul 1988

By THE GOAUTO TEAM

Although not generally acknowledged as such, the first Vitara that burst onto the scene in mid 1988 offered non-4WD buyers the first true civilised light 4WD alternative.

Its spunky styling, car-like cabin comfort, peppy performance and appealing high-seating position struck a chord worldwide.

A new 55kW 1.6-litre single-cam four-cylinder engine gave good on-road performance and the separate chassis part-time rear-to-4WD system with an integrated two-speed transfer box helped with off-road duties.

The almost car-like dynamics were a corollary of the coil spring front and rear suspension, which replaced the leaf spring set-up of the earlier, smaller Sierra and Jimny Suzuki 4x4s.

Developed with the co-operation of General Motors, the Vitara initially arrived in two body styles – a three-door five-seat hardtop and a two-door four-seat soft-top – in base JX and well-equipped JLX guises.

The latter included power steering, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.

A four-speed auto became an alternative to the five-speed manual gearbox in August ’89.

Reviews

1st of August 1988

Suzuki 1988 Vitara range

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here