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Suzuki Vitara

Vitara

1 Jul 1988

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.

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1st of August 1988

Suzuki 1988 Vitara range

Suzuki models

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