When the first Suzuki Vitara came out in 1988 it introduced a competent four-wheel drive into a smaller vehicle segment. David Brown sees if the latest model still fits that image.
The Suzuki Vitara is not what it used to be, but it might be more of what you want.
Like many in the market it has evolved from a four-wheel drive to an SUV that is well suited for city driving.
I drove the 1.4 litre turbo, which is the preferable performer to the non-turbo especially with its extra torque. The engine sounded a bit noisey from rest but once it got its head the tone was a bit sportier.
The new model has a nicer dash and better technology.
With a five year warranty a non-turbo is currently $23,990 driveaway while top of the range all grip is $34,000 plus on roads.
David’s boyhood passion for motor cars did not immediately lead to a professional role in the motor industry. A qualified Civil Engineer he specialised in traffic engineering and transport planning.
What followed were various positions including being seconded to a government think-tank for the planning of transport firstly in Sydney and then for the whole of NSW. After working with the NRMA and as a consultant he moved to being an independent writer and commentator on the broader areas of transport and the more specific areas of the cars we drive.
His half hour motoring program “Overdrive” has been described as an “informed, humorous and irreverent look at motoring and transport from Australia and overseas”. It is heard on 22 stations across Australia. He does weekly interviews with several ABC radio stations and is also heard on commercial radio in Sydney.
David has written for metropolitan and regional newspapers and has presented regular segments on metropolitan and regional television stations. David is also a contributor for AnyAuto
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