Suzuki Vitara

Compact SUV / crossover · 2015 to present

The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV that has been sold new in the UK since 2015, sitting below the S-Cross in Suzuki's line-up and competing with cars like the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma. This fourth-generation model replaced the older Grand Vitara and was facelifted in 2019 with updated styling and the introduction of mild hybrid Boosterjet petrol engines, replacing earlier naturally aspirated and diesel options. Buyers can choose front-wheel drive or Suzuki's Allgrip four-wheel-drive system, paired with manual or automatic gearboxes. It is a five-door, five-seat SUV aimed at drivers wanting a compact footprint with a raised driving position, decent visibility and straightforward running costs. The Vitara has remained a steady, if low-volume, presence in the UK SUV market, valued for its light weight, simple mechanicals and competitive practicality rather than outright performance or luxury.

Fuel and powertrain options

The Suzuki Vitara is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Mild hybrid petrol

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Suzuki Vitara. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear wheel arches, sills and exhaust mounting points, especially on earlier pre-2019 cars
Inspect front suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links, as wear here can cause knocking noises over bumps
Test the operation of the electric parking brake switch and warning light where fitted on automatic models
Examine tyre wear patterns on Allgrip four-wheel-drive versions, as uneven wear can indicate drivetrain or alignment issues
Check all exterior lighting, including LED daytime running lights and headlamp alignment, for correct operation and secure fitting

Frequently asked questions

What engines were available in the UK Suzuki Vitara?

UK Vitaras have been sold with 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engines, with mild hybrid assistance introduced from the 2019 facelift. Earlier pre-facelift cars could also be found with a 1.6-litre diesel in some markets, though petrol has been the mainstay in the UK.

Does the Suzuki Vitara have four-wheel drive?

Many UK Vitaras are front-wheel drive, but Suzuki also offers an Allgrip four-wheel-drive system on certain trims, giving extra traction in poor weather or on unsurfaced roads.

What should I check on a used Vitara's MOT history?

Always review the official DVSA MOT history on gov.uk, which shows past advisories and failures for things like corrosion, suspension wear or lighting faults, giving a clearer picture of how well a specific car has been maintained.

Is the Suzuki Vitara expensive to tax and run?

Running costs depend on the exact engine, registration date and CO2 figures, so it's best to check the car's specific tax band and MOT history using official DVLA and DVSA online tools rather than relying on general assumptions.

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