The new Suzuki Vitara went on sale (Au) in April 1998, getting a showing at the '97 Tokyo Motor Show and at the '98 Melbourne Motor Show. It replaces the original Vitara which was introduced in 1988.

The new Suzuki Vitara looks more car like, as is the trend, still with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. The front uses McPherson struts and coil springs. The new car is a little longer, wider, taller and heavier than the superceded model. Engines will continue to be the 2-litre four cylinder and the 2.5 litre V6 which must be an expensive proposition to build, for what you get.

Suzuki Vitara LWB 1998

• station wagon, 5 seats, 4 doors
• loa: 4180mm, width: 1780mm, height: 1740mm
• weight: 1405kg (unladen)
• 2.5L petrol, V6, 4 valves/cyl
  • power; 106kW, torque: 208Nm
• 2L petrol, 4-cyl, 4 valves/cyl
  • power: 94kW, torque: 174Nm
• transmission: 5m; 2-speed transfer case, part-time 4WD, 2WD/4WD selactable at up to 100kph
• suspension: McPherson strut-coils/live-coils
• prices: Grand Vitara 4-cyl wagon, $28,950 (man'), $30,950 (auto); V6 wagon, $30,950 (man'), $32,950 (auto); metallic paint +$200, alloy wheels +$1K, ABS/air-bag +$2400 (V6), $au 2/1999
  [Grand Vitara from $27,950 (4-cyl), $29,950 (V6) $au 4/1998]
• competitors: Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4

Go to the current & 1997 Vitara, and Suzuki pages