MOTORING MAY: 2025 Suzuki Vitara Ultra

George Loveridge driving Around for Travel News Update

This fourth-generation Vitara has been on the road for ten years now. Despite this, the current rendition of the baby 4x4 is still very much something that you should consider moving forward.

Unlucky for us, this is the front wheel drive mild hybrid version of the Vitara. You can also get a full hybrid 4x4 model, but this one is just fine.

As long as it does not snow! Despite being badged as a mild hybrid, this Vitara drives like any normal car ought to. With a peppy 1.4 litre Booster Jet engine upfront mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, we get 127bhp to play with. In this small crossover SUV, it actually feels pretty brisk. These specific engines are both revvy, punchy and efficient. In the Swift, the powerplant is ideal for a zippy hot hatch, and in this Vitara it still sings out throughout the rev range, but will also provide nearly 60mpg across a motorway cruise. No turbos either, the self-charging electric motors just help the front axle along, resulting in that admirable performance and fuel economy. The gearbox has a feather-light feel and is one of the easiest gearchanges I have had the pleasure of using. Moreover, the overall pedal and steering feel continues with this theme. Overall, making the Vitara incredibly easy and enjoyable to drive.

For improved driving stability, these 2025 cars have redesigned lower suspension arms at the front, along with a ‘U’ shape beam designed rear suspension unit, which also aids with ride comfort and rigidity. Features that were previously reserved for the more expensive S-Cross. The 1.7 metre wide Vitara can carry its weight and size well on the road but there is the expected understeer when pushed too hard on tighter bends. You do sit fairly high in the driver’s seat, therefore, you are not really encouraged to drive in a sporty manner. We have got Continental Eco Contact 6 tyres, which provide a healthy amount of sidewall, which is good for both economy and road noise. Sadly, we have got very thin door cards, which do allow some road noise into the cabin at higher speeds.

Throughout, the interior feels dated. This is actually a compliment! It is very 2015 in here, if you can excuse the Apple CarPlay screen, which looks like it has been retrofitted. However, everything is functional, easy to use and just so appropriate for this vehicle. Manual climate controls, manual seat controls, simple electric window switches, it is all changeable whilst on the move! The instrument cluster has a nice bright pair of analogue clocks displaying engine and road speed. Whilst there is a smaller screen for odometer readouts, this is very useful as it can display MPGs, battery charge, G force, idle stop time and much more. Any car these days is easy to drive, but the Vitara is easy to use. This is a big plus point.

Furthermore, we have some lovely half leather, half cloth seats which rival the comfort of premium SUVs in this sector. The aforementioned thin door cards are covered in plastic, as is the dashboard and other upright materials, but they are pleasant enough. We have to remember, this is a relatively cheap new SUV, there will be sacrifices. Such as, when opening and closing the windows, the entire door flexes inwards as the motor moves the glass. However, this Ultra model does come with a sunshine roof, which opens beyond the front passengers and extends to the rear. Allowing plenty of light and fresh air into the cabin. There is a wind guard at the front of the roof, meaning that you can enjoy ‘open top’ motoring even while traveling on the motorway. Sadly, no heated seats for when that fresh air gets a bit too much.

Accommodation is acceptable, just not brilliant. Cupholders sit in each of the door bins, but there are none in the back, or USB / 12-volt outlets there either. Luckily, in the front we do have a single USB port and that missing 12-volt socket. The boot has a false floor and no spare wheel, therefore, we get up to 710 litres or storage overall. Immense considering that this is still a relatively small car.

The George Loveridge Verdict

Despite having driven and tested some rather nice cars this year already, I have to concede that to live with, this Vitara is the best of them all. Mostly down to the usability of the interior, combined with the enjoyable manual gearbox and impressive fuel economy. Across nearly two weeks, there was never a time when the Vitara aggravated or annoyed me or my passengers. Although it is ten years old now, I do feel like this model really is at the end of its life. Thankfully, summer 2025 will see the launch of an all-new electric Vitara. Which is great, but when an ‘old-fashioned’ petrol car can be as efficient as this, why ruin it with an EV platform?

Price as tested: £28,699
Lead in price: £26,330
Average fuel consumption: 43mpg
Range (petrol): 500 miles  
Engine size: 1337cc
0-60: 9.5 seconds

Performance 7
Handling 7
Transmission 10
Noise 10
Economy 9
Ride and Comfort 8
Accommodation 6
Styling 7
Brakes 8
Finish 7
TOTAL= 79%

https://cars.suzuki.co.uk/new-cars/vitara/ultra-mild-hybrid

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