1998 Suzuki Vitara

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 The new car is a little longer, wider, taller and heavier than the superceded model.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