The Suzuki Vitara, one of the carmaker’s most iconic models, has been discontinued in South Africa.
The ageing crossover was recently delisted from Suzuki’s local website, and we reached out to the company to clarify why it was removed.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa, said that the Vitara has been pulled from stores as the company’s compact SUV line-up is well covered by other models such as the Fronx, Grand Vitara, XL6, and Jimny 5-door.
A facelifted version of the Vitara was recently unveiled in Europe, but this will not be coming to South Africa for the same reason, meaning the crossover’s run on the local market has truly come to an end.
Farewell
The news of the Vitara’s cancellation is disappointing but not surprising, as it has been one of the automaker’s lowest-selling models for some time.
The crossover only sold three units in the first two months of 2024, compared to the hundreds of units achieved by other models.
A key reason for this is that the Vitara’s purpose in Suzuki’s roster is now overshadowed by two SUVs that both launched in 2023 – the Grand Vitara and the Fronx.
The Grand Vitara – Suzuki’s new flagship
At one point in time, the Vitara was the brand’s top SUV, but the Grand Vitara has since taken the flagship role with five models, including a range-topping hybrid.
Meanwhile, the entry-level Vitara Brezza was discontinued last year only to be replaced by the new Baleno-based Fronx crossover, so the Vitara found itself in an awkward price point where customers would either pick up the budget Fronx or the newer Grand Vitara.
The base Grand is also cheaper than the Vitara, costing R339,900 at launch compared to the latter’s R438,900, making it even harder to justify a purchase.
For those who may still be interested in buying one second-hand, it’s helpful to know the Vitara’s specs and features.
At the end of its run, the crossover was available with two different petrol engines and wheel layouts – a 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated option with all-wheel drive, or a 1.4-litre, turbocharged unit in front-wheel drive.
The 1.6 provides 86kW and 151Nm at an average fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km, while the latter generates 103kW and 220Nm and sips petrol at 5.9l/100km.
Buyers were also given the choice between a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
On the equipment side, the Vitara’s premium stance in the carmaker’s catalogue means it comes with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy rims, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, suede and leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, electric side mirrors, climate control, and a 7-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also features front and parking sensors, cruise control, a reverse camera, a speed limiter, and hill assist.
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