New SE Version of Suzuki Vitara A Value Added SUV Package

A distinctive new limited edition SE version of the award winning 1.6 litre Vitara has been added to the range of Suzuki models in New Zealand.

The SE comes with a six-stage automatic transmission as standard and sits neatly between the JLX level and direct injection Turbo performance versions of the popular Vitara.

Clearly distinguished by black daytime running lamp bezels, black body side mouldings and a rear upper spoiler, the Vitara SE is available in red, silver or white, all with a black roof paint finish at no extra cost.

The well-equipped Suzuki also has as standard 17-inch diameter aluminium alloy wheels, privacy glass for the rear and rear side windows, front fog lamps, cruise control with speed limiter, satellite navigation, reversing camera, climate control air conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.

Backed by a five year, 100,000 kilometre warranty package, the SE is introduced with a highly competitive price tag of $29,990 plus on-road costs.

“We wanted to develop a compelling offer at the sub-$30,000 price point which the SE achieves,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

Not only is the Vitara SE well equipped, but it is also a winner in saving owners money. A recent independent Australian survey run by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland awarded the 1.6 Vitara the lowest annual running costs in the small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) class.

The latest generation Vitara is a top seller in its class, capturing 14.8 percent of the segment in New Zealand during 2016 while also boosting its sales of SUVs by 44 percent. In the first seven months of this year the Vitara has attracted 955 sales and, with just under 22 percent of the brand’s total volume, is the second most popular Suzuki model.

The high riding, easy access Vitara was a critical element in Suzuki increasing its sales of small SUVs by 59 percent last year. Currently Suzuki is capturing 32 percent of the small SUV class for models costing less than $40,000.

Four years in development, the Vitara was the first compact SUV to earn a top five star overall rating in the Euro NCAP testing programme. As one of the safest cars in its class, the Vitara’s comprehensive active and passive safety equipment as standard includes seven airbags, a brake override system and ESP electronic stability. Disc brakes are fitted front and rear and special lightweight brake calipers reduce drag.

The 1,586 cm3 multi-valve, low friction, lightweight four-cylinder engine develops 86 kW, combining generous output and torque with excellent fuel economy. Vitara’s automatic transmission incorporates an expanded lockup range to boost acceleration and enhance economy while a handy hill-hold function is particularly useful in city and urban driving.

Sales of new Suzuki’s have surged this year, with the brand taking a strong 7.2 percent of the new passenger car market in New Zealand and ranking fourth best make for the January to July 2017 period. This compares with 5.6 percent penetration and eighth ranking for calendar year 2016.