2019 Suzuki Vitara update revealed

Suzuki has revealed a significant update to its popular Vitara small-SUV in Europe, that’s headlined by a new engine option and the belated addition of advanced driver assistance systems.

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The latter will make the Vitara the most technically advanced Suzuki model to date, bringing dual sensor (camera and radar) forward collision alert and autonomous emergency braking, plus lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

The full suite will be available in higher spec-models, with Suzuki yet to reveal which tech, if any, will be standard across the range.

The Vitara will also gain the Suzuki Swift and Baleno’s 82kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder ‘Boosterjet’ turbocharged petrol engine, but tweaked to produce 88kW to help account for the Vitara’s additional weight.

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Available with front- and all-wheel-drive, the frugal 1.0-litre replaces the lumbering 1.6-litre petrol in the European market, prompted by tougher emissions standards, though there’s no word yet from Suzuki Australia if it will make its way down under.

The punchy 1.4-litre four-cylinder Boosterjet that forms the backbone of the Vitara range here, will carry over from the current model, with the 1.6-litre turbo diesel found in the range-topping RT-X expected to be dropped.

Design wise, obvious tweaks include a redesigned front grille and lower bumper, with the revised rear-end highlighted by distinctive LED combination lamps. New alloy wheel designs and two additional paint colours will complement the fresh look.

Inside, the instrument cluster has been redesigned with a colour central information display placed between the gauges, while the hard plastics make way for plusher soft-touch materials on the upper instrument panel.

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The 2019 Suzuki Vitara will arrive in European showrooms in September and is scheduled to arrive in Aussie showrooms early next year.

Local details including range, specs and pricing will be revealed closer to launch.