The facelifted 2025 Suzuki Vitara has moved a step closer to Australian release after being approved for sale locally.
The mild-hybrid-only Vitara is scheduled for a local release in the second quarter of next year, according to a Suzuki Australia spokesperson.
However, that timing could change again as it was previously earmarked to land in the first quarter of 2025.
The headline of the new Vitara is its 'Boosterjet K14D' 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist that will be a first for Australia.
It replaces the 'K14C' turbo-petrol engine in the current Vitara and produces 95kW/235Nm. The new motor is paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
There is a 10kW/53Nm electric motor but it does not work like a Toyota hybrid system. The combined fuel economy in the WLTP cycle is listed between 5.3-5.6L/100km.
Australia won't get the 'full hybrid' Vitara that is sold in Europe which combines a non-turbo combustion engine with 24.6kW electric motor.
The documents show the Vitara will drop its base 1.6-litre petrol engine in facelift guise, too.
Additionally, the current five-strong range will shrink to three. There are two variants listed – codenamed 'DD1S' and 'ED1S' – with the lower trim available in front-wheel drive with either a manual or automatic transmission.
The higher-end model is available with or 'AllGrip' all-wheel drive and automatic only. Further specification details will be revealed closer to the Vitara's release.
A new front bumper with a large grille protrusion, fresh headlights, bulkier tail-lights and all-new alloy wheel designs give the Vitara a nice freshen-up in the looks department.
Inside, the technology is improved thanks to the addition of a bigger 9.0-inch touchscreen from the S-Cross with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety is enhanced – at least in Europe – with the Vitara scoring adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist and a driver monitoring system.
Mild price increases as seen in Suzuki's Swift small car could be matched by the new Vitara. It could lift as little as $500 from the current $36,490 (before on-road costs) turbo model.
That would still reflect a total $7000 increase over the start price of $29,990, however.
Further details on Suzuki's Subaru Crosstrek, Mitsubishi ASX and GWM Haval Jolion rival will come closer to the Vitara's Q2 2025 Australian release.
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