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When less is more: Suzuki’s Vitara

SINGAPORE — Rising prices for Certificates Of Entitlement (COEs) got you down? They should. Last week the premium for a Category A COE climbed 14.1 per cent to S$53,694, causing prices of cars like the Suzuki Vitara to shoot up immediately.

The Vitara may not offer scintillating performance, but it is a practical offering for families.

The Vitara may not offer scintillating performance, but it is a practical offering for families.

SINGAPORE — Rising prices for Certificates Of Entitlement (COEs) got you down? They should. Last week the premium for a Category A COE climbed 14.1 per cent to S$53,694, causing prices of cars like the Suzuki Vitara to shoot up immediately.

At least a new version of the Vitara offers some consolation. Its engine powers the front wheels only, unlike the variant that has been on sale here since January, which is equipped with all-wheel drive.

Giving up that feature will save you S$6,000, which helps to offset the jump in COE prices (take that, market forces).

The Vitara 2WD also does without a panoramic roof. That might be a negative point for sun lovers, but at least those who worry about a loss of traction can relax. Unless you’re neighbours with an orangutan or polar bear, you don’t really need all-wheel drive on your commute.

Even if your drive to work takes you through some empty, twisty roads, the Suzuki still feels sprightly on its feet, with pleasantly eager handling.

LIGHT IS RIGHT

The two-wheel-drive variant of the Vitara doesn’t struggle for traction, which goes to show that in a car with just 118hp for the tyres to cope with, front-wheel drive is perfectly fine.

In fact, if anything, switching from 4WD to 2WD leaves you slightly better off. Unburdened by the extra weight and friction of an all-wheel drive system, the Vitara accelerates with a bit more vigour. Jogging to 100kmh takes this car a dozen seconds, while the 4WD model needs 13.

It’s also slightly less thirsty, sipping fuel at a claimed average rate of 5.5L/100km, against 5.7L/100km for the 4WD version.

For the record, we averaged 5.6L/100km after a day with the car, which means the Vitara has a commendably small thirst for petrol, especially for a vehicle that offers as much space as it does.

FAMILY PRACTICALITY

The seating in the back is comfortable for adults, and while the boot isn’t huge, it can be expanded easily by folding the chairs. As a family car, it matches anything in its price range for practicality.

The Vitara’s main flaw is a lack of noise insulation. Accelerate hard, and the engine sounds like a bass guitar having an argument with an electric shaver. The ride is jiggly too, with the rear suspension feeling particularly stiff in its setup. That’s the price you pay for the Suzuki’s tidy behaviour around bends.

At least it’s a decently equipped car, with things like keyless entry and engine starting, and a sound system with Bluetooth smartphone pairing.

It also has proper seatbelts for all five occupants and seven airbags. Unlike all-wheel drive, those are features worth paying for.

Suzuki Vitara 2WD Plus

Engine: 1,586cc, 16V, in-line 4, 118hp, 156Nm

Performance: 180kmh, 0-100kmh: 12.0s, 5.5L/100km,

127g/km CO2

Price: S$105,900 with COE

On Sale: Now

PROS: Easy on the petrol, practical, and packed with safety features

CONS: Noisy on the move, and jiggly over bumps

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