Subaru XV 1.6i-S (A) vs Suzuki Vitara 1.6 Panoramic Roof 4WD Premium (A)
18 Mar 2016|89,251 views
Ever since its debut in 1988, the 'do-it-all and do-it-well' Suzuki Vitara has earned global recognition for its off-road capabilities while also doubling as a practical family mover.
In Singapore, the Vitara's popularity is proof that the Japanese automaker isn't just great at making sporty compact hatchbacks. And with the unveiling of the new fourth generation Vitara at this year's Singapore Motorshow, Suzuki has shown the world that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
This month, we pit the Suzuki Vitara 1.6 Panoramic Roof 4WD Premium against the pleasingly spruced up and equitably competent Subaru XV 1.6i-S to find out how these modern Japanese soft-roaders fare against each other.
The new Vitara bears a fresh yet distinctive Suzuki style
Exterior
At 4,450mm x 1,780mm x 1,615mm (L x W x H), the XV is the bulkier car, outsizing the 4,175mm x 1,775mm x 1,610mm (L x W x H) Vitara. But that doesn't mean that the Subaru rolls along like a hulking mass on four wheels.
In Singapore, the Vitara's popularity is proof that the Japanese automaker isn't just great at making sporty compact hatchbacks. And with the unveiling of the new fourth generation Vitara at this year's Singapore Motorshow, Suzuki has shown the world that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
This month, we pit the Suzuki Vitara 1.6 Panoramic Roof 4WD Premium against the pleasingly spruced up and equitably competent Subaru XV 1.6i-S to find out how these modern Japanese soft-roaders fare against each other.
Exterior
At 4,450mm x 1,780mm x 1,615mm (L x W x H), the XV is the bulkier car, outsizing the 4,175mm x 1,775mm x 1,610mm (L x W x H) Vitara. But that doesn't mean that the Subaru rolls along like a hulking mass on four wheels.
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Thanks to its sloping roofline and sleek sheet metal contours, the XV manages to hide its size without forsaking road presence.
This sporty-looking outfit is also supplemented with a pair of elongated headlamps, C-shaped lights and stylish rear combination lamps.
On the other end of the chess board, the Vitara's boxy mould may not be as racy but with a unique front clamshell bonnet, flared fenders with garnishes and thick C-pillars, fans of the Vitara will be happy to know that Suzuki hasn't completely rewritten the car's design language.
The Hamamatsu-based company has instead, done a great job of maintaining the Vitara's muscular stance while modernising its distinctive silhouette.
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Interior
In the XV, we found ourselves very comfortably snuggled in its soft-touch leather seats, which have been adorned with orange stitching.
The orange stitching extends throughout the car's seats to the shift boot and leather steering, giving the otherwise serious ambience a dash of character.
Cabin of the XV feels more expensive and better fitted
Compared to the Vitara, there is a greater use of darker colours finished in dark brushed aluminium, which make the XV feel like the more sophisticated car.
But apart from looking and feeling a tad more premium than the Vitara, the XV is also equipped with a multi-function display, a driver's arm rest, multi-zone air-conditioning, voice recognition system and one-touch turn signal.
Plus, it's got five more litres of boot capacity than the Vitara's 375 litres.
In the XV, we found ourselves very comfortably snuggled in its soft-touch leather seats, which have been adorned with orange stitching.
The orange stitching extends throughout the car's seats to the shift boot and leather steering, giving the otherwise serious ambience a dash of character.
Compared to the Vitara, there is a greater use of darker colours finished in dark brushed aluminium, which make the XV feel like the more sophisticated car.
But apart from looking and feeling a tad more premium than the Vitara, the XV is also equipped with a multi-function display, a driver's arm rest, multi-zone air-conditioning, voice recognition system and one-touch turn signal.
Plus, it's got five more litres of boot capacity than the Vitara's 375 litres.
While the affair in the XV is all serious and quite 'grown up', we particularly like how fresh and full of life the interior in the Vitara is.
Although it's not as well-equipped as the Subaru, the Vitara's instrument panel offers youthful vibes, enhanced by a retro clock and cute circular air vents with louvre rings that match the colour on the outside - all part of a personalisation option.
Seating space in the car feels similar to the XV, although the Vitara does have a 135mm shorter wheelbase - but you'd hardly even realise this.
We do, however, wish that the Vitara would have a factory fitted audio system, as opposed to the Clarion unit that is currently on the job.
The sunroof in the Vitara helps to illuminate the interior, turning any gloomy day into a better drive
Although it's not as well-equipped as the Subaru, the Vitara's instrument panel offers youthful vibes, enhanced by a retro clock and cute circular air vents with louvre rings that match the colour on the outside - all part of a personalisation option.
Seating space in the car feels similar to the XV, although the Vitara does have a 135mm shorter wheelbase - but you'd hardly even realise this.
We do, however, wish that the Vitara would have a factory fitted audio system, as opposed to the Clarion unit that is currently on the job.
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The Drive
Powering the 1,410kg XV is a 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that produces 112bhp and 150Nm of torque on tap. And since the XV is the heavier car, its power to weight disadvantage means that it is slower off the start, taking 13.8 seconds to hit 100km/h.
Both the smoother XV (left) and punchier Vitara (right) managed to clock an average fuel economy of 12km/L, with a well-mannered right foot
The Vitara's 1.6-litre four-cylinder, on the other hand, makes 118bhp and 156Nm of twisting strength and reaches the 100km/h mark from start in 13 seconds flat. Credit for this is owed to its lighter kerb weight and responsive power train.
Mated to the Vitara's motor is a six-speed automatic transmission, which is livelier and more stimulating than the XV's CVT.
While the Vitara allows you to mash through the gears by engaging the paddle shifters and switching the ALLGRIP system into Sport Mode, the drive in the XV was dulled by its lackadaisical transmission and absence of driving modes.
That said, with cleverly engineered all-wheel drive systems, both cars are able to take on bends at above-average speeds equally well, in ways that you don't quite expect them to.
Powering the 1,410kg XV is a 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that produces 112bhp and 150Nm of torque on tap. And since the XV is the heavier car, its power to weight disadvantage means that it is slower off the start, taking 13.8 seconds to hit 100km/h.
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The Vitara's 1.6-litre four-cylinder, on the other hand, makes 118bhp and 156Nm of twisting strength and reaches the 100km/h mark from start in 13 seconds flat. Credit for this is owed to its lighter kerb weight and responsive power train.
Mated to the Vitara's motor is a six-speed automatic transmission, which is livelier and more stimulating than the XV's CVT.
While the Vitara allows you to mash through the gears by engaging the paddle shifters and switching the ALLGRIP system into Sport Mode, the drive in the XV was dulled by its lackadaisical transmission and absence of driving modes.
That said, with cleverly engineered all-wheel drive systems, both cars are able to take on bends at above-average speeds equally well, in ways that you don't quite expect them to.
But where the XV loses points in driving fun, it gains back in terms of ride refinement.
On the highway, the sound-absorbent materials used in the car help to minimise vibrations as well as engine, road and wind noise. In this respect, the XV takes the cake.
The Vitara is without a doubt, the more driver-focused car
Conclusion
Along with a sportier exterior and an outstandingly refined interior, the $98,800 (as of 10th March 2016) Subaru XV also offers the levels of comfort on the road that a family will appreciate.
The $112,900 (as of 14th March 2016) Suzuki Vitara, on the other hand, isn't as refined or matured as the XV, but is the more engaging vehicle to pilot.
If decisions were made with our minds, the XV would be the purchase of choice. But if we listened to our hearts, the Vitara would be the answer.
On the highway, the sound-absorbent materials used in the car help to minimise vibrations as well as engine, road and wind noise. In this respect, the XV takes the cake.
Conclusion
Along with a sportier exterior and an outstandingly refined interior, the $98,800 (as of 10th March 2016) Subaru XV also offers the levels of comfort on the road that a family will appreciate.
The $112,900 (as of 14th March 2016) Suzuki Vitara, on the other hand, isn't as refined or matured as the XV, but is the more engaging vehicle to pilot.
If decisions were made with our minds, the XV would be the purchase of choice. But if we listened to our hearts, the Vitara would be the answer.
Ever since its debut in 1988, the 'do-it-all and do-it-well' Suzuki Vitara has earned global recognition for its off-road capabilities while also doubling as a practical family mover.
In Singapore, the Vitara's popularity is proof that the Japanese automaker isn't just great at making sporty compact hatchbacks. And with the unveiling of the new fourth generation Vitara at this year's Singapore Motorshow, Suzuki has shown the world that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
This month, we pit the Suzuki Vitara 1.6 Panoramic Roof 4WD Premium against the pleasingly spruced up and equitably competent Subaru XV 1.6i-S to find out how these modern Japanese soft-roaders fare against each other.
Exterior
At 4,450mm x 1,780mm x 1,615mm (L x W x H), the XV is the bulkier car, outsizing the 4,175mm x 1,775mm x 1,610mm (L x W x H) Vitara.
But that doesn't mean that the Subaru rolls along like a hulking mass on four wheels.
In Singapore, the Vitara's popularity is proof that the Japanese automaker isn't just great at making sporty compact hatchbacks. And with the unveiling of the new fourth generation Vitara at this year's Singapore Motorshow, Suzuki has shown the world that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
This month, we pit the Suzuki Vitara 1.6 Panoramic Roof 4WD Premium against the pleasingly spruced up and equitably competent Subaru XV 1.6i-S to find out how these modern Japanese soft-roaders fare against each other.
Exterior
At 4,450mm x 1,780mm x 1,615mm (L x W x H), the XV is the bulkier car, outsizing the 4,175mm x 1,775mm x 1,610mm (L x W x H) Vitara.
But that doesn't mean that the Subaru rolls along like a hulking mass on four wheels.
Thanks to its sloping roofline and sleek sheet metal contours, the XV manages to hide its size without forsaking road presence.
This sporty-looking outfit is also supplemented with a pair of elongated headlamps, C-shaped lights and stylish rear combination lamps.
On the other end of the chess board, the Vitara's boxy mould may not be as racy but with a unique front clamshell bonnet, flared fenders with garnishes and thick C-pillars, fans of the Vitara will be happy to know that Suzuki hasn't completely rewritten the car's design language.
The Hamamatsu-based company has instead, done a great job of maintaining the Vitara's muscular stance while modernising its distinctive silhouette.
This sporty-looking outfit is also supplemented with a pair of elongated headlamps, C-shaped lights and stylish rear combination lamps.
On the other end of the chess board, the Vitara's boxy mould may not be as racy but with a unique front clamshell bonnet, flared fenders with garnishes and thick C-pillars, fans of the Vitara will be happy to know that Suzuki hasn't completely rewritten the car's design language.
The Hamamatsu-based company has instead, done a great job of maintaining the Vitara's muscular stance while modernising its distinctive silhouette.
Interior
In the XV, we found ourselves very comfortably snuggled in its soft-touch leather seats, which have been adorned with orange stitching.
The orange stitching extends throughout the car's seats to the shift boot and leather steering, giving the otherwise serious ambience a dash of character.
Compared to the Vitara, there is a greater use of darker colours finished in dark brushed aluminium, which make the XV feel like the more sophisticated car.But apart from looking and feeling a tad more premium than the Vitara, the XV is also equipped with a multi-function display, a driver's arm rest, multi-zone air-conditioning, voice recognition system and one-touch turn signal.Plus, it's got five more litres of boot capacity than the Vitara's 375 litres.
In the XV, we found ourselves very comfortably snuggled in its soft-touch leather seats, which have been adorned with orange stitching.
The orange stitching extends throughout the car's seats to the shift boot and leather steering, giving the otherwise serious ambience a dash of character.
Compared to the Vitara, there is a greater use of darker colours finished in dark brushed aluminium, which make the XV feel like the more sophisticated car.But apart from looking and feeling a tad more premium than the Vitara, the XV is also equipped with a multi-function display, a driver's arm rest, multi-zone air-conditioning, voice recognition system and one-touch turn signal.Plus, it's got five more litres of boot capacity than the Vitara's 375 litres.
While the affair in the XV is all serious and quite 'grown up', we particularly like how fresh and full of life the interior in the Vitara is.
Although it's not as well-equipped as the Subaru, the Vitara's instrument panel offers youthful vibes, enhanced by a retro clock and cute circular air vents with louvre rings that match the colour on the outside - all part of a personalisation option.
Seating space in the car feels similar to the XV, although the Vitara does have a 135mm shorter wheelbase - but you'd hardly even realise this.
We do, however, wish that the Vitara would have a factory fitted audio system, as opposed to the Clarion unit that is currently on the job.
Although it's not as well-equipped as the Subaru, the Vitara's instrument panel offers youthful vibes, enhanced by a retro clock and cute circular air vents with louvre rings that match the colour on the outside - all part of a personalisation option.
Seating space in the car feels similar to the XV, although the Vitara does have a 135mm shorter wheelbase - but you'd hardly even realise this.
We do, however, wish that the Vitara would have a factory fitted audio system, as opposed to the Clarion unit that is currently on the job.
The Drive
Powering the 1,410kg XV is a 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that produces 112bhp and 150Nm of torque on tap. And since the XV is the heavier car, its power to weight disadvantage means that it is slower off the start, taking 13.8 seconds to hit 100km/h.
The Vitara's 1.6-litre four-cylinder, on the other hand, makes 118bhp and 156Nm of twisting strength and reaches the 100km/h mark from start in 13 seconds flat. Credit for this is owed to its lighter kerb weight and responsive power train.
Mated to the Vitara's motor is a six-speed automatic transmission, which is livelier and more stimulating than the XV's CVT.
While the Vitara allows you to mash through the gears by engaging the paddle shifters and switching the ALLGRIP system into Sport Mode, the drive in the XV was dulled by its lackadaisical transmission and absence of driving modes.
That said, with cleverly engineered all-wheel drive systems, both cars are able to take on bends at above-average speeds equally well, in ways that you don't quite expect them to.
Powering the 1,410kg XV is a 1.6-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that produces 112bhp and 150Nm of torque on tap. And since the XV is the heavier car, its power to weight disadvantage means that it is slower off the start, taking 13.8 seconds to hit 100km/h.
The Vitara's 1.6-litre four-cylinder, on the other hand, makes 118bhp and 156Nm of twisting strength and reaches the 100km/h mark from start in 13 seconds flat. Credit for this is owed to its lighter kerb weight and responsive power train.
Mated to the Vitara's motor is a six-speed automatic transmission, which is livelier and more stimulating than the XV's CVT.
While the Vitara allows you to mash through the gears by engaging the paddle shifters and switching the ALLGRIP system into Sport Mode, the drive in the XV was dulled by its lackadaisical transmission and absence of driving modes.
That said, with cleverly engineered all-wheel drive systems, both cars are able to take on bends at above-average speeds equally well, in ways that you don't quite expect them to.
But where the XV loses points in driving fun, it gains back in terms of ride refinement.
On the highway, the sound-absorbent materials used in the car help to minimise vibrations as well as engine, road and wind noise. In this respect, the XV takes the cake.
Conclusion
Along with a sportier exterior and an outstandingly refined interior, the $98,800 (as of 10th March 2016) Subaru XV also offers the levels of comfort on the road that a family will appreciate.
The $112,900 (as of 14th March 2016) Suzuki Vitara, on the other hand, isn't as refined or matured as the XV, but is the more engaging vehicle to pilot.
If decisions were made with our minds, the XV would be the purchase of choice. But if we listened to our hearts, the Vitara would be the answer.
On the highway, the sound-absorbent materials used in the car help to minimise vibrations as well as engine, road and wind noise. In this respect, the XV takes the cake.
Conclusion
Along with a sportier exterior and an outstandingly refined interior, the $98,800 (as of 10th March 2016) Subaru XV also offers the levels of comfort on the road that a family will appreciate.
The $112,900 (as of 14th March 2016) Suzuki Vitara, on the other hand, isn't as refined or matured as the XV, but is the more engaging vehicle to pilot.
If decisions were made with our minds, the XV would be the purchase of choice. But if we listened to our hearts, the Vitara would be the answer.
Photos by Regan Ong and Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Suzuki Vitara
CAT A|Petrol|17.5km/L
Horsepower
88kW (118 bhp)
Torque
156 Nm
Acceleration
13sec (0-100km /hr)
Subaru XV 1.6i-S (A)
CAT A|Petrol|15.9km/L
Horsepower
84kW (112 bhp)
Torque
150 Nm
Acceleration
13.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Subaru XV
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