The 2023 Suzuki Vitara, also known as Suzuki Escudo, has been launched in the Japanese markets again, after being discontinued for a short span. However, this time the compact SUV comes with several cosmetic upgrades as well as a fully-hybrid powertrain. The 2023 Suzuki Escudo SUV is sold as Suzuki Vitara in the European markets.
The existing fourth-gen Vitara or the third-gen Escudo have been around since the year 2014. It was updated in 2018 with a new turbocharged engine and subtle changes on the front of cosmetics. Following this came the 2020 facelift version of the Vitara with a 48V mild-hybrid tech. Now, the latest version of the SUV comes with a 140V fully-hybrid tech.
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The 2023 Vitara is powered by a 1.5L dual-jet four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine coupled with an electric motor. The 1.5L engine delivers a maximum power of 99hp and a peak torque of 132Nm while the electric motor delivers 33hp with 60Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed ASG automatic gearbox with gearshift paddles. The vehicle is offered in an AWD layout. There are four driving modes offered, namely Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes. A front-wheel-drive layout option is also available with the SUV.
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The 2023 Vitara gets a 6Ah battery, mounted under the cargo space of the car. Its predecessor featured the battery under the front seats. The company claims a fuel efficiency of 5.1L per 100kms.
The 2023 Suzuki Vitara Escudo price ¥2,970,000 (approx. Rs 17.71 lakhs and $23,153). Its arrival in India hasn’t been confirmed yet.
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