The Suzuki Vitara has been awarded ‘2016 Drive Car of the Year: Best City SUV’ in Australia for the second year in a row.

Forty-four cars across 15 categories were extensively tested by Drive judges to determine which models represent the best of their class, with the winners announced this month.

Having defeated the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 for the crown in 2015, the Suzuki Vitara this time fought off the Jeep Renegade, to retain the title in the ‘Best City SUV’ category.

Andrew Moore, Suzuki Australia General Manager Automobiles said, “It is an absolute pleasure to have received the 2016 Drive Car of the Year Award for Best City SUV for the second year in a row.”

Advanced even further since last year’s win, the Vitara now carries a 103kW 1.4L Boosterjet direct-injection turbo engine with six-speed automatic transmission resulting in superior performance and fuel economy at just 5.9L/100km.

Moore continued, “The Vitara Turbo really does tick every box with all of the space, power and fuel economy needed to meet the lifestyle needs of our customers, as well as providing an exciting colour range and vast array of personalisation options.”

The vehicle embodies Suzuki’s renowned 4×4 heritage, with strong SUV design and compact vehicle know how. The impressive list of standard specifications is sure to have been a determining factor, with the Vitara Turbo offering leather seats with suede inserts, 17” black alloys, LED DRL’s, fog lights, privacy glass, knee airbag, Apple CarPlay® and built-in multimedia satellite navigation. 

The excellent driving dynamics was another key consideration, with a class-leading driving experience encompassing sure handling and agility with minimal body roll more akin to a sporty hatch than an SUV with a lightweight body. 

Conservatively priced at just $29,990 Drive Away with automatic transmission and designed and manufactured in Europe, the high-end quality and superior features were a rare and pleasant surprise for a vehicle at this price point.

All in all, the Vitara Turbo received five primary votes in comparison to just the one for the Renegade to take home the coveted award.