Extra ride height, spacious interiors and sporty-looking bodies are some of the reasons more and more Kiwis are turning to an SUV as their vehicle of choice. However, SUVs or ‘sports utility vehicles’ do have a reputation for being a bit thirsty on fuel, due to their larger body size, more powerful engine and AWD componentry.
With clever design and use of highly efficient petrol and hybrid engines, it is possible to select a SUV that won’t cost you an arm and a leg every time you fill up. Suzuki specialises in lightweight 2WD and 4WD SUVs and offer some of the most affordable vehicles on the market, especially those with AWD versatility.
So, if you are looking at adding an SUV to your garage, take a look at our top 3 most economical SUVs here at Suzuki NZ. Getting one with a good fuel economy is going to save you money in the long run, and help reduce your carbon footprint too.
Fuel Efficient SUV #3: The Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid
Starting off in third position is the impressively roomy and super comfortable S-Cross Hybrid. Its direct injection BoosterJet turbo engine with Smart Hybrid technology stretches your gas even further, allowing you to take on New Zealand roads with plenty of get up and go.
At 5.5L per 100km, the S-Cross Hybrid JLX 2WD six-speed auto averages around 649 km on $100 of fuel (based on $2.80 per litre) or a road trip from Auckland to Wellington. While the all-wheel drive S-Cross Hybrid with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP technology is similarly capable at only 5.9L per 100km, emitting a very conservative 133g CO2 per km.
>> Take a closer look at the S-Cross here.
With many SUVs weighing in at over 2000kg, Suzuki’s range of 2WD and AWD SUVs are designed to be smaller and lighter. The S-Cross Hybrid’s kerb weight is under 1,350kgs and the lighter weight body combined with its dynamic hybrid engine creates less drag, meaning less fuel is used, saving you some big bucks on your trips.
Extra bonuses to the Suzuki S-Cross include extensive boot space at 440L for camping adventures and shopping day-outs, panoramic sunroof, heated seats and the latest smartphone connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In short there’s plenty of quality features making it an easy and comfortable ride.
Fuel Efficient SUV #2: The Suzuki Ignis
Rounding the corner for the second most fuel efficient SUV is the super compact SUV - the Suzuki Ignis. Sipping a breathtakingly low 5.2L per 100kms, the manual Ignis on $100 of petrol ($2.80 per litre) can squeeze out a whopping 687km. That’s at least two and half trips back and forth between Tauranga and Taupo and a bit to spare.
>> Take a closer look at the Ignis here.
While not everyone can drive a manual car these days (though this unbelievable fuel efficiency may encourage you to learn!), the Suzuki Ignis GLX Auto is luckily hot on the wheels of the Ignis Manual, using only 0.2L per 100km more totalling a healthy 5.2L per 100km.
Compared to the S-Cross and the Vitara, the compact Ignis has a very lightweight body ranging between 855kg and 905kg. It’s 1.2L VVT petrol engine, optimises fuel efficiency and keeps theCO2 emissions low at 107-114g/km. Its use of high tensile steel and other weight saving measures in the body, as well as the overall advances in technology have afforded the Ignis its exceptional fuel efficiency rating.
Like most SUVs, the Ignis is much higher than a traditional car making it easy to get in and get out of so you don’t have to bend down or stoop to get in and out of. The excellent visibility and compact exterior dimensions also make it a breeze to park. Topped off with unique styling inside and out, the Ignis is a very affordable place to start when looking for a small SUV.
Fuel Efficient SUV #1: The Suzuki Vitara Hybrid
Streaking to the front, and coming in our number one spot is the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid JX 2WD manual. With a fuel economy rating of 5L per 100km, this car is made for saving money on everything from a long adventure to a quick trip downtown.
The Vitara Hybrid 2WD Auto is the next best option within this range with an impressive 5.6L per 100km, followed by the AWD at a very respectable 6L per 100km considering the heavier weight of the 4WD drivetrain.
So how far can the Vitara Hybrid get you on $100 of petrol (at $2.80 per litre)? The answer is the impressive distance of 714km. The Vitara Hybrid 2WD Auto is just shy of that, coming in at 638km or an easy trip from Queenstown to Dunedin and back again.
The high-riding Vitara Hybrid with excellent driver visibility is another Suzuki SUV that is mindful of its CO2 emissions. The Vitara Hybrid JLX manual emits only 112 g/km of CO2, the 2WD Auto at 125 g/km and the AWD, slightly higher at 136 g/km.
>> Take a closer look at the Vitara Hybrid here.
The Vitara Hybrid JLX manual weighs in at a mere 1,185kg, helping drive that fuel efficiency up. Opting for a 4WD capable SUV, doesn’t need to be at the sacrifice of fuel efficiency. Even the top of the range Vitara Hybrid AWD tips the scales under 1,300kg, making it an economical ride if you need something suitable for regularly taking on gravelly or muddy roads or exploring further afield.
Contributing to the excellent fuel economy of the Vitara Hybrid is the smooth performance of the 1.4L BoosterJet turbo with Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid system. Generating power of a much larger engine, this ingenious SUV optimises fuel effectively without sacrificing the get-up-and-go you need to take on NZ roads. Its 48V integrated starter generator saves fuel by assisting the engine on take-off and acceleration, powering the Vitara Hybrid’s electrical systems and components, and recharging as the car decelerates and brakes.
Not only do you get an enjoyable, economical ride with the Vitara Hybrid, you have the peace of mind knowing that Suzuki’s full safety suite, such as AEB, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, will take care of you should you need it. Plus with plenty of head room and leg room, your family, friends and fur babies will be able to sit back and comfortably enjoy the ride too.
One last thing, it is important to remember that the way you drive, the condition of your car and the roads you drive on have a considerable influence on fuel efficiency. Different drivers can achieve different economy levels so here are a couple of tips to improve yours.
- Smooth out your driving style by going easy on the brake and accelerator.
- Keep your tyres properly inflated, and replace them when the tread wears out.
- Reduce the drag by removing roof racks and any items in the boot when you don’t need to carry them.
- Keeping your car properly maintained and serviced can even increase your fuel economy up to 10 percent.
Suzuki aims to beat the gas guzzling stereotype of the average SUV, and have utilized ground breaking technologies and aerodynamic design to produce an impressive range of SUVS which are lighter, big on space, and low on fuel.
For more information on purchasing a new car, read our Complete Guide to Buying a New Car.
