Carscape Team
Suzuki Escudo review and specs in Kenya
SUVs (sports utility vehicles) are popular worldwide, but the hottest category in the Japanese domestic market is compact SUVs. Suzuki has introduced the Escudo to this compact SUV. The first generation Escudo was called the Light Crocan, and it is a model that became one of the roots of the current SUV. The 4th generation current Escudo appeared in 2015. Here, let’s thoroughly explain Suzuki’s compact SUV Escudo, which has been on sale for about 6 years.
Route change from cross-country 4WD to modern SUV based on passenger cars
The current 4th generation Escudo appeared in October 2015. From the cross-country four-wheel-drive configuration of the ladder frame up to the third generation + rear-wheel drive-based 4WD with an auxiliary transmission, it switched to a passenger car-based one and changed the route to a modern SUV at once. The production country changed from Japan to Magyar Suzuki in Hungary, and it became a global model sold under the name of Vitara in Europe. Such a current model Escudo has a design that inherits the traditional Suzuki SUV style, a packaging that secures a spacious front seat space and ample luggage space despite its easy-to-handle body size, a powertrain that achieves both powerful acceleration performance and fuel efficiency, It features a stable suspension that has been thoroughly tested in Europe.
The exterior design of the current Escudo adopts a linear design like Suzuki’s SUV. Adopted a clamshell hood and fender garnish that inherited the design of successive models. The front and rear bumpers express a sense of stability, while the sharp beltline and dynamic character lines on the sides of the vehicle emphasize sporty driving.
With a total length of 4.2m, it offers both good maneuverability and roomy interior space.
The interior design theme is “Powerfulness and high-quality design as an SUV”, and pursues a sporty and high-quality interior that expresses a powerful SUV. The central design of the instrument panel emphasizes strength, while the metallic instrument panel garnish and air conditioning louvers express sportiness. The meter, which combines visibility and functionality, has a multi-information display in the center that displays average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed, etc.
The genuine leather and suede-like combination seat with a sporty shape that holds well is equipped with a seat heater function (4WD vehicle, front only) for high comfort. Despite its compact body size of approximately 4.2m in length, it is easy to maneuver around, while ensuring ample space in the front seats to prevent fatigue even on long drives, and ample luggage space with a capacity of 375L even when five passengers are on board. In addition, the luggage space can be arranged by folding the 6:4 split folding rear seats.
Modernized with 1.6L engine + 6AT and electronically controlled 4WD
The installed engine is one type of 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder DOHC that generates a maximum output of 117ps and a maximum torque of 151Nm, and the combined transmission is a 6-speed AT. The drive system is available in 2WD (FF) and 4WD, and the fuel efficiency is 17.4 to 18.2km / L in JC08 mode fuel efficiency.
For 4WD vehicles, Suzuki’s original four-wheel control system “ALLGRIP”, which consists of three technologies: “electronically controlled 4WD system”, “4-mode drive switching function”, and “vehicle motion coordination control system”, adopts exclusive control for the new Escudo. A function has been added to improve drivability on rough roads in lock mode, improving drivability on road surfaces where the front and rear wheels (diagonal wheels) slip, which is common in off-road driving.
Enhanced advanced driver assistance equipment from the beginning
As for safety equipment, the radar brake support II (RBS II) collision mitigation system using millimeter-wave radar is standard equipment. In addition to adding a forward collision warning braking function, the operating speed range of the automatic braking function has been expanded to further enhance safety functions. Adaptive cruise control measures the speed difference and following distance from the preceding vehicle and automatically accelerates and decelerates while maintaining the following distance from the preceding vehicle at a preset speed (approximately 40 to 100 km/h). (ACC) is standard equipment.
The 1.4L direct-injection turbo added in 2017 plays a leading role
In July 2017, a model equipped with a 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline turbo engine + 6-speed AT that generates a maximum output of 136ps and a maximum torque of 210Nm, which is comparable to a 2L naturally aspirated engine, was added. The drive system is 4WD only. The exterior is equipped with a newly designed plated front grill, exclusive color aluminum wheels, and roof rails. The black-based interior is accented with red, and the special steering wheel and special pedal plate are used to enhance the sporty impression. After that, in October 2018, vehicles with 1.6L engines were discontinued.
Partially improved interior and exterior in 2018, updated advanced driver assistance equipment
In December 2018, we made some improvements and changed the interior and exterior and the driving support system. The plated front grille, front and rear bumpers, aluminum wheels, and rear combination lamps have all been redesigned to pursue higher quality and power.
The interior has improved texture and advancedness, such as by changing the design of the seat upholstery, instrument panel garnish, and center clock, and adopting a color liquid crystal multi-information display and a soft pad.
In the driving support system, in addition to the collision damage mitigation brake “Dual Sensor Brake Support” installed, the “blind spot monitor [with lane change support]” that detects vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, and the rear of the vehicle in parking lots etc. Preventive safety performance has been improved by standard equipment such as “Rear Cross Traffic Alert” that detects vehicles approaching from the left and right, and “Adaptive Cruise Control [with all vehicle speed tracking function]” with a tracking function at all vehicle speeds. .
The goodness of the suspension prepared in Europe is also attractive
Among domestic compact SUVs with many rivals, the Escudo is one with extremely high overall capabilities, such as being equipped with a turbo engine that allows you to enjoy powerful acceleration and a driving support system with a follow-up function at all vehicle speeds. Furthermore, the suspension forged in Europe has a finish that will satisfy even those who are particular about running.
You can also read : Toyota Harrier review in Kenya
