MOTORING NEWS - After the recent announcement of a 30th anniversary of Vitara, Suzuki has revealed details of a subtly refreshed version for the 2019 model year. As well as a subtle face-lift, there's also a revision of the SUV's engine lineup and several technical and specification updates.

Perhaps the biggest change to the Vitara for 2019 is the 1,6-litre petrol engine which is to be replaced by 1,0-litre and 1,4-litre engines from other models in the current Suzuki family.

The 1,0-litre Boosterjet engine is borrowed from the Swift and produces 81kW and 169Nm of torque, while the 1,4 is also found in the S-Cross and provides 102kW and 219Nm of torque.

The smaller of the two engines will feature in the entry level SZ4 and mid-range SZ-T versions of the Vitara, with the larger 1,4-litre unit being the standard powerplant in the top-of-the-range SZ5. Those who want to take advantage of Suzuki's ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system will find it as an option for the SZ-T with a manual gearbox.

Range-topping SZ5 models will also come equipped standard with lane departure warning and prevention, traffic sign recognition and rear cross traffic alert.

Exterior styling changes are subtle, with the 2019 Vitara getting a redesigned front grille with vertical slats, a front bumper with a new lower section and new headlights representing a redesigned lighting signature.

There will also be new designs of the alloy wheels and a couple of new paint colours.

Interior enhancements include a redesigned instrument panel with a coloured screen between the dials and the use of higher quality materials for the upper part of the instrument panel.

The Vitara is now sold in an incredible 191 countries and regions around the globe, and the nameplate has sold more than 3,7 million units worldwide since it was introduced in 1988.

The revised 2019 model will be landing in showrooms from September.

'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'