Santo Domingo Motors and Suzuki have presented the new Suzuki Vitara Across compact SUV during a launch event at their John F. Kennedy Avenue showroom in Santo Domingo.
The vehicle expands the Japanese brand's local lineup in the Dominican Republic by introducing a smart mild-hybrid system, enhanced safety features, and upgraded interior comfort.
The unveiling gathered clients, business partners, and company executives, including Santo Domingo Motors board member Alexis Anselin, commercial and after-sales director Marielly Figueroa, and Suzuki senior commercial manager Vicente Chuan.
Chuan delivered the main address alongside an artificial intelligence robot named Suki. He said the Vitara Across was designed to meet changing consumer demand for improved technology, safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency while maintaining Suzuki's traditional reliability.
He added that the vehicle strengthens Suzuki's position in one of the fastest-growing market segments in the country by setting higher standards for connectivity and passenger convenience.
Engine specs and hybrid performance
Under the bonnet, the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine delivering 103 horsepower and 137 Newton-metres of torque. The engine is paired with Suzuki's 12-volt Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) system, which provides up to 50 Newton-metres of supplementary torque during acceleration from a standstill.
The self-charging system relies on a lithium-ion battery that recharges during deceleration and braking. It assists the engine when starting and accelerating without requiring an external plug, reducing overall fuel consumption and smoothing out driving performance.
Digital displays and cabin features
Inside the cabin, the Vitara Across features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment display. The system supports wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a Head-Up Display that projects key driving data directly into the driver's line of sight.
Comfort amenities include an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system equipped with a subwoofer, multi-colour LED ambient interior lighting, and leather-trimmed front seats with built-in ventilation. The driver seat offers electric adjustment.
Additional interior equipment includes a wireless smartphone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Driver assistance and safety technology
On safety, Chuan noted that the vehicle incorporates Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) designed to increase occupant protection and driver confidence.
Standard protective equipment includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera system, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold.
For driving on difficult terrain, the SUV features Suzuki's AllGrip four-wheel-drive system. The traction control package includes four selectable driving modes: Auto, Snow, Sport, and Lock.
Dominican pricing and model trim levels
Santo Domingo Motors targeted the new SUV at working professionals, couples, and active families. The model is available across all Santo Domingo Motors branches and authorized dealerships in three trim configurations.
The entry-level GL two-wheel-drive model is priced at $27,995, while the mid-range GLX two-wheel-drive version sells for $29,995. The top-tier GLX four-wheel-drive variant costs $33,995.
Guests attending the launch event viewed a static display of the new model and took part in test drives to evaluate its performance and onboard technology on the road.
Santo Domingo Motors is one of the Dominican Republic's longest-established automotive distributors, representing major international vehicle brands across the country. Suzuki, headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a global automaker known for producing compact cars, SUVs, and motorbikes.
