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The 1.6 version of this vehicle has been described as being 'gutless'. Not sure what this could mean.
Am keen to buy it mainly for very basic off-road use such as fording a stream and driving along a rough gravelly short track to reach my destination and I want to be sure that there is adequate power for such a purpose. Also wonder if it could mean that on the open road the engine would feel inadequate or revvving high when doing 80 kms and above. Your overview would be greatly appreciated as I cant find a recieve of it on your website. Thankyou. Gavin Dench

"Gutless" is a relative term. Obviously a small 1.6 litre petrol vehicle won't have the grunt of a 4.2 litre turbo diesel, but it's horses for courses. The Vitara is a great lightweight vehicle, well suited to doing the type of running you are talking about. It will keep up with traffic at the kind of open road speeds you refer to and for basic off-roading, it has a great reputation. Being relatively light, it doesn't get bogged down like some heavier 4x4's.
If you have any doubts, the best advice is to drive one yourself. Like I said, it's no grunty powerhouse, but should fulfill your needs fine.