SPORT utility vehicles are synonymous with size and expense but that does not have to be the case. It is possible to get an SUV of reasonable dimensions for less than the cost of a moderate family hatchback.
Despite its name, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is not necessarily a large vehicle because in addition to the five-door models there is also a smaller three-door.
You do not even have to succumb to the gas-guzzling habits of some of the established designer 4x4s that most motorists now seem to aspire to.
In three-door guise the Grand Vitara comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and at prices from just £12,700 to £13,300.
At that sort of money you can afford to be fairly forgiving when you consider that what you are getting is a chunky 4WD vehicle complete with air conditioning, CD player and air bags to the front, side and overhead.
The two-litre Grand Vitara is £4,000 cheaper than the rival three-door Toyota RAV4 so, on paper, it has a lot going for it.
Throw into the equation decent build quality, outstanding reliability and a fairly upmarket image and it appears to be a steal.
Certainly it is a decent compromise between off-road ability and tootling around town on tarmac.
In the case of the 1.6-litre entry model there is a 99mph top speed, which enables the vehicle to keep up with traffic in the outside lane of a motorway. The 0-62mph acceleration time is 13.4 seconds and there is economy of just over 30mpg.
This is where the Grand Vitara is ultimately lacking because whilst the performance is adequate it is certainly not impressive.
Pile it high with people and cargo and the two-litre version becomes a more attractive proposition, with 138bhp and 135lb/ft of pulling power in comparison to just 106bhp and 107lb/ft in the case of the smaller engine.
On the road the three-door Grand Vitara is competent but by no means the class best. The interior has a modern feel to it, with brushed aluminium around the dials and flanking the centre console. Accommodation in the front is good although rear passengers will find it difficult to stretch out.
On the really rough stuff the Grand Vitara is moderately capable by 4x4 standards although in the case of the three-door model there is no low-ratio transfer box, which is useful when climbing or descending steep gradients.
On balance the 1.6-litre three-door model is a reasonable package for the money, especially in comparison to the less able Mitsubishi Pinin, but is overshadowed by the more desirable two-litre five-door version.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 3dr
Price: £12,699
Mechanical: 106bhp, 1,586cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 13.4 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 210g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust