THE original Suzuki Vitara really hit the spot. It was the first SUV that you could remotely call pretty and that was in the days before the acronym was even coined.
That model begot the Grand Vitara and still the popularity among trendy thirtysomethings and hairdressers alike continued, even though few would ever take their 4WD anywhere near a muddy field or icy peak.
The Suzuki was about being different, stylish and cool. Naturally, it wasn't long before other makers got the message and developed their versions - the RAV4 was Toyota's efficient way of responding. Honda produced the CR-V and Nissan the slightly bigger but high value X-Trail.
Suzuki realised they had to up their game before they were overtaken and last year launched the new Grand Vitara with restrained but purposeful styling that indicated it was aiming at a slightly more mature market - the replacement version would be unlikely to have much appeal to the blacked-out window brigade who had a penchant for over-sized wheels and garish coachwork.
At first only 1.6-litre and two-litre petrol engines were available - a drawback in these diesel-aware times. But that has now been rectified and this particluar model was powered by a 1.9-litre Renault diesel unit that delivers a worthwhile 129bhp. Though only slightly slower than the two-litre petrol it nevertheless manages to squeeze almost ten miles more out of a gallon.
A move away from old-fashion construction toward a monocoque chassis has allowed better packaging and far more car-like road manners with the sort of refinement that today's buyers expect.
By and large the approach has worked and the Grand Vitara drives much better than the old car. But the engine, while lacking nothing in terms of torque or economy is nowhere near as quiet as say the Honda diesel or the Toyota and road noise transmitted from the tyres is above expectations.
Top speed is 106mph with acceleration to 62mph in 13 seconds which in practice feels perfectly adequate for this type of vehicle. Its lusty torque means the Vitara pulls strongly in high gear.
The five door 1.9 DDiS gets a better off-road package than the cheaper three door. A low ratio transfer box and locking differentials is standard on the £17,025 model, which should be enough to extract yourself from sticky situations providing your tyre rubber is up to the job. The locking differential and 4WD high and low ratios are controlled neatly from a rotary switch.
There's ample room for three width-wise in the rear and I like the fact that the back seats not only split but have reclining backrests. The cabin is a shade austere with too much harsh-textured dark plastic. It does however feel tough and well able to stand hard wear - an important quality in a family hold-all and an off-road tool.
Air con, electric windows and a CD player are standard equipment, emphasising that Suzuki is determined to lift the Grand Vitara closer to Freelander territory.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS 5dr
Price: £17,025
Mechanical: 129bhp, 1,870cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 13.2 secs
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 205g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 6yrs anti-rust