JUST when I thought those rattly old days of diesels sounding like farm vehicles had passed us by, along comes the latest addition to Suzuki's popular Vitara range.
The two litre, common-rail derv burner introduced into the Grand Vitara Estate SE during the summer is carried over into this three door version from the five-door model. But while the modern generation of diesels is proving so smooth and silent that they're difficult to tell from petrol-powered versions, the Suzy is sadly a throwback.
It has, says Suzuki, an advanced design with high pressure injection system to provide 25% more power, 30% more torque and almost 15% better fuel economy over the previous model. It also clatters like a dumper truck.
So it may come as some surprise that I actually rather took to the short wheelbase Grand Vitara. It's one of those cars that grows on you the more you drive it.
And anyway, what's wrong with a soundtrack when you're sluicing through mud or picking your way along a country track pock-marked with small boulders?
That's something worth remembering, because the Vitara may have originally made its name as a chic accessory with more on-street cred than off-road muscle, but these days it can hack it in the rough stuff too.
With a ride height sufficient to cope easily with the sort of bumpy and rutted conditions you find around fields and dirt tracks, the Vitara features a five-speed manual gearbox and offers two or four-wheel drive for regular use, while there's also 4WD low ratio for more heavy duty conditions.
The diesel is £14,733, making it marginally more expensive than four-cylinder petrol models, but the improvement in fuel economy makes it definitely one to consider.
Whether on or off-road, the driving position is agreeable, though visibility is hampered both by the rear-mounted spare wheel and the back seat headrests.
And another thing. I always thought the word Estate suggested extra space at the back - like a huge boot. Not the case with the Suzuki; this Estate is a misnomer, at least in three-door format.
Things are tight enough for three rear passengers as it is - the 'piggy in the middle' sits in a crowned position - but the boot's a joke unless you only need carry small items.
Otherwise the interior is very well laid out and generously kitted. For oddments there's a central box behind the transfer gearshift that's not only deep, but the top flips backwards to reveal a pair of cupholders.
A couple more cupholders turn up in the back, where there are also two side shelves and a pair of decent side slots.
Space up front is excellent and standard spec includes electric windows and mirrors, radio and CD player, front airbags, power steering, immobiliser, height-adjustable drivers seat and flat folding rear seats.
Not a bad little package, but the five-door is far more practical. Only snag is it costs an extra £2,235.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 TD Estate SE
Price: £14,733
Mechanical: 107bhp, 1,997cc common-rail turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 13.3 secs
Combined mpg: 38.7
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 198g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust