IN the world of motoring if you put the word Grand in front of the name of a car it tends to mean the vehicle in question is large, or at least larger than the standard model.
So when my "Grand" Vitara arrived I was somewhat surprised at its size.
This 4x4 with the superior name didn't look any larger than I remembered an "ordinary" Vitara, and so it proved to be.
A name change apparently means all Vitaras now carry the word "Grand". But while the name may not describe its size - particularly the more compact three-door version that I was testing - it certainly does describe the quality and driving pleasures of the vehicle.
This trendy looking 4x4 is stylish, delightfully manoeuvrable and with decidedly light controls, making it far more car-like than off-roader like to drive. It may have all the benefits of a low ratio gearbox but this Grand Vitara is a world away from the heavy mud pluggers normally associated with four-wheel-drive.
In fact this car was full of surprises. Like the two-litre diesel engine which felt more like a petrol engine in terms of quietness and lively performance.
The ride too is good. There is a little roll on corners but certainly nothing like with most 4x4 vehicles and not enough to affect long distance comfort.
Motorway driving is handled well by the Grand Vitara, with non of the ride "choppiness" often associated with short wheelbase off-roaders.
On the negative side there is little luggage space in the three-door version. There is ample space for shopping bags behind the rear seats but if you are going on holiday the chances are you will need to fold the rear seat backs down to create more space.
Getting in and out of the rear is awkward too and you need to be quite agile. It's no good trying to get your elderly aunt in for an afternoon out.
Once in, however, there is a sensible amount of space, helped by the car's high roof line. The front seat passenger, on the other hand, will find his or her knees close to the dashboard.
Useful touches which make the Grand Vitara easy to live with include a deep centre storage box complete with cup holders between the front seats, fingertip controls on the steering wheel for the radio and a useful 12 volt socket near the hand brake. The steering wheel is adjustable for height but not reach.
Most owners will probably never take their Grand Vitara off-road but for those who do want to there is a full low ratio gearbox controlled by a second gear lever, offering the choice of two-wheel-drive high for road use, four-wheel-drive high for slippery conditions or four-wheel-drive low for when the going gets tough.
This is a car you can buy with the confidence that it handles well in towns and cities but has all the ability to cope with the rough stuff when it is called for.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD SE 3dr
Price: £13,995
Mechanical: 107 bhp, 2.0-litre, 4cyl diesel engine driving front or all four wheels via 5spd gearbox
Max Speed: 99 mph
0-62mph: 13.3 secs
Combined mpg: 38.7
Insurance Group: 12
CO2 emissions: 198 g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles: 6 yrs anti-rust