IT is now a couple of decades since Suzuki launched the first Vitara to become the founder member of the compact 4x4 Sports Utility Vehicle sector, helping create a new market for vehicles that deliver both on and off-road performance.
That was back in the autumn of 1988 and over the past couple of decades the Vitara has graced some 161,700 UK driveways while evolving along the way to become the Grand Vitara.
Now we have the latest generation of the 'Grand' which joins the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Jeep Patriot in a sector dedicated to delivering a much more driver-friendly approach to the SUV world.
Coming in three and five-door form, surprisingly, this latest Grand Vitara sidesteps a diesel option, placing at the heart of the new model a 2.4-litre petrol engine which delivers 164bhp when powering the three-door derivative while the five-door alternative gets a bit more oomph at 166bhp.
Paired with a smooth-switching five-speed manual gearbox, this latest Suzuki brings more power and torque to the on/off-road scene while delivering a quieter and more refined performance than its predecessor.
Ever mindful of the safety aspects for 4x4 vehicles, the Japanese manufacturer has added the electronic stability programme as standard to use selective braking and engine output to help stabilise under or oversteer situations, while traction control is also available to prevent wheelspin or overall loss of grip when coming out of the blocks.
Meanwhile, via a torque-sensing limited slip centre differential, the all-wheel-drive system hums away in the background ensuring optimum grip whatever the conditions.
Should the going get really tough, you can easily switch the transmission into low range four-wheel-drive courtesy of a rotary switch on the dash.
Inside there's a neatly laid out instrument cluster and multi information display plus an easily navigable centre console which includes a revised air con control panel. A further afety move sees illuminated steering wheel-mounted switches.
The three-door Grand Vitara gets a pretty generous helping of standard kit including an in-dash six CD player with MP3 compatability, air con, electric windows and powered door mirrors with integrated turn indicators.
While the three-door model has chrome inlays, there are tastefully used wood-effect inlays on the five-door which further enhance the all round quality.
Leather seats with front seat heating, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, 18 inch wheels and an electric glass sunroof are also features of the five-door Grand Vitara.
Capable of much more refined progress in town and country than its predecessor, this latest Grand Vitara also looks good on the tarmac, new designs to the front grille and bumper helping to create a more muscular and sculpted appearance.
Spacious inside, the Suzuki also handles well through a series of bends while much improved ride quality comes courtesy of all-round independent suspension.
Overall, this latest Grand Vitara is another fine contender from the Suzuki stable seeking honours in the on/off road stakes and, at £14,499 for the three-door with the five-door weighing in at £17,499, this is another very acceptable car for all seasons.
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw