REVIEW:

The original Suzuki Vitara was a very popular car for Suzuki. Not the most attractive 4x4 ever built, but beauty is only skin deep, it's what's inside that counts, or rather, what's under the bonnet.

The new Grand Vitara shows more maturity and refinement than its rather garish predecessors. But any model in this class has to have something special to offer to be successful. This new model has the new 1.9 litre DDiS diesel engine, courtesy of Renault, and it delivers impressive torque for great handling both on and off road.

With permanent four wheel drive with differential box and low range transfer box there is magic at the heart of its accomplished performance.

The inter-cooled and turbo-charged diesel can get to 62 mph in just 13.2 seconds and cruises comfortably up to a top speed of 106 mph.

Despite all this engine, you still get a respectable 36.7 mpg on the combined cycle.

Starting price is just under £17,000 and you only get a choice of 5 doors with 5 seats and a manual gearbox.

Standard equipment includes climate control air-con, front and rear electric windows, radio/CD player with steering wheel audio controls, tinted windows, adjustable steering wheel, reclining rear seats, heated and folding door mirrors, immobiliser, alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

You also have added protection from front, side and curtain air-bags for front seat passengers and rear curtain airbags for those in the back.

The Grand Vitara boasts three 12v power outlets as standard, one in the boot and two in the cabin itself.

With clean styling, generous equipment and much improved build quality, the Grand Vitara has become a man and is now not so easy to dismiss.