IT'S been nearly 30 years since Suzuki set the market alight with the first Vitara. Today the concept of a stylish off-roader that's as easy to drive as a compact hatch isn't headline news any more.

The last generation Vitara wasn't embraced as eagerly as its predecessor. Some blamed a decision to make the vehicle more rugged at a time when the market was moving decisively towards the 'soft-roader' concept.

So Suzuki has returned to market with a vehicle that's much more in step with the 21st Century mood.

The company has kept faith with the Vitara name, but beneath the Evoquesque exterior lies the Suzuki S-Cross platform.

Interestingly, although the Vitara looks bigger than its S-Cross cousin the tape measure doesn't lie and it's actually the shorter of the two.

And, although it flaunts its off-road heritage, the basic Vitara is now stubbornly two-wheel drive. Suzuki's interesting AllGrip four-wheel drive system is available as on the options list.

What about the engines? Suzuki was slow to embrace diesel on the previous Vitara but it won't be making the same mistake again. The new one is available with a 1.6-litre DDiS engine from the off.

For the Vitara, Suzuki's engineers have added an electronically-controlled variable geometry turbocharger for better low revs performance and a new exhaust recirculation value that's said to improve fuel economy and lower emissions.

Maximum output is 120PS , which is fairly humdrum these days, but the diesel's torque is a much more promising 320NM at 1,750rpm which should make the derv Vitara the model to go for if you want to off-road.

The 1.6 petrol has the same maximum power output but its 156Bm of torque at 4,400rpm suggests you'll become very well acquainted with the gear lever.

What about the exhaust emissions? It's a shame the diesel can't quite sneak beneath the 100g/km barrier but 106g/km is low enough to mean you won't be paying a fortune in tax. Adding four-wheel drive increases the tailpipe emissions to 111g/km. The AllGrip petrol can do no better than 131g/km.

And the toys? The usual stuff – SZ4 models hit the road with seven airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and projector headlamps.

SZ-T adds 17-inch silver painted alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, Smartphone link audio and navigation system.

Moving up to SZ5 adds LED Projector headlights, 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede seat fabric, keyless entry with start button, Adaptive Cruise Control, Radar Brake Support and Panaoramic sunroof.

Of course ,you can personalise your Vitara, too.

Back in '88 lots of Vitara owners personalised their cars with decals and 'humorous ' spare wheel covers featuring randy rhinos (Suzuki's other off-roader, the Jimny is known as the Rhino in some markets) but they had to buy these from after-market suppliers.

Today Suzuki dealers will happily sell you colourful instrument trim panels, ventilation rings and body kits. A 'rugged' package adds front and rear skid plates, fog lamp bezels, body-side mouldings and side protection.

So how much will it cost? The 1.6 petrol kicks off the range at £13,999 with two-wheel drive. The cheapest four-wheel drive model is the 1.6 SZ5 which costs £19,799. A range-topping 1.6 diesel with all the extras, including AllGrip, will set you back £21,299.

 

Why it's great:

Good looks, muscular diesel, well-priced

 

Why it ain't:

The Vitara name still has a whiff of the hairdresser about it.

VERDICT:

Suzuki doesn't have this market to itself any more but the Vitara looks like a credible challenger. I can't help thinking, however, that a name change might have done the car more favours because the Vitara badge conjours up too many memories of rutting rhino wheel covers and pink decals.