It’s always tricky for a car manufacturer to hit the right spot in terms of demand for their vehicles. Does it go for sporty, luxurious, versatile, or head down the city, comfort, economy, cost-effective route? If you get it right, you’re onto a money-spinner, but if you get it wrong, your products are going to struggle for the simple reason that someone else has had a similar idea.

Suzuki is a classic example of a manufacturer that knows its strengths and makes the most of them. Because they’re not a massive hitter in the car world, they’ve done a deal with Toyota, (Toyota did the same with BMW for the Supra) to help them fill out their range, but when it comes to the one you see here, the Suzuki Vitara, they’re still doing their own thing.

This is no surprise really because Suzuki has always had a load of success with the Vitara and knows how to make a 4x4 fit nicely between a mud-plugger at one end of the scale and a Chelsea fashion item at the other. In other words, if you need to dip a wheel onto wet or soggy turf, get your surfboard onto the beach or fancy a bit of light off-roading on gravel-strewn tracks, then the Suzuki Vitara is worth a serious look. Having said all of that, if you just like the look of the Vitara and the way it drives, then opt for the cheaper two-wheel drive version rather than the ALLGRIP 4x4 system. You’ll save £1800. Prices for the range start at £22,099.

The latest models are now the best the Vitara has ever been because they come with hybrid assistance either mild or full. 

I like the full hybrid set-up and it only costs an additional £1750 but it makes for a better car. You get a 1.5-litre petrol engine which is linked to an electric motor. Add together the output of the motor and the engine and you end up with 113bhp. Everything goes via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Okay, it’s no flying machine (0-60 takes 12.7 seconds – top speed 111mph) but it’s not meant to be. The figure of 54.3mpg is what most Vitara buyers will be interested in, along with the price.

The one you see here is the top of the range SZ 5 which means you have access to the all-wheel drive option.

Out on the road, the Vitara feels brisker than the figures suggest. The electric motor means the car is keen to get away from a standstill and, although it’s not seamless, the car is also quick to turn off the engine to make the most of the electric power and help with the economy figures. The automatic gearbox is a bit lethargic and takes a while to swap cogs but as long as you’re not wanting to use all of the power, the changes are relatively smooth.

Talking of smooth, the ride is really cushy. Suzuki has aimed this car at folk who want a comfortable ride and it’ll be ideal for family holiday trips.

You get plenty of kit as standard including sat nav system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air con, DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, rear camera and a panoramic roof. The interior is a bit old school and the touchscreen could do with being slightly bigger and more responsive, but it feels solid and should be hard-wearing which, let’s face it, is what most owners want.

The Suzuki Vitara is not a car people tend to think of when looking for a small SUV. It’s a pity because it’s worthy of serious investigation. It’s well priced, well equipped, looks smart and feels solidly built. Suzuki also has a good reputation for reliability and it’s surprisingly roomy, versatile and decent to drive as well. 

There’s a lot to love about the Suzuki Vitara, and in this latest full hybrid guise, it’s better than ever.

Words: Graham Courtney
Pictures: Suzuki