THE 4x4 has taken a hammering from environmentally minded critics in recent times, but the recent hard winter has given the UK all-wheel-drive market an unexpected boost. This is especially true for some of the lighter 4x4s and one expert in this field is Suzuki which for 21 years has been selling various versions of its Vitara model - the world's first compact SUV. Since then the Vitara has developed into the Grand Vitara, a vehicle that delivers true off-road ability with responsive, fun-to-drive on-road performance. This price-conscious SUV is now a leader in its specialised field, having clocked up more than 164,000 sales since the launch of the original Vitara in 1988. One of the top choices from the range is the 1.9 DDiS diesel three-door which comeswith two specification grades. My test car weighed in at £16,955 and was fair value for a SUV. Good fuel economy and strong torque across a wide rev band are the characteristics of this common rail, 1.9-litre intercooled and turbocharged diesel. It achieves 40.4mpg on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced to 183/km for the three-door. This engine is sourced from Renault and incorporates a Dual Mass Flywheel for smoother running. Minor changes have also been made to mountings and bushings to minimise vibration and harshness. The engine has a remarkably flat torque curve and achieves peak torque of 300Nm (221lb/ft) at just 2,000rpm, ensuring the flexibility typically demanded by SUV drivers. The four-wheel drive system is permanently engaged and it provides sure-footed progress at all times, ensuring secure performance in low-grip conditions. The driver does not have to worry about switching it in or out every time the surface changes. If I have a criticism of the vehicle it is that when cruising at high speed, the diesel seems to be crying out for a sixth gear. But otherwise this is a well-equipped and very capable vehicle, a far cry from the sparsely specified and lightweight Suzukis of yesteryear. Today's Grand Vitara is much more solidly built and has a high quality feel to it. It also has the feelgood factor built in with a six CD audio, climate control, electric mirrors and much more. Transmission options are selected via a simple dial, giving the Grand Vitara some rail-riding roadholding capabilities. I have taken off-road courses in Vitaras in the past and they prove time and time again that they are no lightweights when it comes to mud-plugging. Grand Vitara has been developed to a high degree and has a good future in the 4x4 arena. It comes with a three year warranty, but if the manufacturer ever decided to increase it to five years like some competitors, then I can see yet another sales boost for this comfortable small 4x4. FAST FACTS Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS SZ4 3dr Price: £16,955 Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,870cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox Max speed: 106mph 0-62mph: 12.8 seconds Combined mpg: 40.4 Insurance Group: 13 CO2 emissions: 183g/km BIK rating: 22% Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles | 
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