Road test: Suzuki Vitara 1.6 DDi SZ5 Allgrip

Many Britons think of Suzuki as a fairly small car-maker. In fact, it sold three million cars worldwide in 2014 and is the ninth-largest motor manufacturer in the world.

One of its most successful models is the Vitara, which arrived in 1988 and is entering its sixth generation. The new car is good-looking, with hints of Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Evoque in its styling. It is also competitively priced at £13,999 to £21,299.

Engines are 118hp, 1.6-litre petrol and diesel units driving either the front or all four wheels. Frankly, parts of the cabin look a bit cheap and cheerful, with hard plastics and a lot of body-coloured trim, which suits the car in some shades but doesn’t in others.

Yet the important aspects of the Vitara — how it drives, how roomy and well equipped it is — are impressive, especially at the price. Head-room, leg-room and bootspace are all good. On the road, both engines are smooth and quiet, although the six-speed auto gearbox tends to change down too many gears on kickdown and the engine can get a bit shouty. Best to change down with the paddle shifts if you are pressing on.

It rides well, even over pot-holed Portuguese roads at the car’s launch, and if the plastic dashboard trim looks a bit low rent, the dials and centre console layout are models of clarity. Equipment levels are good — there is adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, radar brake support and four driving modes for slippery conditions. As well as Suzuki’s usual array of trim levels, there are urban or rugged body packages to make it look as butch or sophisticated as you like. Overall, a pretty good package.

Suzuki Vitara 1.6 DDi SZ5 ALLGRIP
Top speed: 112mpg
MPG: 67.2
Emissions: 106g/km
Price: £21,299