Originally launched in 1988, the first-generation Vitara was a rugged and rather playful small 4x4.
With its Ken and Barbie Jeep looks and low asking price, the Vitara was a popular buy.
However, over the years, and a bit like Ken no doubt, it’s lost its way, put on weight and those chiselled good looks became a distant memory.
Suzuki is looking to reverse that trend with the all-new fourth-generation model. Ok, there’s no three door or convertible version anymore but the new model is certainly a huge improvement on what went before, visually at least.
Gone are the bloated surfaces, replaced by sharp lines, flat panels and rugged SUV body trim.
It comes with five doors, a choice of two petrol and one diesel engines and is offered in four trim levels, with prices starting from just £14,999.
Pick between the entry-level 1.6-litre 120PS or a range-topping 1.4-litre Boosterjet 140PS petrol engines, the first of which gets a five-speed manual gearbox and the latter gets a six-speed version.
If you’re after a diesel then choose carefully between a 1.6-litre DDIS with a six-speed manual, or, oh sorry, that’s your lot.
Depending on which engine you go, you can choose between front wheel drive or go for full traction mode with Suzuki’s all-wheel drive ALLGRIP in exchange for a little more dosh, although it is standard on the Boosterjet version.
Once you have your powertrains chosen, there are four trims on offer; SZ4, SZ-T, SZ5 and S.
We’re testing the range-topping 1.4-litre Boosterjet in S trim which costs from £22,249 on the road.
Read the full road test here:www.drivers-seat.com/single-post/2017/05/06/2017-Suzuki-Vitara-14-Boosterjet-S-Review