Suzuki's all-new, second generation Grand Vitara is longer, wider and therefore more spacious, boasts sleek new styling, and, thanks to an innovative body construction, offers exceptional refinement.

And it still delivers the strong four-wheel drive capability for which the marque is renowned.

The range comprises a 1.6 16v VVT three-door model and 2.0 16v and 1.9 DDiS five-door models and all feature an all-new, permanent four-wheel drive system.

Suzuki has adopted two different philosophies for the three and five-door models to reflect the demands of the market.

While the three-door model features permanent four-wheel drive, it doesn't feature a centre differential lock and so has been specifically designed as a "soft-roader", providing all the safety benefits of a four-wheel drive system on-road - added security in greasy and slippery conditions - plus useful levels of traction in, say, muddy fields or on gravel tracks.

Five-door models, on the other hand, offer a differential lock and low range that signal their full-on SUV credentials and the serious and outstanding off road capability for which Suzuki has become renowned; they will tackle tough, muddy off-road conditions with ease. The four different modes provided by the system on five-door models are easily selected via a dash-mounted rotary switch.

For the first time, Suzuki has opted for unitary, rather than body on frame, construction for the Grand Vitara. However, this doesn't indicate a watering-down of the range's off-roading heritage.

The monocoque design has enabled Suzuki to retain good ground clearance and passenger headroom, while simultaneously reducing the overall height of the Grand Vitara. Increased length and width, together with extended wheelbases and short overhangs, result in a particularly roomy interior with impressive legroom for passengers both front and rear.

The clean, uncluttered lines of the new body styling hint at both a refined elegance and - through the flared wheelarches and the wide track front and rear - a strong dynamic capability. The thre-door model's shorter wheelbase and its pronounced forward sloping B-pillar provide a more muscular, more traditional SUV look.

The new 106PS 1.6-litre engine also has variable valve timing and delivers 32.5mpg on the combined cycle. All-round ability characterises the larger 140PS 2.0-litre petrol engine and its fuel consumption is not significantly lower - 31mpg for the manual model. The intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine - supplied by Renault - returns 36.7mpg on the combined cycle and the remarkably flat torque curve peaking at 221lb ft ensures the flexibility demanded by the typical SUV driver.

In true Suzuki fashion, all Grand Vitaras come well equipped. All models feature as standard climate control air conditioning, front electric windows (plus rear on 5-door models), an integrated radio/CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, tinted glass, a tilt adjustable steering column, remote central locking, reclining rear seats, folding exterior door mirrors, driver and front passenger front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags and an immobiliser.

The 1.6 16v VVT+ model and all 5-door models add heated electric mirrors, alloy wheels, and front fog lamps.