42 Suzuki Vitara: small 4x4 possesses impressive off-road ability

If the Land Cruiser represents the pinnacle of the big 4x4 (and certainly its apogee of reliability) then the Suzuki Vitara is roughly the same, but much smaller and more affordable.

The Vitara name has been around, of course, for three decades now, but this version brings the brand bang up to date.

With prices kicking off from €19,000, it’s pretty affordable but it has more cabin and slightly more boot space than most compact crossover rivals.

It also has more off-road ability than most, at least if you spec it up with optional four-wheel drive.

Decent economy

The 1.6-litre diesel (sourced from Fiat), which will be the default choice, is noisy but offers decent economy. But definitely don’t discount Suzuki’s own petrol 1.4 BoosterJet engine, which is the better choice for those who do most of their driving around town.

The cabin is a bit plain and plasticy but the chunky exterior styling rather makes up for that, and there’s always Suzuki’s superior reliability to fall back on.

Price range: €19,995 to €30,495

Co2 emissions: 106 to 128g/km

Which one? 1.4 BoosterJet Allgrip please.

PCP from €POA