Suzuki Vitara is primed to rival small SUVs, first drive

While supply constraints will prevent the Jimny from becoming a high-volume model, Suzuki is hoping the facelifted Vitara will appeal to a wider range of drivers.

It is primed to rival small SUVs like the Seat Arona.

A new 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine is now available, replacing the 1.6. It develops 111PS and emits 121g/km of CO2.

Having dropped diesel from the range back in April, Suzuki says the new Vitara petrol is still a cheaper option for company car drivers when compared with diesel rivals.

Benefit-in-kind tax will cost less than £70 per month (20% taxpayer), due to the base model’s low P11D price of £16,779.

Fuel consumption is rated at 53.2mpg, although we expect it to perform worse during high speed travel – so may be more suited to urban use.

There is also a 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol, carried over from the last Vitara. It is a lot more potent with 140PS and emits from 131g/km.

All-wheel drive can be specified with both engines.

The facelifted Vitara features new technology; including blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert.

While the cosmetic changes are minor, Suzuki says it has improved refinement and drive-ability.

We found that both engines offer adequate performance and refinement and, while not class leading, the Vitara’s interior is a step up from before with higher quality materials and a high level of standard kit.