Sleek, Tough Diesel Suzuki Grand Vitara Powers In

Customers of the all-new Suzuki Grand Vitara - launched three months ago - now have the option of diesel power in the shape of the 1.9 DDiS 5-door model with manual transmission. At £16,999 on-the-road, it is as much as £2,750 less expensive than its similarly sized, Japanese four-wheel drive competitors.

Its intercooled and turbocharged engine - supplied by Renault - delivers 129 PS and a hefty 221 lb ft (300 Nm) of torque for reassuring performance in a variety of situations both on and off the beaten track. Using Suzuki’s latest SUV to its full potential shouldn’t be too painful at the pumps either, with a Combined cycle consumption of 36.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 205 g/km. Top speed is 106 mph, while acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is completed in 13.2 seconds.

The 1.9 DDiS enjoys the same clean, but muscular styling and generous equipment levels as its 5-door petrol counterpart. That means standard climate control air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, an integrated radio/CD player with steering wheel mounted audio controls, tinted glass, tilt adjustable steering, reclining rear seats, heated and folding door mirrors, immobiliser, alloys and front fogs.

There’s also the security of front, side and curtain airbags for front seat occupants plus curtain airbags in the rear.

The unique body construction means that while the Grand Vitara uses a lightweight monocoque design without a separate chassis, a stiff platform provided by a ‘built-in ladder frame’ ensures this SUV has the rigidity to match the most traditional of off roaders.

That’s complemented by an all-new, permanent four-wheel drive system with differential lock and low range to ensure outstanding off road capability. The system’s four different modes are easily selected via a dash-mounted rotary switch.

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new Grand Vitara also has an extended wheelbase which means lots more room inside.

The new 1.9 DDiS joins a line-up comprising the 1.6 litre VVT and VVT+ 3-door manual models and 2.0 litre 16v 5-door manual and automatic models, starting at £12,699 on-the-road.