Suzuki Vitara is back and this time it brings smaller proportions, new appearance and a magnified feeling of good driving dynamics. Ever since its introduction back in 1988, the series has been acknowledged as one of the most compact and convenient SUVs with an eye-catching design and satisfying on- and off-road capabilities.

The new five-door crossover comes with a choice of engines. One of the units is the 1.6-liter petrol engine which generates 120 PS at 6,000rpm with a peak torque of 156 Nm at 4,400rpm. This one can be had with Suzuki's ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system. The other variant is the 1.6-liter diesel which is capable of delivering 120 PS as well but this time at 3,750rpm, while the maximum torque is that of 320 Nm at 1,750rpm.

CO2 emissions are impressively low due to the use of high tensile steel and additional weight saving measures in the body. What is more, there is an Engine Auto Stop Start system which shuts down the engine when the vehicle does not move. Precisely, the CO2 figures for the petrol engine of the Vitara with two wheel drive / manual transmission are 123g/km and 127g/km for the petrol engine with two-wheel drive / six-speed automatic transmission. Outstandingly low are the CO2 emissions for the DDiS engine - 106g/km with two-wheel drive / six-speed manual transmission and 111g/km with four-wheel drive / six-speed manual transmission.

Equipment? The standard features for the base SZ4 include seven airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and projector headlamps. SZ-T trim adds 17-inch silver painted alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, Smartphone link audio and navigation system. Finally, the SZ5 gains LED headlights as well, 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede seat fabric, keyless entry with start button, Adaptive Cruise Control, Radar Brake Support and Panoramic sunroof.

2015 Suzuki Vitara goes on sale in April with starting price varying from £13,999 to £21,299.

Source: Suzuki