More sport in the Vitara

Back in those days it had little competition in the compact SUV sector, for people who wanted practicality with all-weather ability.

Now, it seems, almost every major car maker is dipping its toes in what has become the fastest growing sector of the market.

But a new lighter, sleeker and better equipped Vitara launched earlier this year is holding its own, and now a new secret weapon has been unveiled: a more sporty, high specification version with turbo power.

Prices haven't yet been announced, but the new Vitara S is expected to come in at around £21,000 with Suzuki's Allgrip four wheel drive system. The entry level 1.6 litre, two wheel drive version starts the new Vitara range launched earlier this year at £13,999.

The new 1.4 litre 'Boosterjet' petrol engine is new to Suzuki and with 140PS on tap it's 17 per cent more powerful than its 1,600cc stablemate. That, naturally, makes the S version the quickest Vitara over the benchmark 0 to 62mph sprint with a time of 10.2 seconds – a whole 1.3 seconds faster, in fact.

But not many of us are interested in the traffiic light sprint: the big story is that the turbo engine has 220Nm of torque, 41 per cent more than the 1.6 and that makes an impact on how the Vitara S drives in everyday situations.

Unlike a standard petrol engine which needs revs to extract the power, maximum torque is available from just 1,500rpm so it pulls strongly from just above tickover, cruises more smoothly and quietly, and has stronger in-gear acceleration for rapid overtaking. It feels more relaxed, with almost effortless progress. Motorway cruising is particularly quiet, adding to the refined and 'grown up' feeling of the car.

Yet in spite of the advantages it is capable of averaging 53.3mpg according to official figures – just 1mpg behind the less powerful 1.6.

Suzuki's engineers have carried out a range of other technical improvements to improve efficiency. Apart from your costs at the pumps, it means this most powerful and sporty Vitara has a CO2 rating of 127g/km, pretty impressive (and tax efficient) for a four wheel drive.

Suzuki's Allgrip four wheel drive system is well proven. With the three position switch set to 'Auto' only the front wheels are powered to save fuel in normal driving conditions, with torque diverted to the rear axle only if the sensors detect slippage. Sport mode apportions power for best cornering performance on twisty roads, while 'Lock' is designed to ensure maximum traction on all four wheels in snow and mud.

There's also a hill descent control, which uses pulses of braking to keep the car at a crawl on steep, slippery slopes without tobogganing. All Vitara's have 'hill hold control' to stop the car rolling backwards. With its new suspension system, ride and dynamics in the Vitara S are more car like than rock 'n'roll SUV. While it still has the ground clearance and firm springing it needs to tackle tough off-road work it's sufficiently well damped to smooth out the bumpier bits of a typical b-road.

Steering is plenty light enough for manoeuvring around town, but provides adequate feedback on the open road. Body roll is well suppressed so that brisk cornering isn't an uncomfortable business where the height of the vehicle (great for easy access and visibility) becomes a disadvantage,

It's combination of electronic stability systems, ABS and all wheel drive were put to the test in a slalom and 'avoidance' test involving the sort of rapid changes of direction you'd instinctively make in an emergency. It was enough to convince journalists taking part that the Vitara was able to cope with the sort of situation you'd really rather avoid on the road.

If the worst does happen, it has seven airbags and a body structure which enabled it to score a maximum five stars in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Plus higher spec models have both an adaptive cruise control and radar brake support system designed to stop you being the cause of the problem by running into the back of someone else.

As you'd expect from a new sporting flagship model, there are visual clues which set it apart – notably the unique 17-inch black alloy wheels prominent chrome grille and matt chrome wing mirrors.

The Vitara range is well equipped as standard, and the S model is the flagship of the range, kitted out to premium saloon standard which makes its likely £21,000 price tag look even more competitive. It includes a seven-inch central touchscreen which controls the audio, navigation, and full smartphone connectivity systems.

Suede seats, automatic air conditioning, automatic and self-levelling headlamps, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, electric windows, rear privacy glass and electric windows are among the highlights. All Vitaras have a family-sized 375 litres of cargo space, rising to 710 litres if the split/fold rear seats are folded flat. Roof rails are standard.

The new S model is expected to have a 17E insurance rating, and comes with a three year/62,000 mile warranty.

The Vitara has undergone various makeovers but essentially it's been around since 1988 and there's a good reason for that: despite the growing competition buyers like it, and Suzuki has built up a strong reputation for reliability and customer service.

Price, of course, always plays a part in buyers' decisions so there will still be plenty going for the 1.6 litre petrol or diesel engined options.

But while the Vitara S with its 1.4 Boosterjet engine is at the top of the range price-wise, it's also the best equipped and sportiest version. And, arguably, offers the most refined driving experience too which will doubtless attract not only Suzuki drivers who want to change up, but converts from rival brands, too.

By John Griffiths