THE green brigade may regard them as the devil incarnate, but when snow and ice is the order of the day there really is only one place to be - behind the wheel of a decent SUV.

With atrocious weather greeting the arrival of the Suzuki Grand Vitara there was an audible sigh of relief from the family.

The Japanese company was top of the pile in the affordable Sport Utility Vehicle market long before that description became common currency.

The benefit of this experience is apparent in the excellent permanently-engaged four-wheel drive system and chunky tyres that allow the Grand Vitara to handle the worst the weather can throw at it.

Sure-footed progress is ensured as differences in grip levels between front and rear wheels is automatically catered for so the benefit of 4x4 traction is always available.

Suzuki updated the Grand Vitara two years ago with the introduction of the SZ range - and the improvements are most noticeable in the cabin.

First and foremost the seats offer class-leading comfort - and the front ones are heated on the SZ5 model. Then there's the ocean of space afforded driver and passengers thanks to the relatively long wheelbase. Five adults can be fitted in with no hint of a squeeze and there is ample space for legs, heads and shoulders.

The boot would offer a caveman a decent home but it has a side-hinged door which can present problems if anything is being towed or someone parks up close behind. Should extra space be required the rear seats tumble forward.

The real surprise in a car as big as the Grand Vitara is the sound of silence - which is due to enhanced insulation.

A series of measures, including thicker glass, better seals for the doors and thicker carpeting keeps wind and road roar to a minimum while engine noise from the 2.4-litre petrol power unit is also well contained.

The exterior of the SZ5 is easy on the eyes with the front grille and bumper giving it a sculpted muscular appearance while natty door mirrors are fitted with integrated indicators. The 18-inch seven-spoke alloys complete the look.

Get behind the wheel and the first thing you notice is the excellent view afforded by the high seating position.

The dash is well designed and sensibly set out with big bold switches and controls for the air conditioning and the audio system. There is a multi-information display in the main instrument cluster giving the driver clear information on things like fuel consumption, while steering wheel-mounted switches for the cruise control and radio are illuminated.

The Grand Vitara is good to drive with a firm suspension and well-weighted steering giving it the ability to remain composed though corners.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine in the car I tested is a bit on the thirsty side but offers the pulling power of George Clooney and zips the SZ5 around town with no trouble at all. It is also an effective motorway cruiser easing the burden of a long journey.

I'd probably go for the automatic gearbox available with this engine as the five-speed manual transmission on my test car was a bit flabby. Low gear ratios are also included to help those intent on proper off-roading.

There's plenty of safety equipment included on the Grand Vitara as front, side and curtain airbags are fitted in all models. Stability control also comes as standard and efforts have been made to improve pedestrian protection at the front of the car.