SUZUKI was ahead of the game nearly three decades ago when the snappily-styled Vitara was launched to a public that had never before heard the initials SUV.

Over the years the rest of the industry caught up and today the sector is on full throttle.

Now the Japanese maker is launching an all new model to replace the ageing Grand Vitara which lagged severely behind on weight, CO2 emissions and economy despite clocking up 1,500 UK sales in its last year.

With thoroughly modern, chunky looks, five doors and class-leading mpg together with keen pricing it will challenge Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Skoda Yeti for popularity when it hits the showrooms in April. It could also cut into sales of Suzuki's own S-Cross model.

Prices start at £13,999 and extend to £21,299 and it's available with either 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines, both developing 118bhp.

Four wheel drive - Allgrip in Suzuki language - is offered on the top versions for an extra £1,800. An automatic option goes on sale in the summer.

Slightly taller than the S-Cross, yet a tad shorter, the Vitara measures up well to the Juke offering more passenger room and luggage space with a 375litre boot which grows to 1,189 when rear seats are folded. It is also a little wider and taller than its Nissan rival.

The cabin is smart, contemporary and practical rather than premium - there's a fait bit of non-tactile plastic around but the centrally positioned analogue clock on the dash is a nice touch. Headroom is ample for most even in the top topline SZ5 model which is fitted with a huge panoramic sliding glass sunroof.

Front seats are comfortable and body-hugging and smartly trimmed in leather and suede fabric in the SZ5. There are bags of shoulder room and ample cubbies, water holders and glory holes for storage.

A false floor in the boot can be used to hide valuables and this can be reversed to offer a spongeable surface if you are carrying muddy willies and the like.

Unsurprisingly, the diesel DDiS is the more frugal of the two engines producing a modest 106g/km in 2WD form which corresponds with 70.6mpg combined.

The petrol-powered model manages 123g/km and 53.3mpg. Both diesel and petrol have the same top speed of 112mph and acceleration to 62mph is reached in 11.5secs - the Allgrip being about half a second behind.

The diesel has something of the traditional rattle about it on start-up, but this soon fades away and the level of refinement and mechanical chatter is better than average.

Considerable torque helps the DDiS make strong progress and mid-range overtaking is nippy. Wind noise is almost non-existent and cornering is pleasantly roll-free.

Despite the flat cornering and stiff damping, ride standard is excellent with an absence of 'choppiness' that can afflict short 4WD models.

Marketing people anticipate that the majority of buyers will opt for the cheaper 2WD model in petrol guise.

In true Suzuki style, this is an eager unit that thrives of plenty of revs and has a distinctly sporty feel. The manual five-speed gearbox - the diesel is fitted with a six speeder - is light and swift which is just as well because it pays to stir the box if you want to get a move on.

Steering is nicely weighted and more precise than many SUVs, giving the Vitara the edge in driving enjoyment.

The Allgrip 4WD system offers four selectable modes via a centrally set knob - auto, sport, snow and lock, the final of which is best reserved for extricating the car from mud, snow or sand. Four wheel drive increases the weigh by only 65kg, so there's little penalty in terms of economy or speed.

Owners love to personalise their city cars and SUVs and Suzuki has anticipated this trend by giving a choice of 10 body colours and five two-tone combinations.

Some may look more at home on the Cote d'Azure but it's all down to individual taste. Some of us can even remember the original Vitara, an all-time favourite of hairdressers...especially decked out in pink!

The Vitara may be an established name but in its latest incarnation the pretty SUV is a totally modern interpretation of a concept that Suzuki originally initiated.