Suzuki's latest version of the Grand Vitara 4x4 has some significant changes to the body, to interior, and to the engine.

Nobody was able to tell me just how much wider the latest car is, but it apparently had to be changed in order to accommodate the new 2-litre engine, which is a 16-valve turbodiesel outputting 107bhp and returning a combined fuel consumption of around 43mpg.

The full width of the vehicle is 1780mm, compared to 1695 for the 3-door, and presumably the difference is the extra width.

Now, I seem to remember somewhere that Suzuki is the biggest manufacturer of 4WD vehicles in the world, and I've taken the Grand Vitara before to places that no soft-roader would hack it. But then, the Grand Vitara is a proper off-roader, with full low ratios and all that's needed for the real mucky stuff.

The engine is a considerable improvement over the 8-valver, and is relatively quiet at idle. The smoothness of the unit on the open road is marked, and I understand that there's a significant better emissions performance.

I also liked the upgraded interior, which includes better seats, and I'm looking forward to trying them on a run across the Wicklow Gap some day to see if they deliver on their visual promise. There's a greater degree of plushness about the trim all round. The controls and instrumentation are all new, and refreshingly modern in execution. And another indication that Suzuki are intent on taking more market share here is the inclusion of a CD player and also air-conditioning. And the car now has remote controls for the operation of the entertainment/info system.

There's a new steering wheel, and also a fair few new areas to put things away in - under the centre armrest, in an overhead console (for glasses), in a sliding tray under the front seat, and in a compartment beneath the rear luggage floor. There's an ashtray which can be dumped to provide another cupholder

Ground clearance, oddly enough, is less in the diesel version than in the petrol, at 183mm against 195. Might be something to do with a deeper sump on the oil-burner.

The drivetrain, as before, has 2WD for economy and the afore-described 4WD systems. Electric windows all around, and electric mirrors are also part of the standard specification.

I took it briefly offroad, because of deadline exigencies, and haven't yet had the chance to put it seriously through those paces. But it seems to have retained the ability to go wherever you want, and is blessedly without a bushel of electronic aids (apart from ABS) so that a decision to go into the wilderness will mean a true mixture of the operator's ability and the car's essential off-road pedigree.

The latest Grand Vitara sells for E32,995 in passenger form, and for E29,495 as a commercial. Automatic transmission is available.