SUZUKI'S Grand Vitara belongs to an exclusive sub-culture within the "lifestyle" small 4WD market. Like the Mitsubishi Pajero iO, the Kia Sportage - and even its sibling the Suzuki Jimny - the Grand Vitara belongs to the admirable breed of small 4WDs capable of venturing into the trackless wastes.

Looking like a scaled-down Nissan Patrol, the Grand Vitara is a softer, more lavish and comfortable version of the handy little Vitara off-roader that was the preferred choice of many young, image-conscious buyers.