SUZUKI’S Grand Vitara has always been an exception to the general compact SUV rule in that it offers off-road ability that’s arguably the best in class, without compromising its role as a user-friendly urban getabout with a ‘command’ driving position – which is what many people buy small crossover wagons for. In its first facelift since emerging here in third-generation guise in October 2005, the GV scores a subtle cosmetic upgrade, mainly to accommodate a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder that replaces both 1.6 and 2.0-litre units, and a new 3.2-litre V6 that replaces the 2.7-litre V6. It’s not perfect inside, where refinement has also taken a forward step, but throw in stability/traction control plus front and rear side airbags as standard across the revised range, and the Grand Vitara makes an even more persuasive argument as Australia’s most versatile small SUV.