THINK of huge selling car brands and names like Toyota and Volkswagen spring to mind.

But, Suzuki, after producing the Vitara and Grand Vitara for 24 yeas has notched up more than 2.9 million worldwide sales of those models.

Revamped for 2013, the car now looks better, is more comfortable, feels better-built and offers a switchable four wheel drive system to give real off-road capability.

Some of the soft touch interior trim found in some of its more expensive rivals may not be found in the cabin, but it is without question a sturdy, well built interior that is more utilitarian than luxury.

Enthusiasts, particularly a relative who owns one, like the changes, with the extra space through the rear wheel being mounted on the rear door and the tweaked styling changes. 

There are three and five door version with both petrol and diesel option with a competitive starting price of a shade under £16,000, it offers real value.

Available in three door and five door versions there are three engines, a 1.6-litre petrol, a 2.4-litre petrol and a torquey 1.9-litre diesel engine.

There are also three trim levels - SZ3, SZ4 and range-topping SZ5 which is the only option with the diesel.

Suzuki says no other manufacturer offers the choice of two engines in a compact SUV three door body style which is a style that represents 50 per cent of all Grand Vitara sales in the UK.

The 1.9 DDiS engine available in the tested five-door SZ5 model now emits 174g/km of CO2, down from 179g/km - one road tax band lower.

It is also pretty economical with a claimed average consumption of 42.8mpg seeming not far off the mark. My rough calculations put it around the high thirties. This, together with ever diminishing CO2 levels, make these once-maligned SUVs ever cheaper to run.

For the latest model, the front bumper, grille and fog lamp position has been revised and there are inner headlight black accents on five door models.

Also new are the 17and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior changes include new seat trim and on the range wood trim inlays to the centre console and integrated door armrests.

Details include a multi information display in the main instrument cluster, giving the driver clear information on vehicle status, including fuel consumption, mileage and driving range. Steering wheel mounted switches are also illuminated for greater ease of use.

The interior is light and airy with good head and legroom while the large windows means plenty of light gets into the cabin and there is good all round vision.

The driver also has a commanding position with a good view of the road ahead.

Boot space is good, particularly with the rear seats folded when 758 litres is available and there are plenty of cup holders and cubby holes including a deep bin between the front seats that doubles as an armrest.

Like most SUVs, they are not the greatest on the road compared to saloons and hatchbacks, but the Suzuki feels composed enough while the ride is comfortable whichi is good particularly when transporting the family around.

Most will never go off-road, but the Suzuki is a proven performer in this area capable of tackling some really rough stuff.

It also has good towing capability with the diesel engine which also delivers plenty of pace for overtaking  through the five-speed manual gearbox.

Equipment levels are good for the price with the SZ4 three-door models including rear privacy glass and in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility.

The SZ5 1.9 DDiS and 2.4 five-door includes a glass sunroof, leather seats with front seat heating and satellite navigation.

The navigation system forms part of the infotainment centre - allowing a number of music options; CD, radio, SD card, media player connected via the USB port, as well as via Bluetooth music streaming and phone connectivity. There are also hight levels of safety kit.

The Grand Vitara has a loyal following and the latest model will not disappoint.