Category Archives: SUV/4X4

SUV, SUV/4X4, Suzuki

Revamped Vitara Hybrid still makes a statement

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Suzuki Vitara Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

Suzuki’s smart SUV has always been a popular model, commanding customer loyalty with its keen pricing and reputation for reliability. Ahead of the launch of the all-electric e-Vitara this year, the hybrid model has received a comprehensive facelift. 

It now features two model names – Motion and the range-topping Ultra – bringing it in line with the rest of the Suzuki brand. Both grades feature a digital media display, smartphone connectivity  and keyless entry.

Sharper style cues

Externally, the Vitara sports a redesigned front grille and bumper, a new upper spoiler, fresh 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and new colour options. The metallic blue on the model we saw was particularly striking.

Hi-tech improved cabin

Inside, the cabin is not exactly a riot of leather luxury, offering an altogether more practical environment.

The driving position is commanding, with a chunky, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.

It benefits from more soft-touch finishes on the dashboard and door cards, alongside uprated trims that lift the ambience. 

The cabin is dominated by the latest nine-inch screen, which controls major functions like infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity. 

The menu system is intuitive, but the screen’s resolution isn’t class-leading.

Unusually for a modern car, it retains a standard USB-A connection instead of offering a USB-C port, a curious but perhaps pragmatic choice. 

The Ultra grade tested here adds a panoramic sunroof, suede/leather seats with contrast stitching, and front/rear parking sensors.

Performance and efficiency

The model range is offered with a choice of two hybrid powertrains as standard.

 A 1.4-litre mild hybrid is paired with a manual transmission, while a 1.5-litre full hybrid uses an AGS automatic gearbox. This automated manual system can occasionally be felt during low-speed gear changes, but it prioritises efficiency.

 Both drivetrains are available with optional 4WD, a unique feature in the small SUV sector.
These new systems deliver improved efficiency, with fuel economy up to 56.4 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 113g/km.

All-wheel-drive capability

This Ultra model features Suzuki’s excellent ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system with four drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock. 

The system prioritises fuel economy in Auto mode, sending power primarily to the front wheels until slip is detected.

 Lock mode helps free the car from challenging conditions like snow, mud, or sand by using a limited-slip differential to brake any slipping wheel and transfer torque to those with grip.
Suzuki’s all-wheel-drive capability is well-documented; a recent, challenging off-road outing with the Vitara’s sister model, the Jimny, clearly demonstrated its strength.

Practicality

Practical and off-road capable, this SUV is also a comfortable family vehicle. It offers generous head and legroom, fully adjustable and comfortable seats, and a commanding driving position.

Boot space is a decent 642 litres with the rear seats folded, aided by a removable floor that creates a useful, configurable two-level storage area.

Safety and assistance

Safety measures have been significantly improved. 

The Vitara now comes with Suzuki’s latest dual-sensor brake support system as standard.
The comprehensive list includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.

This Ultra grade model adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, providing a 360-degree safety net for both city driving and motorway journeys.

Verdict

The Vitara is a versatile and smart choice, balancing urban practicality with genuine all-weather and off-road capability. 

The brand has a loyal following and the Vitara offers a rare option of 4WD in this class.  It remains a thoroughly contemporary and cost-effective family utility vehicle, offering a package few direct rivals can match.

Factfile

Suzuki Vitara Hybrid manual

  • Price: £30,799
  • Mechanical: 109PS, 1,463cc, 4cyl mild hybrid petrol engine driving all wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
  • Max speed: 111mph
  • 0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 52.3
  • Insurance group: 16E
  • CO2 emissions: 132g/km
  • BiK rating: 31%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 mile
electric, Motoring, Subaru, SUV/4X4

A capable and stylish 4×4 electric SUV

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Subaru Solterra

By Bill McCarthy

The name Solterra is derived from the Latin words for “Sun” and “Earth,” symbolising, says Subaru, its dedication to providing traditional SUV capabilities within an environmentally friendly framework.

As a result of this, the Solterra, in collaboration with Toyota, has become the brand’s first EV

This partnership combines Subaru’s legendary AWD expertise with Toyota’s proven EV technology, resulting in a capable, tech-packed electric SUV.

Design and practicality

It has an eye catching presence with its high ground clearance (210mm), muscular wheel arches, and a rugged profile that hints at its off-road potential. Aerodynamic touches, such as the twin ducktail spoilers, help balance practicality  with style. 

There are two specifications, Limited and the Touring model driven here.

Both offer a premium feel and are packed with a raft of tech and goodies, with this model adding 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery, while both trims come well-equipped with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree parking camera for ease of manoeuvring in what is a big motor.

Inside, the SUV offers a spacious, well-appointed cabin, a five-seater with generous legroom and a nearly flat floor, creating an airy and spacious feel.

It is a big vehicle and offers decent stowage and luggage. Space, with 452 litres of luggage space in the boot area and includes a 60/40 folding seatback and a two-position load floor, enhancing both luggage and passenger flexibility. 

The wide tailgate opening, coupled with a low lift-over height, makes loading and unloading easy. Additionally, standard fixed cross-bar mounting points offer more cargo-carrying options for adventurous owners.

Performance

Powered by dual 60kW motors and a 71.4kWh battery, the Solterra delivers a claimed 289 miles of range (WLTP)—enough for decent getaways, but in the real world I struggled to get near that figure, in admittedly unscientific conditions, with wind and rain and higher speed motorway driving helping to eat up the power.

 However, rapid charging is a highlight, with 10-80 per cent charge in under 35 minutes at 150 kW. A preconditioning system optimises battery temperature for faster charging, even in cold weather.

On the road, acceleration is rapid in EV style, hitting 0–60mph in around seven seconds. Handling is decent enough

But this is a seriously capable four-wheel drive vehicle, still something of a rarity with EVs. Its off-road capability is delivered via Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, combined with its X-MODE, which enhances traction in challenging conditions.

Setting are available for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud –  allowing it to tackle tricky conditions pretty comfortably.

Technology and safety

The inside is dominated a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a seven-inch digital driver’s display with real time info. 

The touchscreen also controls infotainment with the Harmon/Kardon eight-speaker system and navigation.

The hi-tech stuff is mated with more traditional, even old fashioned secondary controls, but these deliver a feeling of robustness in the cabin.

The firm’s EyeSight system enhances safety with functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. 

Additional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, provide confidence in various driving situations, not to mention a full complement of airbags.

Pricing and updates

Starting at £52,495 for the Limited, it the price puts it among the more expensive options in the electric SUV segment.  Mitigating this is superb Subaru off-road capability alongside premium features. 

For those willing to wait, a refreshed 2026 model is set to arrive in early 2026, promising tweaked styling, faster charging, and an enhanced range of up to 25 per cent.

Verdict

The Solterra is an electric SUV that’s as capable on the rough stuff as main roads. While its price may give some buyers pause, its combination of ruggedness, tech, and practicality makes it a slightly left-field eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered 4x4s.

Factfile

Subaru Solterra Touring EV

  • Price: £55,495
  • Mechanical: 218PS, 160kW twin-motors, 71.4 kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 100mph
  • 0-62mph: 6.9 secs
  • Range: 289 miles
  • Insurance Group: 39
  • C02 emissions: 0
  • Bik rating: 2%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles