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
MG, Motoring, SUV, SUV/4X4

Why the MG HS stands out among modern SUVs

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MG HS Trophy

By Bill McCarthy

The growth of MG since its revival under Chinese ownership is nothing short of remarkable, to the point that its been the fastest or one of the fastest growing brands in the UK in recent years. Owned by the giant SAIC, the brand now offers a range of good-quality cars with hugely tempting price tags.

From the latest, simply brilliant MG3 hybrid, up to the range-topping HS, there’s something on offer for most requirements. They are a growing and noticeable presence on the road with tempting deals available.

MG standout value

With a starting price under £25,000 and backed by MG’s impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty, the revamped HS is a standout vehicle with an almost budget price in the competitive SUV market. It is available in petrol, like this model, or PHEV versions. There are two specifications—SE or Trophy—both offering an excellent array of standard kit.

The SE comes with adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, 19-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

For those of us who love the bells and whistles, the tested Trophy trim adds a premium eight-speaker sound system, wireless charging, selectable drive modes, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free power tailgate, and rear privacy glass.

Design and road presence

The latest model is bigger and much better looking than its predecessor. It features a longer wheelbase, which delivers even better cabin space. It looks the part: more handsome, with sleek glass panels, a prominent new grille, and a slim headlight array that gives it real road presence.

Performance and power

It combines striking design with its latest petrol powertrains, offering a blend of performance and efficiency, depending on your driving manners. This model featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 169PS and 275Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. It was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

It’s economical. I managed nearly 42mpg, comfortably beating the official 38-odd mpg. However, the turbo unit can be raucous when pushed hard, and the auto gear change can be a bit jerky, particularly when pulling away. 

Ease off with the right foot, and it’s an altogether more refined experience. It’s not one for the boy racers, but a practical family-orientated SUV that’s most at home motorway cruising. The ride is stable and only gets upset on poor road surfaces, otherwise occupants can enjoy a comfortable journey.

Premium interior feel

Inside, the HS is the best yet, offering a premium feel with high-quality fixtures and fittings and leather upholstery—a real bargain for such a big, well-equipped vehicle. 

Earlier MGs had a more fragile, coarse finish, but this is on another level, feeling solid with soft-touch finishes, though some hard plastics remain.

It boasts smart, dual 12.3-inch high-definition displays in a single array for infotainment and driver information. One irritation is the constant barrage of warning clicks and chimes. Many can be turned down in volume or switched off entirely through the infotainment system’s settings menus, but some critical safety warnings, thankfully, cannot be fully disabled.

Practicality and safety

Boot space has increased to 507 litres, with a maximum of 1,484 litres available with the seats folded. This model featured a powered tailgate; the seats fold with one touch, but removing the parcel shelf proved frustrating and difficult to get back in place.

Standard safety technologies include a full airbag complement and the MG Pilot suite with Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection. The entry-level SE model starts at £24,995 and comes well-equipped with LED headlights, parking sensors, keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control.

Verdict

With a starting price of under £25k, the HS  is hard to fault. There are niggles, and the engine can be a bit raucous under hard acceleration, but it is well-equipped and backed by that lengthy warranty. And it really looks good.

Factfile

  • Price: £27,495
  • Mechanical: Combined 169PS 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via seven speed DCT auto transmission
  • Max speed: 118mph
  • 0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 38.2 WLTP
  • CO2 emissions: 173g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Insurance group: 25
  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles