Suzuki Vitara review

Thanks in part to deep footwells, there’s enough room in the front of the Suzuki Vitara for tall drivers. If you’re very lofty, though, the head room-robbing panoramic glass roof that comes with top-spec SZ5 trim might mean your quiff brushes the ceiling.

A USB port and 12V socket are handily located behind the gearstick, but the accompanying cubbies are too small for many of the latest smartphones. On top of that, the two cupholders are positioned annoyingly far back behind the central armrest.

It's easy to lower the backrests by pulling the levers at the top, and there's no need to faff about removing the rear headrests first, as you do in some cars. What's more, because the backrests are so light, it’s no chore getting them back up again.

The Suzuki Vitara has a big boot by the standards of small SUVs. The mild-hybrid version's is slightly bigger than the hybrid's because the extra batteries in the latter rob some space. A false boot floor hides the difference, though, with the added benefit of removing the lip at the entrance. The floor itself isn’t too high off the ground, making it easier to lift heavier items in.

Mild-hybrid models have a useful underfloor storage area that's ideal for stowing valuables or loose items, plus two storage pockets (one on each side). If you drop the rear seats, they don’t fold completely flat, but there’s no awkward step in the extended boot floor to make life difficult when you're sliding in long, bulky items.