The Suzuki Vitara has been around for 30 years and to celebrate this special anniversary the manufacturers have given the car a minor upgrade with various visual, technical and specification improvements.

Vitara is sold in 191 countries and regions around the world and sales have just passed the 3.7 million mark since it began its life in the 1980s.

Suzuki Motor Corporation is the eighth largest car brand in the world with sales last year of 3,160,000 units and it sells its most cars in India.

The Vitara enjoys strong UK sales and currently it is the most popular model in the Suzuki range.

The refreshed model is now available with both 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo charged petrol engines which was introduced in the S-Cross model range late last year. These will replace the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

This 1.4 turbo is quite magnificent. Having just driven the Swift Sport with this engine as well as the Vitara, it’s probably one of the best engines on the road.

It provides more power and torque, greater efficiency and offer lower emission. The SZ4 and SZ-T grades are equipped with the 1.0-litre 111PS Boosterjet engine and ALLGRIP four wheel drive is available optionally on the SZ-T with manual transmission.

The SZ5 models are equipped with the 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine which gives 140PS and 220Nm and is available from just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.

The latest Vitara has various design updates, two new colours and the availability of new technology and advanced safety equipment.

For the exterior, new design alloy wheels are available, a redesigned front grille and lower bumper is improved and the rear of the car features new design and distinctive LED combination lamps.

For the interior, the upper instrument panel now incorporates a soft touch material for added quality and the instrument cluster has a new design with colour central information display.

The 2019 Vitara will be the most technically advanced Suzuki to date and new safety technology available as standard equipment on the SZ5 model will include Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Traffic Sign recognition, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear cross traffic alert.

The Vitara has got a bit of class these days and has come a long way since those days it was a bit of a rough and ready number.

It is both comfortable and easy to drive. The steering is excellent and many drivers will love the 1.4 Boosterjet engine.

The 4x4 ALLGRIP models, which are available to the Suzuki range, handles well in all conditions.

This four-wheel drive is an option on higher-spec Vitaras and provides genuine off-road ability with all of the range.

But most buyers go for the two-wheel-drive version, however, wanting to have the height and sight without having to pay more for the 4x4 version.

The Vitara is taking on the Nissan Juke, the SsangYong Tivoli and the Peugeot 2008 and a number of other inferior brands and it should do well. People will also look at the Suzuki S-Cross for comparisons.

The Vitara has a variety of paint and contrasting roof options, and you can personalise the interior with trim colours.

Safety equipment includes an auto braking function, adaptive cruise control and seven airbags.

The Suzuki might not be at the top of the charts when you look at the luxury German range but when you come for value for money and reliability it is a winner through and through.