Motoring with Syd Taylor

Suzuki Vitara 1.5 Full Hybrid Allgrip SZ5

We are living through changing times.

Internal combustion engines are regarded as bad smells on our pilgrimage to purity. Despite this, optimists keep their chins up and express faith in human ingenuity. So if you're looking for a new car, select the model that serves your needs but also one that jumps through planet saving compliancy hoops.

The golden rule is to make sure that you don't buy a noxious polluter, and if, like me, you're an optimist, you'll see that the best motor manufacturers are ahead of the game and have done the hard brain work already so you don't have to worry: just go for it.

And it's easy to go for the new £27,274 Suzuki Vitara 1.5 full hybrid Allgrip, which fits every bill!

Look at the overall picture. First, the popularity of small SUVs 'aint gonna wither on the vine' - as Tokyo Rose might say. Cynics might scoff but buyers know a good motoring package when they see one. Inside it's as solid as a rock and just as durable - and from an engineering perspective you can rest assured that it is top notch. Everything is well put together, feeling much more robust than competition from the likes of Peugeot and Renault. There's lots of convenience kit like the 7 inch touchscreen together with safety kit like rear parking camera, lane departure warning noises and 'stop you running into the car in front' magic: and adaptive cruise control too. For your delight there is a panoramic sunroof... er... for when the sun shines.

Think high ground clearance ideal for tackling today's dodgy roads, but also ideal for packing in the kids without breaking parents' backs. Then there's the benefit of an elevated driving position offering better visibility and more confidence at the wheel. Of course it doesn't drive like a thoroughbred and accelerate like a zip-line to zoomsville - but that's not what it's about. And don't worry about the 2030 internal combustion engine ban: you don't need a crystal ball to declare that the future looks bright for hybrid SUVs like this.

But hold the front page - many motorists feel that now is not the time to embrace 'all electric'. Range anxiety is well founded so it's best to hedge your bets. There is also the question of economy. There are eye watering charges if you need to access public charging points...and if you live in a block of flats the ALL electric route is not an easy ride...currently. So here we have the Vitara with the full hybrid treatment, replacing the mild hybrid versions.

Fitted with a new naturally-aspirated 1.5 petrol engine ably assisted by 33hp electric motor which, combined, gives 115bhp. It's joined by a new six speed 'automated manual' transmission that drives four wheels when needed through Suzuki's famed Allgrip system.

Fully electric driving is only available for short periods and the switch between petrol is at times known only unto God...but why do you need to know? The complexities are... err...complex. Just rest secure in the knowledge that you're in safe hands (Suzuki safe hands). Deep within the bowels of this technological masterpiece, electronic elves work overtime to do the necessary petrol to electric to hyper magnetic (only joking) switching back and forth for you; allowing you to get on with the business of smoking your pipe and enjoying your motoring, and for your involvement and delight there is a button to push to swap between eco and normal modes and a rotary control to programme for various conditions like mud and snow and Armageddon.

Commonsense is what this Vitara full hybrid offers. It's a competent off-roader as well as a smooth operator on tarmac - where it copes well with the crumbling carriageways. Dynamic capabilities too are surprisingly lively with a top speed near - I guess - 120 mph and an easy 55 mpg overall.

And so...the Golden Yellow and Black, top spec SZ5 Vitara full hybrid radiated promise as I stood back to admire its pristine message of progress. You can't deny that a motor car such as this represents in some symbolic way, humankind's yearning for that better tomorrow that always appears so tantalisingly close to ultimate realisations.

This Vitara is a FULL hybrid SUV that packs all the virtues of the model type into a value-added endorsement of the manufacturer's vision. A glance reassures. Body contours imply safety and comfort, style and composure, appeal and dignity. It suggests that current eco concerns pose a challenge, not a threat and serious times need not entail solemnity.

Yes, it's the sort of car that you approach with a spring in your step!