Suzuki’s award-winning Grand Vitara range continues to garner high praise from industry experts.

The 2008 model range performed flawlessly in judging for Australia’s two biggest 4WD awards, finishing runner-up in both 4x4 Australia’s 4x4 Of The Year and Overlander’s 4WD Of The Year.

The Grand Vitara DDiS narrowly missed the ultimate title in the Overlander award by just over one per cent of the total votes cast.

4x4 Australia, which last year named the Grand Vitara DDiS Turbo-Diesel as Compact SUV Of The Year, said the vehicle "very quickly became a favourite with our judges".

"The driving position is excellent, seats comfortable and the steering light and direct.

"Keep the engine boiling and there’s nothing, it seems, the Suzuki won’t attempt. And the Suzuki is terrific on fuel, too.

"It really fits its job description and should be on more shopping lists."

Magazine editor Dean Mellor further praised the Grand Vitara DDiS, saying "for our money, the diesel Grand Vitara is the pick of the compact crop".

The Overlander judges were similarly enthusiastic about the performance of the Grand Vitara DDiS.

"The Suzuki goes everywhere the big boys do and is often more fun to drive. What’s more, it kept on surprising us with just what it can do and where it will go."

"What surprised us (on 4WDOTY testing) was just how well the Suzuki performed in much more expensive and sophisticated company."

"We were confident we had Australia’s best compact SUV when we launched the car last year," said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.