The new additions include the availability of the Twin Clutch System six-speed gearbox for the S-Cross DDiS ALLGRIP model. The automated manual works like the VW DGS gearbox and incorporates hydraulically controlled clutches and a gear change assembly to enable it to be driven in a similar way to an automatic gearbox and offering quicker gearchanges than a conventional manual. Gearchanges can also be manually operated via paddles behind the steering wheel.

The new transmission is coupled to the latest Euro 6 compliant 1.6-litre DDiS engin and brings a marginal increase in fuel consumption versus the manual ALLGRIP version (-1.4mpg) but still offering 62.8mpg on the EC combined cycle.  CO2 emissions are 4g/km higher than with the manual gearbox at 118g/km.

The new transmission is available from this month and will cost £1,350.

In addition, the Vitara range gains a new six-speed fully automatic transmission on the SZ5 petrol model in either two wheel drive or ALLGRIP versions, again as a £1,350 option.

The new transmission has a wide gear ratio range and an expanded lockup range.  A manual mode is incorporated too.

CO2 emissions for the petrol engine are 127g/km with two wheel drive / automatic transmission which is 4g/km higher than for the manual transmission model.

Meanwhile the four-wheel drive petrol-powered Vitara brings a CO2 figure of 131g/km for the new six-speed automatic – 1g/km higher  than for the manual gearbox and an official combined figure of 49.5mpg, down by 0.9mpg versus the manual.