Car Statistics: Suzuki - SX4 Series 06 (3 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Chunky good looks help the SX4 to win attention - and possibly even a bit of respect.

Handling (3 stars)

Nippy around town and respectable on the open road - you might even start having fun.

Comfort (3 stars)

Space inside is adequate for four but elbow and shoulder room isn't great. Engine and wind noise at high speed is still intrusive.

Quality (3 stars)

Despite the cheap looking plastic and materials inside the SX4 is built to last. Both the petrol and diesel engines are likely to give years of service.

Performance (4 stars)

The new 118bhp 1.6-litre VVT produces just enough new grunt to sparkle in two-wheel drive format.

Roominess (3 stars)

Four-wheel drive means the SX4 will go places other superminis won't if you need it to. There's also a reasonable boot and room for four adults.

Costs (3 stars)

The petrol model is the best option. Secondhand values are likely to remain buoyant, but fuel economy is only average.

Value (3 stars)

The SX4 is only good value for money if you plan to make use of that four-wheel drive set-up or yearn after the chunky appearance of a crossover. If not, the Swift probably does make more sense.

Stereo (3 stars)

The stereo system is fairly mediocre despite a huge new speaker in the centre of the dash. Sat-nav is still not an option in the SX4