IMPROVED build quality both inside and out is apparent with the new generation of Suzuki vehicles.

The SX4, for instance, which is put together in Suzuki’s Hungarian plant alongside the almost identical Fiat Sedici, benefits from the Japanese company’s latest chassis advancements and other design features similar to those that helped carry the Swift to numerous awards throughout the world.

The high levels of bending and torsional rigidity show in the stable ride quality of the SX4, a sporty five-door crossover vehicle blending the compactness of a hatch with the benefits of a lightweight utility such as the Grand Vitara.

Inside, Suzuki has taken a fresh approach with a better and more trendy layout, higher quality materials and more durable plastics.

The cabin is surprisingly roomy and, above all, practical with the leg and shoulder room for rear seat passengers generous for a car of this size.

Actually, back-seat occupants also benefit from a good all-round view as the rear seats are set a little higher.

The boot will disappoint the larger family as it holds just 270 litres but it is well shaped and, of course, can be expanded with the rear seats folded almost flat. However, what will make the SX4 particularly useful for many drivers is the option of four-wheel-drive which should benefit owners from veterinary practices to those who live deep in the country and want the benefits of all-wheel-drive when the weather gets bad.

The engine line-up for the SX4 is not great but the choice should please many as there is a lively 16-valve 1.6-litre petrol and two economical diesels, a 90PS 1.6-litre and a 120PS 1.9-litre, with prices going from £10,515 for the 1.6 petrol with air-conditioning to £14,815 for the 1.9 diesel with selectable or automatic four-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Fiat-sourced 1.9 oil burner is the motor that impresses most for its strong torque and economy and seems well suited to the SX4. It pulls away eagerly in virtually any gear on the road while off-road there is quite impressive traction, courtesy of the intelligent all-wheel drive.

As one might expect from a sporty crossover vehicle, the ride is firm but it is well controlled.

In 4WD auto mode in normal driving conditions there is no torque transfer to the rear wheels, so the vehicle effectively operates as front-wheel-drive transport.

As soon as any pronounced front wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically apportioned to the rear wheels to give all-wheel traction and improve vehicle stability – excellent for safety on those slippery surfaces.

The 4WD lock mode maintains full traction up to around 40mph before automatically switching to 4WD auto mode for smooth cruising. Selecting two-wheel drive through the front wheels is the choice for most of the time and this, of course, optimises fuel economy which is commendable for a 4WD.

Another feature of the bold-looking SX4 is the notable array of standard safety measures, which include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, and front, side and curtain airbags.

The SX4’s crashworthy structure helped the vehicle gain four stars for adult occupant safety in Euro NCAP testing and three-star ratings for specific protection for pedestrians and child passengers, which is a fairly impressive for a compact car.

At-a-glance.

Suzuki SX4 1.9DDiS 4GRIP six-speed manual.

Price: £14,815.

Top speed: 112mph.

0-62mph: 11.2 seconds.

Fuel: 44.1mpg (combined figure).

Emissions CO2 g/km): 170.

Verdict: Sporty, practical and roomy small car alternative. Well built, excellent 4WD system and a good drive.