SX4 is more than a pretty face

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Others like the Volkswagen CrossPolo, Renault Scenic and Nissan Livina X-Gear come close, but in this category it really is only the SX4 that poses some threat to the Nissan Qashqai which is the clear (and more expensive) trend-setter in this category.

Unfortunately the Suzuki SX4 is currently only available in this country in front-wheel drive mode, either in manual or automatic - but later in the year the full 4x4 version is due on local shores and then it will no doubt give the Qashqai a really serious run for its money.

When the SX4 was launched in South Africa not too long ago it made an immediate big impression with its low price, build quality, looks, and driving fun.

And even though the world-wide financial gloom and doom has pushed up all new-car prices and the SX4 now costs R204,900 for the manual and R219,900 for the automatic, it remains a very attractive buy.

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To me one of its nicest features is its cocky looks. A cheeky little devil, and the anoraks will know why, because the SX4 is a toned down version of the hot, all-drive version Suzuki competes with in Junior Rally events - hence the name, S for Sporty, X for Crossover and 4 for four-wheel drive.

Its sporty nature makes for a lot of fun on the tar. It feels surprisingly sure-footed, and nicely balanced steering, top-notch brakes and sweet five-speed transmission more than makes up for its slight lack of muscle.

The SX4 is pushed along by a 2.0-litre fuel-injected four cylinder that produces 107kW (which is one of the best in this category) although its 184Nm is one of the lowest in its class.

It takes a bit of hard pedaling to get to maximum power, but it likes to rev and the engine has a pleasant growl when it's heading towards the red.

Top speed is in the region of 173km/h and our manual test vehicle did the zero to 100km/h dash in 10.3 seconds which is more than ample for the type of vehicle it is.

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It's a light and easy town dweller and quite content and capable on dirt roads.

Because of its versatility and “different” appearance the SX4 will appeal to yummy-mummies on the school taxi run, outdoorsy types who lug around surfboards or camping gear, young families, as well as trendy singles, whether from Mars or Venus.

To me the SX4's cabin lay-out is one of the most attractive in its class, with lots of silver-ringed black dials and gauges and red lighting to give it extra zip.

Plastic abounds, but the grey-and-black plastic format that has become almost universal in all modern cars doesn't detract from the overall sporty feel of the SX4's living quarters.

A chubby gear lever, smallish, sporty seats and multi-function steering-wheel underlines the SX4's motorsport heritage.

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Appealing features include an army of airbags, ant-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), ISO-FIX child seat anchorages (would you believe that some young families still don't realize what an important child safety features this is?), child-proof rear door locks, high mount stop lights, fully adjustable steering, an eight-speaker sound system, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, climate control and a keyless start function (you can also gain access or exit with the key in your pocket or handbag and it will automatically lock and unlock the doors when the key-bearer touches the door lock).

I preferred its red seat-belt warning light to the irritating electronic beep-beeps which most cars whinge out and the SX4 also got good marks for its door ajar warning light and low fuel warning indicator.

The seating is flexible and will accommodate four with ease, five with a bit of squeeze, and the luggage space is generous.

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Suzuki cars have been selling well since the brand's re-entry on the local market and for good reason - the build and ride quality is excellent, the specifications are impressive, the vehicles right across the range are darn pretty to look at and they are priced well below the average for this class.

And as part of Suzuki's value-for-money parcel the SX4 comes with a price-inclusive three-year/100,000km warranty, a six-year/90,000km service plan, three-year unlimited kilometre AA roadside assistance and even an Altech Netstar tracking system.