Nippy Suzy has loads of space for busy families

engine isn’t exactly a fire-breather, but with 86kW and 156Nm torque it’s got enough grunt to get you around town with ease.

I suspect, though, that fully loaded with the family on a trip to the coast, there may be a couple of extra gearshifts needed on the inclines.

The five-speed gearbox feels a lot smoother than the previous Suzuki model and internal and road noise also less.

However, I’ve always been impressed by their build quality and it certainly looks like it will take a pounding from transporting boisterous youngsters every day.

I found it fairly nippy, although it took a while to get used to the steering which at times felt a bit twitchy around corners.

The interior layout is fairly simple with all the necessary buttons and stalks easy to get to and, like the boot space, there’s enough room in the back for two adults. Sound is well taken care of with a CD player and MP3, while thanks to the kids I found out it also had Bluetooth.

Many of the cars nowadays, like the SX4, have an indicator in the dash to advise you when to change gear for optimum economy, which I suppose is necessary to please the greenies.

But being a bit old school and having been taught to drive by a petrolhead uncle, I prefer to keep an eye on the rev-counter and listen to the engine rather than an app or electronic brain.

That being said, though, he drove a Ford Cortina with precious little protection other than a seat belt, which was optional, while the SX4 gives you ABS, ESP and seven airbags, including side and curtain.

Park distance control, daytime running lights and automatic wipers are also standard.

You also get keyless entry and a push-button start system, which means you don’t have to put the shopping or toddler down while you search for keys, particularly handy in winter with myriad pockets when you’re wearing pants, shirts and jackets.

The car sits slightly higher off the ground and the people at Suzuki have managed to keep its lines and general appearance especially attractive, which sets it slightly apart from the mundane.

Overall, it’s a neat package for everyday driving and family holidays – certainly worth a look if that’s what you’re in the market for.

NEAT PACKAGE: The Suzuki SX4 1.6 is worth a look.