What: Suzuki SX4
Where: Launched Tauranga, February 8, 2007
On sale: Now
Price: From $24,500 (GLX manual) to $28,000 (LTD auto)
About: A high-riding, four-wheel-drive compact car, the Suzuki SX4 stands outside current categories. Neither an SUV nor a conventional car in Subaru Impreza mold, SX4 does a surprisingly efficient job of its complex task.
Despite its tall 200mm of ground clearance - better than some SUVs - its road-holding and handling abilities are impressive.
Yes, it rolls a tad, but its front MacPherson strut and coil spring, rear torsion beam suspension does a decent job of keeping SX4 under control. Particularly in 4wd.
A switch by the handbrake allows a choice of eco- and tyre-friendly front-drive (claimed fuel figure is 9.5l/100, roughly what we got at launch); auto four-wheel-drive; or 4wd lock at speeds of up to 60kph if the ground gets really slippery.
SX4 is sure-footed on gravel, while its high-riding seating position (with a hip point at 625mm to the Swift's 570 and Vitara's 690) will be appreciated round town and by older buyers.
Excellent composure on gravel - better than many more expensive cars.
Developed in conjunction with Fiat, penned by Italdesign and based on the smaller Swift platform, SX4 gets a 2.0-litre engine adapted from Suzuki's Vitara SUV.
It offers 107kW at 5870rpm and 184Nm at 3500rpm and is at its best in five-speed manual format, though a four-speed auto is also available.
Family-friendly features abound. There are three well-placed child-seat tether points; the rear seats easily fold flat; and ABS with EBD, plus air con and twin airbags come as standard.
The Limited includes keyless start, four more airbags, cruise control and alloy wheels to its expanded features list.
For: Excellent composure on gravel - better than many more expensive cars. A spacious compact with extra skills, it's an efficient family runabout that's as happy in rural as in urban environments.
Against: High-riding body makes for more body roll than conventional hatches - if you want a car, buy one. If you want an SUV, this isn't it.