THE chunky off-road looks of Suzuki's SX4 have appealed to a lot of people, even though most models are actually only two wheel drive.

It's built in the same plant and shares engines with the Fiat Sedici and the engines both come from the Italian company - a 1.6 petrol; and a 1.9 diesel.

I've driven both and found the diesel much the better. While the petrol is two-wheel-drive only, the diesel is available with two or four-wheel-drive.

But most owners only want the looks of a soft roader, not the actual ability or the heavier fuel consumption.

The five-speed manual gearbox has a ratio to suit every occasion and I found the ride comfortable and refinement reasonable.

There is plenty of power with the diesel and performance is very good for a car of the type.

It feels like a family hatch, and has safe handling with plenty of grip giving enjoyable road-holding.

The SX4 comes with six airbags, comfortable seats with good adjustment, air conditioning and power steering with reasonable feel.

: Daihatsu Terios