SUZUKI has spent many years building a solid reputation in the small car market.

With the exception of the Grand Vitara the Japanese firm has concentrated almost entirely on superminis and city cars which have been unashamedly cheap and cheerful.

But just as some of the European giants who had previously only paid lip service to this part of the market make some high-profile incursions, Suzuki has taken a bold step in the other direction.

So while Volkswagen, for example, concentrate on promoting the new up! city car and sister firm Skoda unveil the Citigo the Japanese are bidding for a slice of the sports saloon cake with the new Kizashi.

It's hardly a name that trips off the tongue but the manufacturers will be hoping that it lives up to the moniker - which means a sign of great things to come.

For the present, however, the Kizashi is a one size fits all deal with just one model, one engine and one trim level available and the only option on offer being a dealer fitted touchscreen sat nav system.

Looks-wise the Kizashi certainly cuts the mustard. A prominent grille and eagle-eye headlamps create a sporty looking face with alloy wheels, muscular wheel arches and sculpted sills continuing the athletic feel along the flanks to the powerful looking haunches with twin tailpipes.

Power comes from a 2.4 litre petrol engine which provides plenty of pace, with a 0-62mph sprint time of less than nine seconds and a top speed of 127mph.

This unit is, however, less clean and efficient than many of it's likely rivals with average fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon and carbon emissions of 191g/km meaning running costs won't be the cheapest.

And the six-speed automatic transmission is not as slick as it could be either. I found myself resorting to the paddles on the steering wheel to shift up manually on a number of occasions as the revs piled on and an automatic change seemed late in coming.

Diesel powered options, possibly paired with the latest double clutch transmissions, would solve these problems and hopefully Suzuki will consider this if expanding the range in the future. It would be a shame if such issues were to hold back the Kizashi, which impresses in many other areas.

A reassuringly rigid chassis and tight suspension make for some pleasingly sporty performance with nimble handling and plenty of grip even when taking bends at speed.

The pay-off is a slightly firm ride at times but, nevertheless, the Kizashi is enjoyable and engaging to drive.

Inside Suzuki has sought, with some success, to give the Kizashi a premium feel. Some of the plastics are, admittedly, more practical than prestige but everything feels very solid and the instruments are simple, clear and intuitively arranged.

Leather upholstery comes as standard along with electric front sports seats with drivers seat three position memory function, heated front seats, electric glass sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, an eight-speaker stereo with Bluetooth and USB port, keyless entry and push-button ignition.

It is a generous equipment package which you'll struggle to find in many more cars in the Kizashi price range and is topped off by a switchable four-wheel drive system which can be engaged simply by pressing a button on the dash and provides extra grip and peace of mind when driving conditions become treacherous.

The Kizashi is one of the smaller family saloons on the market but Suzuki have used all their expertise in maximising space in their small cars to ensure that the cabin is comfortable and family friendly.

Head and leg room is more than adequate and the reasonably sized boot also has a load-through hatch to allow for longer items while the 60-40 split folding rear seats offer extra luggage carrying versatility.

Seven airbags are fitted as standard, including one for the driver's knees, and stability control, anti-lock brakes and a hill hold function are also included in a comprehensive package of safety measures.