TO buy a car with a four-wheel-drive system you can turn on and off normally leaves you looking at something more akin to a Jeep than a family hatchback.

But there are a few alternatives which offer the safety of all-wheel-drive with the appearance of a family five-door.

Suzuki's SX4 is one such model that offers this at a realistic price.

It's one of those crossover vehicles which doesn't look like an off-roader but at the same time is hardly your stereotypical hatchback.

Relatively short in length it has a high roof, which allows for an elevated driving position, as well as good ground clearance.

The height has two benefits. Firstly you have very good all round vision and secondly easy access and exit. If mobility is a problem for you the SX4 could well suit.

Powered by a gutsy 2.0-litre diesel engine my test car offered the choice of two or four-wheel-drive via a switch near the gearshift.

The three-way switch offers pure two-wheel-drive, automatic on demand four-wheel-drive - in other words operating in two-wheel-drive normally but switching instantly to four-wheel-drive if the front wheels start to slip - and locked permanent 4WD.

It's an ideal system as you get the fuel saving benefits of 2WD, the reassurance in potentially slippy conditions of automatic 4WD and full 4WD for when the going gets really tough.

Whichever mode you are in the SX4 has a nice positive feel about its handling with reassuringly good grip.

The steering is precise and accurate and the ride firm but stable.

Inside the cabin is functional rather than fussy but nevertheless well laid out. I particularly liked features such as the radio's oversized volume control knob which is easy to locate without taking your eyes off the road, and the large outside mirrors which made reversing easy.

On the negative side the steering column is adjustable for height but not reach.

Rear seat passengers have a sensible amount of leg room and particularly good head room thanks to the high roofline. They also enjoy good forward vision as the rear seats are mounted higher than the front ones.

And with the SX4 there is no problem with holiday luggage as it can swallow a hefty 270 litres. Fold the rear seats down and you have 625 litres and a good flat floor for loading in any larger than normal items.

I managed to average around 52 miles per gallon, which is pretty close to the manufacturer's claimed average and impressive for a 2.0-litre with the additional weight of a 4x4 system.

It's a car with sharp, predictable handling and good manoeuvrability, making it ideal for city or off-road use, as well as many of the qualities of a sporty hatchback.

When it comes to high speed motorway work the SX4 is no slouch and offers good stability - despite its high stance - and excellent long distance comfort.

It's a sort of Jack of all trades - but unlike the old adage - this one is master of them all.