SUZUKI'S second generation SX4 S-Cross small crossover will be in showrooms on October 1 with petrol and diesel engines and two or four wheel drive.

Those engines are  both 1.6-litre fours and the petrol has class leading emissions and low fuel consumption.

In two-wheel-drive diesel form, the five door hatch emits just 110g/km of CO2 and averages 67mpg on the combined government cycle.

But since it is making the majority of models four-wheel-drive, Suzuki is aiming for the burgeoning ‘proper' crossover market, where owners need space and practicality, but also want a car-like drive and all wheel drive security.

The petrol engine comes with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT continuously variable automatic and there is a minimal drop in economy with four-wheel-drive. The diesel is only available with a six-speed manual.

The all wheel drive models have four driver selectable modes, including one for snow, and one which locks the centre differential for best traction.

It is bigger all round than the previous SX4 and all models come with automatic start stop, seven airbags and stability control.