THE Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is one of a new group of models the Japanese firm is hoping will maintain its recent progress.

With motors like the Grand Vitara SUV and the Alto being pensioned off, the S-Cross plus the forthcoming Celerio hatchback and a new crossover-style small SUV based on the iV-4 concept car will be the keys for future sales success.

The S-Cross SZ5 is a roomy, family-friendly four-wheel drive crossover that is easy to live with and pretty cheap to run.

The styling gives the exterior a bold and sporty look with a double sliding panoramic sunroof letting lots of light into the modern interior.

At the front of the car the grille is flanked by big headlamps while plastic body cladding makes a strong visual statement.

There are polished seven-inch alloy wheels on the top-of-the-range SZ5 model and body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors as well as useful roof bars and neat LED running lights.

Suzuki's designers and engineers have combined technologies honed for sport utility vehicles with their compact car knowledge to create the S-Cross.

So you get good space for passengers and luggage plus decent 4x4 performance and one of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in this busy part of the car market.

Manufactured at the car company's factory in Hungary, the S-Cross features a well laid out cabin with a simple dashboard that's a cinch to navigate thanks to a touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation system.

There are natty blue-ringed dials and silver trim for the air vents that, along with the excellent materials used, show someone was taking great care with this car's construction.

The tactile plastics have an upmarket look and feel while all the cars bits and bobs are solidly put together.

Get behind the wheel and you'll find plenty of adjustment available allowing a comfortable position to be achieved while the seats are supportive.

There's plenty of legroom for all but headroom is a little tight in the back due to the sunroof. The boot is a decent shape easily swallowing a family's weekly supermarket shopping and if more room is needed the rear seats fold almost flat.

As well as computer-aided guidance, the top-of-the-range SZ5 model also includes DAB digital radio, front parking sensors, keyless entry and push-button ignition, as well as leather seat upholstery and automatic headlamps and wipers.

The S-Cross is a safe pair of hands thanks to a light, impact-absorbing body, stability control and emergency brake assist which do exactly what they say on the tin. There are also seven airbags, including one to protect the driver's knees as well as two Isofix child seat-mounting points.

There are two engines available including the muscular 1.6-litre diesel under the bonnet of the car I drove. It pulls like a train and - thanks to stop/start technology sips fuel with pleasing frugality.

The 0-62mph time of 13 seconds does no justice to how quick you get off the start line - in fact I've just checked the figure again as I thought an error had been made. The second engine is a 1.6-litre petrol - but it offers less when push comes to shove.

The ride is pretty smooth and the handling surprisingly sharp thanks to accurate, well-weighted steering, a firm suspension and good levels of grip guaranteed by the four-wheel drive system. Suzuki also offer a two-wheel drive version that is cheaper to run.

It all adds up to a decent package that should ensure the S-Cross attracts interest from families with places to go and things to do.