SUZUKI'S decision to build a crossover vehicle was almost inevitable considering the company's history.

Its ability to build competent 4x4 models - demonstrated with vehicles like the Vitara and the Jimny - and its reputation of being one of the world's most successful compact car makers were the perfect combination for a crossover.

And so the SX4 S-Cross was born, a compact but spacious family car available with both two and four-wheel-drive.

The four-wheel-drive version is the ideal vehicle for anyone looking for off-road ability but without the bulk of a traditional off-roader.

With its prominent grille and bulbous bonnet the S-Cross is a very distinctive car and one which has the ability to stand out in the crowd.

And despite its saloon car appearance it has the sort of grip to get you out of trouble when the going gets tough.

Under normal conditions the car operates in two-wheel-drive to make it more economical. But as soon as the system detects any wheel spin it instantly switches to all-wheel-drive so you don't lose grip.

The system offers four modes, which can be dialled up via a knob near the gear shift.

Switch to Sport and the engine revs increase, the acceleration and torque characteristics are changed to optimise engine response and cornering performance while 20 per cent more torque is sent to the rear wheels to ensure more grip.

When the going gets really hairy you can switch to Snow mode for permanent four-wheel-drive and if you do happen to get stuck change to Lock mode to get yourself out of trouble.

One of the car's most distinctive features is its panoramic glass sunroof which Suzuki says is a world first because of its two sliding panels, one in front of the other.

The massive 1,000mm expanse of glass extends over both front and rear seats and provides one of the largest openings available on any car.

Made in Hungary the S-Cross offers generous interior space and a good boot area capable of coping with some 430 litres of luggage.

Standard features on the SZ5 spec test car included satellite navigation, leather upholstery and front and rear parking sensors.

Powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine the car offers good pulling power but is not the quickest car off the blocks, as can be seen by its 0-62 miles per hour acceleration time.

A dashboard mounted indicator tells you which of the six gears you should be in for optimal fuel consumption and taking note of it does give impressive figures. Over a week's driving my average was never below 52mpg and with low CO2 figures your road tax is rock bottom too at £20pa.

I found the gear changes a little on the notchy side but the ride is good if a little firm.

On the motorway it always feels well planted and stable and for a 1.6-litre responds well at high speed when you need that extra burst to get you out of trouble.