THE crossover - that mix of hatchback and sports utility - is big business inBritain'sautomotive arena and every day there seems to be more and more of them on the road.

However, getting it right is not quite so simple. An accepted benchmark is the Nissan Qashqai but there are some models out there which are just as good or even better.

One such is the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross which has been around for a couple of years or so but has now been given a considerable boost by the addition of a 1.6 diesel with a twin-clutch automatic transmission to enhance its four-wheel- drive capabilities.

Suzuki has excelled itself with the S-Cross - its first true crossover - due to the fact that it has thrown into the pot all of its impressive knowledge of small car technology and its expertise in light 4x4s.

You can get a two-wheel-drive version of the S-Cross but in recent times all eyes have been on the twin-clutch diesel.

Suzuki says the model is the perfect fusion of family-friendliness, safety and performance, which is no exaggeration, but the new automatic-transmission fitted to a small diesel gives this model a new edge, especially due to the fact that it can achieve 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and only emit 119g/km of carbon dioxide.

Some Suzukis of the past have been humble little cars, almost apologetic over the company's badge. Not so with the S-Cross which has an impressive power stance and a big, almost brash grille which pushes the big Suzuki S badge out with pride and flaunts it identity.

The gearbox handles the 120ps of the four-cylinder diesel well and changes are almost seamless. You would only really need the manual change option when negotiating a rough or steep surface.

It also has a Sport mode, which means the gearbox holds onto lower gears a little longer and gives enough acceleration for safe overtaking.

It handles exceptionally well, and Suzuki's experience with the Swift hatch has ensured that the S-Cross can corner with the front-runners in its class.

The diesel automatic is only available in SZ5 models at the top of the range, and is not cheap at £25,149.

However, it is very well equipped and comes with the world's first double panoramic sliding sunroof and much more.