SUZUKI is usually synonymous with sprightly superminis or youthful SUVs - but a recent partnership with Toyota has resulted in a foray into the estate market

And if you're looking for something that offers affordable family motoring plus practicality with a dash of style, then the Swace estate should be on the shortlist.

Let's deal with running costs first as this is where the benefits of Suzuki's tie-up with Toyota are particularly in evidence through the shared hybrid technology.

The self-charging Swace sports the same genes as the Corolla Hybrid Estate so accesses its power unit consisting of a 1.8-litre petrol engine in cahoots with an electric motor, aided and abetted by a CVT automatic gearbox.

It gives Suzuki's estate decent fuel economy figures that averaged in the mid-50s in miles per gallon terms for my week of mixed motoring - with official figures indicating 64mpg can be achieved with care.

Low emissions and the resulting wallet-friendly benefit-in-kind rating will be particularly pleasing for business users.

Don't expect to set your hair on fire as 62pmh is reached from a standing start in a shade over 11 seconds on the way to a claimed top speed of 112mph.

Three drive modes are available - Eco, Normal and Sport - and there's an EV button for maximising zero emission performance when you're in town, although you won't go far on electric power alone.

At the end of the day the emphasis with the Swace is more on comfort than speed despite the reasonably sporty looks.

The Corolla chromosomes guarantee a sleek shape with the Swace SZ5 adding a revamped front bumper, LED headlights and natty badging, while body-coloured door handles and integrated roof rails plus rear privacy glass and natty 16-inch alloy wheels give an upmarket feel for your £29,229. The wide stance gives a low-slung road-hugging look and a motor with a low centre of gravity.

Step inside the Swace and there is a relaxing atmosphere helped by a climate control system that optimises comfort and fuel efficiency by using a detection control function to ensure that air conditioning is only provided to occupied seats.

There is plenty of room for five adults and their luggage with a spacious 596-litre boot offering a wide opening for easy loading. The rear seats can also be split 60/40 and folded completely flat which is handy when more bulky items have to be accommodated as 1,606 litres of space become available.

There is a detachable tonneau cover - that can be retracted with a single touch - and the luggage compartment is equipped with auto-illuminating lights and DC 12V accessory socket.

There are plenty of cubby holes for a family's nik-naks including a covered box between the driver and front-seat passenger, front cup holders with two rear ones in the fold-down armrest, door bins and a lockable glovebox.

There are two specifications available for the Swace, the SZ-T and SZ5 model I drove. Both come with plenty of goodies including a seven-inch colour digital information display and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as heated seats, heated steering wheel and rear parking camera.

The SZ5 adds front and rear parking sensors, a park assist function, extra interior lighting and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

There is no built-in navigation on either Swace trim level, but smartphone integration allows you to find a destination via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Lots of safety kit ensures the Swace is a safe conveyance for you and yours as it boasts gizmos such as radar cruise control and various alerts to prevent accidents while the SZ5 adds a blind spot monitor and a rear cross traffic alert.