‘A what?’ was most people’s reaction when I said I was test driving a Suzuki Kizashi.

But the fact that it’s not one of the most recognisable names in the car market, and therefore isn’t too common, somehow adds to its appeal, along with its stylish good looks.

The Kizashi, which in Japanese means ‘a sign of great things to come’, is Suzuki’s first mid-size saloon car.

The latest model includes a muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side mouldings with chrome accents, custom lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique sport steering wheel with contrasting stitching for its leather seats, gear shift surround and parking brake boot.

It easily accommodates five people along with their luggage, with a boot capacity of 461 litres and a 60:40-split-folding rear seatback with ski bag facility.

Power comes from a 2.4-litre DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine with 176bhp and 170lb ft of torque – the only engine available – but there’s no diesel option, which is a shame.

Luxuries include leather interior, much-needed heated electric front seats, dual zone climate control, rain sensitive wipers, sunroof, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry, sport suspension and a host of other features.

Handily positioned spaces for smaller items include an illuminated glove box, a double-layer compartment under the centre-console armrest and an instrument panel centre box that’s ideal for an iPod, housing the USB port and power socket.

Unlike its rivals, such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Kizashi comes with four-wheel drive.

Suzuki’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (I-AWD) allows you to switch from two-wheel to four-wheel drive at a press of a button.

This model also had the added benefit of winter tyres, which after the first snowfall of the winter were very welcome indeed.

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, Electronic Stability Programme, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and a reinforced rigid chassis for added stability and control.

With crisp and nimble handling, it’s a very smooth and comfortable ride, and the shape and position of the seats also help to support a natural posture, a key factor in comfortable long-distance travel.

It is, however, a little bit thirsty – just 34mpg on the combined cycle.

Fact File:
Car:
Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 i-AWD CVT
On the road: £21,995
0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
Top speed: 127mph
Fuel: 34mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 191g/km