WITH interest in 4x4s spiralling when we get a taste of Arctic weather Suzuki will be hoping the snow and ice which brought parts of Britain to a standstill might prompt a surge of interest in its face-lifted SX4.

Branded by Suzuki as the original compact crossover the Japanese marque hopes more people will be turned on to the character and capabilities of this small SUV that they feel punches above its weight.

In truth there aren't too many changes to a vehicle that so far at least isn't among Suzuki's biggest sellers.

On the outside the changes are fairly minimal, the main one being a new front bumper that aims to reinforce the SX4's identity, mainly through a new mesh grille.

The main changes come under the skin, with a raft of measures to reduce engine noise and revised engines that follow the current trend to boost performance and economy, while at the same time reducing emissions.

In the petrol model performance and fuel economy are up by ten per cent with emissions reduced by 13 per cent

The SX4's a cosmopolitan character when it comes to engines, with a variety made by Suzuki, Peugeot and Fiat.

The core 1.6 petrol model, which is the biggest seller, has the Suzuki unit with a Peugeot unit powering the 1.6 DDiS diesel model. Previously there was a 1.9-litre Fiat diesel engine in the most powerful model but that is now discontinued.

UK bosses are still evaluating whether to offer a model with a new 2.0-litre Fiat diesel - essentially it will come down to whether they reckon punters will pay the required premium, though it is a model available elsewhere in Europe.

Specification names have been changed from GLX and the like to a more uniform SZ3, SZ4 and SZ5. All are generously equipped, even the SZ3 has electric windows front and rear, while the SZ5 comes with four-wheel-drive, privacy glass and a six CD changer.

As it stands there is only one 4x4 option available - the 1.6 petrol model - all-wheel-drive is not available on the 1.6-diesel. But with a combined fuel economy figure of 43.5mpg it's a vehicle where petrol represents an easy and an economic choice.

Although not radically different the refreshed SX4 feels well put together and could be summed up as a car which offers quality and capability at a reasonable price.

It feels good on the road and one of its strengths is its nicely weighted and responsive steering.

Prices start at £11,650 for the petrol 1.6 SZ3, a competitive price for a car that can serve as a family motor.

Prices are yet to be confirmed for the 4x4 petrol model and the two-wheel-drive diesel but as an indicator a higher-spec petrol-powered SZ4 with automatic transmission would set you back £13,280.

If the go-ahead is given for the 2.0-litre diesel a 4x4 version of it is likely to cost in the region of £15,000.

Four-wheel drive does give an added dimension through enhanced handling capabilities, particularly in the snow, though to be fair even the two-wheel drive version has a sure-footed feel.

And with a 4x4 of this size you don't need to make any apologies to the environmental lobby, particularly if it does more than 40 miles to the gallon and has emissions of just 149g/km.

Two wheel drive versions are available now, with the 4x4 available in April. It features the switchable i-AWD system to enable just the front wheels to be used for everyday motoring, automatic switching between the two or permanent four-wheel-drive.