The Suzuki SX4 Crossover is available with all-wheel drive and that distinguishes it among the herd of compacts. The world's top rally cars use all-wheel drive for its superior traction and Suzuki has been running the SX4 in the World Rally Championship. In other words, the SX4 has the basic ingredients for a solid performance car.

The all-wheel drive system, called i-AWD, operates in three modes via a console-mounted switch. The 2WD mode is for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement, the AWD Auto mode controls the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels from 0 to 50 percent, depending on available traction, and the AWD Lock mode is designed to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud. In the Lock mode, power is distributed to the rear wheels in the range of 30 percent to 50 percent. When the car reaches 36 mph in AWD Lock mode, the system automatically switches to AWD Auto mode.

We're not sure why there's a 2WD mode as the fuel savings have to be minimal and it means the driving feel changes when you switch to or from the automatic mode. It seems much more sensible to have the benefits available at all times so that in an emergency situation one has all four wheels doing the work. The lock mode is useful for really adverse conditions at slow speeds. Maybe it helps in tight parking lots, though we didn't notice any binding in AWD Auto.

We found both body styles fun to drive with the manual transmission, though the gearshift throws are a little long and rubbery. The SX4 could do with a sixth gear as we found ourselves wanting to up shift several times as we drove on straight highways and freeways. Around the twisty bits, however, just shifting through the gate between second, third and fourth gear was fine. Zero to 60 mph acceleration times are in the 10-second range, so the SX4 is not particularly quick.

We only tried an automatic for a short distance and the shifting seemed smooth. The SX4 sedan achieves a slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy rating with the automatic than it does with the manual: 23/31 mpg City/Highway for the automatic, compared to 22/30 mpg for the manual. In the Crossover, the fuel economy numbers are the same 21/28 mpg no matter what transmission is chosen.

In the Crossover, the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering feels fine with virtually no sign of torque steer. It isn't crisp but it's far from sloppy. The steering in the Sport is a little sharper, and some minor torque steer can arise if you stomp on the throttle in the middle of a turn.

The brakes seemed fine. Anti-lock brakes are optional, but we recommend getting them because the ABS helps the driver maintain steering control in a panic braking situation.

Overall handling is competent in both body styles, thanks in part to a long wheelbase and a wide track. All-wheel-drive models grip much better on slippery surfaces, and the AWD system can help stabilize the handling even on a dry road. The sedan lacks all-wheel drive, but its lower ride height and tauter suspension make it more nimble than the Crossover.

Both body styles have a relatively high seating position, which makes the SX4's moderate body lean more pronounced. However, once the SX4 shifts its weight in a corner, it takes a set and tracks nicely through the turn.

Those who like a soft cushy ride might like the Crossover but find the Sport a little too stiff for their liking. Broken pavement can cause the Sport to jiggle, while a series of larger humps can create some bounding motions. Still, the Sport is not uncomfortable; it's just stiffer than most of its competitors.