Sector: Supermini Price: £11,516–£13,116 Fuel: 51.3mpg CO2: 126g/km

Suzuki is really sticking to its strengths with the Swift 4×4. The carmaker may be a relatively small player in the UK market, but it’s known for doing two things exceedingly well – small cars and all-wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive Swifts aren’t new, Suzuki has been selling these in selected markets all over the world for almost three decades, but it’s the first time since the Eighties that British buyers have had the option. With several harsh winters behind us, the carmaker believes now is the right time to add it to the UK range as part of a mid-cycle cosmetic refresh.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.2-litre 16v engine, the only one available from launch while the carmaker tests demand for a diesel, paired with a mechanical four-wheel drive system which automatically sends power to the back axle when required. Not only is this light, at a mere 65kg, but by avoiding complicated electronically controlled systems it’s also cheap.

In the UK, four-wheel drive will be available on two versions. The SZ3 4×4 costs £1,000 more than its identical-looking two-wheel drive sibling, while the SZ4 features crossover-esque body cladding and silver skid plates, widening the price gap by a further £500 compared to the two-wheel drive SZ4. Both also feature 25mm raised suspension for extra ground clearance off road.

Naturally the Swift isn’t up to the off-road prowess of Jimny, but traction and ride quality off road were both impressive. The extra weight does, however, blunt on-road performance. It’ll pull itself up steep inclines, but don’t expect to get anywhere quickly.

Suzuki has modest sales plans of around 500 units per year, expecting fleet demand to come largely from rural NHS trusts where they’ll keep staff moving in winter. It’s a niche model, but a useful one for those who need the extra traction of an SUV, without the extra size.