They do things rather differently at Suzuki: their car range is hardly typical in the tightly packed British market – and their new flagship, the Kizashi, clearly demonstrates the point.

Suzuki place this sleek but conservatively styled four-door saloon at the lower end of the Mondeo-size sector, though brochure browsers might detect more affinity with the upper end of the Focus and Astra segment.

The Kizashi has a commendable near-premium feel in its general execution, with neat external styling touches, tight build quality, clear instruments and a leather trimmed interior hampered only by some slightly ill-at-ease fascia plastics.

Just one version is offered, featuring a 2.4-litre 178 horsepower, four cylinder petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission and selectable four wheel drive.

The Kizashi is a saloon where mainstream UK prefers hatchbacks, but its nonetheless near-unique in its market slot: that won't bring high volume sales, but its niche charm delivers definite appeal. On the road there's solid and plentiful accelerative performance, and up to moderate speeds the engine is very refined – often hardly audible.

The CVT transmission works well, through revs rise quickly on depressing the accelerator – the engine in turn becoming noticeably more vocal until pressure is released and power demand is moderated.

However six "manual" ratios are selectable via the gear lever or steering wheel "paddles", allowing advantageous power use on more difficult roads. It's a sporty and surprisingly spirited power unit: happily the comparatively modest low revs pulling power is effectively masked by the CVT transmission.

Sport suspension delivers a firmish ride which nonetheless remains generally comfortable: there's quite noticeable road and suspension noise at times on poorer surfaces, so potholes and trenches are rather audible – but conversely, higher speed cruising seems quite relaxed.

Cornering prowess in competent, grip is good and traction not an issue with four-wheel drive always available. However the wheel itself is over-large, and a marked absence of road feel doesn't help driver inspiration. Inside there's genuine space for five and no shortage of rear legroom: the front compartment seems quite spacious, seating is comfortable and visibility adequate – though irritatingly the car's structure restricts visibility over the driver's right shoulder.

Bootspace includes the versatility of a 60/40 split rear seat: capacity is a very useful 461 litres but the access aperture is fairly restricted, and the lid does tend to get in the way.

Equipment rates as comprehensive: ESP and seven airbags are included, the front seats are heated and have electric adjustment, there's a multi-adjustable steering column, all round electric windows and mirrors, rain sensing wipers, climate and cruise controls, xenon headlights, striking alloy wheels and front and rear park assist; though oddly passenger seat height adjustment is absent.

Wisely the Kizashi doesn't set out to challenge the accepted mainstream norm of a notoriously tough market sector, and though perhaps of slightly uneven ability, it nonetheless emerges as a likeable car – from a company that prefers to do things differently.