From the outside things look promising for the Suzuki Liana. A striking front end, a more startling rear, and even the badge has a story to tell.

The Liana -- an acronym of Life In A New Age -- is a contender in one of the hardest-fought sectors of the car market. It is well-built, smartly styled, spacious, comfortable and lively and but its price tag could prove its biggest disadvantage.

Fierce competition in the sector has placed plenty of pressure on pricing, but the cheapest Liana comes in at a shade under £10,000.

It certainly has stylish, smoothly-contoured flair, mature mini-MPV looks and a smooth free-revving 1.6-litre engine. You can hardly believe it comes from the same company that produces the boxy Wagon R+. On the move, it is clear that Suzuki has cut the noise from the road and drive-train, which had been a feature of some of its former efforts. It handles well enough, has powerful brakes and the manual gearchange is light if a bit notchy.