Suzuki has come up with a new version of the lovely Swift hatchback that has an option that may sound like a bit of an overkill to most people. It is a fully automatic, permanent four-wheel-drive system. Watch out Range Rover Sport, right?

Not quite. The little Swift is not the kind of car you want to take off-road. The use of 4WD in this car is to provide you with extra grip and traction when you are driving it on slippery surfaces. The Swift is a hugely popular car, and many of its owners live in rural areas. And let’s be honest, UK’s weather is not always what you call pleasant. The surefooted feel of a 4WD car is a welcome thing.

The Swift 4×4 is distinguished over normal models by its raised ride height (25mm), front and rear skid plates, black wheel arch extensions and black side skirts, for extra protection. It is also 65 kg heavier than the 2WD model, which is like having a mid-size woman onboard all the time. It also emits 10 more CO2s (126 g/km).

The four-wheel-drive Swift comes only as a five-door, powered by the 1.2 liter engine, and in either SZ3 or SZ4 grades. Suzuki 4WD Swift is priced at £11,516 for SZ3 and £13,116 for the higher specified SZ4 model