Suzuki's SX4 already has plenty of Italian influence - it was developed with Fiat, after all - but it now contains a slug of French too, in the shape of a Peugeot-sourced diesel engine.

The new oil-burning motor, a 1.6-litre unit, produces 89bhp and 159lb ft of torque. It adds a lower-cost diesel option to the SX4's range, because it joins the existing 118bhp unit instead of replacing it. Suzuki claims that the new unit will propel the front-drive SX4 from 0-62mph in 12.2sec and on to a top speed of 109mph, while returning 53.3mpg on the combined cycle, and producing 139g/km of CO2 emissions.

Spec for the baby diesel is similar to the 1.6 GL petrol model - but the £11,999 1.6 DDiS adds manual air conditioning, heated door mirrors, 16in alloy wheels, roof rails, front fog lights and wheelarch extensions.