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Suzuki is striving to combine its image as a builder of premium, high-performance motorcycles with its less-illustrious reputation for small cars and SUVs. Check out the TV ads showing such things as a Suzuki car casting a motorcycle shadow. Or the one where a Suzuki SUV and a Suzuki motorcycle rush toward8 each other across a broad expanse, both skidding dramatically to a stop. The attractive young male and female riders/drivers switch vehicles and roar off again. None too subtle but quite effective. New for 2007, the little SX4 hatchback makes a statement about the future of Suzuki cars, linking it closer to the sport-bike fun factor. No one will mistake the performance of a subcompact runabout with a race-bred motorcycle, but the siren song aimed at the young and adventurous is apparent. At $15,000, SX4 is the cheapest vehicle sold in the United States with all-wheel drive, opening up possibilities for driving in snow or dirt roads. The quirky styling is both sporty and practical, and the 143-horsepower engine provides plenty of punch for lengthy road trips. There’s a clear resemblance to the Scion xA, but SX4 is larger, more substantial and better suited for highway driving. The Suzuki competes with a new generation of tiny cars, including Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit and Chevy Aveo. But you only find all-wheel drive when you get into the ranks of higher-price compacts, such as Subaru Impreza or Toyota Matrix.

PERFORMANCE: The 2-liter engine is strong and refined, with decent acceleration and competent cruising capability. The Suzuki is impressive on the highway, considering its small size, although the fifth gear should be taller for more relaxed cruising and better fuel mileage. Mileage was decent, with the trip computer registering about 27.mpg in mixed city and highway driving. That’s not quite the economy as other teeny hatchbacks, but it’s the trade-off for extra power and weight.

DRIVABILITY: The stubby car was fun to drive, cruising comfortably and never feeling outgunned by larger vehicles. The suspension is compliant, smoothing out bumps and road irregularities, but that takes some of the edge off the handling and road feel. The all-wheel drive system has three positions: front-drive for maximum economy; AWD Automatic for road-going traction; and AWD Lock for the best traction in snow or mud.

STYLING: Suzuki has come a long way in vehicle styling, from boxy, minimalistic craft to a sharp new group of sleek cars and SUVs. SX4 replaces the Aerio, which took plenty of hits for its awkward appearance. Despite its tall glass and stubby back end, SX4 looks appealing sporty and well-built. The 16-inch alloy wheels look sharp.

INTERIOR: With its tall roofline and wide stance, SX4 feels surprisingly roomy inside, and you quickly forget its short length. The cargo space behind the rear seat is tiny, though. The back seat folds to boost space, but the folding is clumsy and requires the front seats to be moved forward. The interior feels solid and nicely trimmed, with a high level of features even on the base model. Add the sport package for about $1,500 more, and you get such niceties as cruise control, leather steering wheel, upgraded audio, automatic climate control and fog lights.

BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed this little car and was impressed by its road manners. With all-wheel drive included, the price is right.

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door compact wagon, all-wheel drive. Engine: 2-liter inline four, 143 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, 136 pound-feet torque at 3,500 rpm. Transmission: Five-speed manual. Wheelbase: 98.4 inches. Overall length: 162.8 inches. Curb weight: 2,849 pounds. EPA rating: 23 city, 28 highway.

HIGHS: Nice drivability, good standard equipment, distinctive styling. LOWS: Cramped cargo area, awkward rear-seat folding, needs taller fifth gear.

Pricing Base price: $14,999. Price as tested: $15,594.

OPTIONS -The base model comes complete with all-wheel drive, electric windows and mirrors, remote locking, audio system with CD and MP3 hookup, side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes and 16-inch alloy wheels. -Shipping, $595.