Suzuki is the master of under-rated cars. For reasons unknown, Suzuki just does not spring to mind when you start talking cars. But it should! Suzuki has an excellent reputation and their products deserve very serious consideration.

There are currently two models in the Suzuki passenger car line-up, the Ignis and the Liana. Our test car is the larger of the two models, the Liana. The Liana GS is available as a hatch or as a sedan. We tested the manual sedan for a week and covered some 875 kms around Sydney and Newcastle.

Looking at the Liana, you notice the appearance is somewhat 'slab-sided', but with attractive wheels and a standard 'body kit' it has that certain "grows on you" type appeal. The Liana sedan is some 4.23 metres long. That makes it a larger small car, thus providing a roomy interior. This is an impressive feature of this model. A relatively roomy front-wheel drive sedan for $19,990! Excellent value for those who require space in a sub-20 package!

Power is provided by a 1.8 litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The test car had manual transmission. Automatic transmission is optional. Brakes are discs up front, drums at the rear. Suspension is fully independent.

The Liana is a well equipped car. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, power windows, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, outside temperature reading, height adjustable driver's seat, front fog lights, 15" aluminium wheels, driver's footrest, dual airbags, interior boot release, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer and a visible vehicle identity number. The audio system, which includes 7 speakers, has a CD player.

Suzuki tests indicate the fuel usage (litres/100 kms) for the manual sedan is 9.7/6.0/7.4 respective for the urban/extra-urban/combined cycles.

Suzuki has done it again! This roomy small car, priced at just $19,990 (plus on-roads) is very well equipped and it has satisfying driving characteristics which makes it well worthy of increased sales.