Suzuki Auto Co – Queensland's independent Suzuki distributor - launched both vehicles to the motoring media at the Mt Cotton Driver Training Facility, south of Brisbane. The inclusion of the Liana name in Queensland separates the all wheel drive SX4 AWD from the two-wheel-drive-only Liana. In all states but Queensland the 2WD variant will be known as the SX4 while the all wheel drive model will continue with the SX4 AWD naming.

Names aside, the new Liana (SX4) and SX4 AWD will share the new 2.0 litre, four valves per cylinder Variable Valve Timing engine as well as new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission and a new six speed manual transmission. Liana will come in sedan and hatchback models while the SX4 AWD is hatch only.

The 2010 version of the SX4 AWD will be available in two equipment grades – GLX and S-Series –while there is an entry level Liana GLX hatch and S-Series hatch and sedan. Pricing starts at $20,490 (before on road costs) for the Liana and $23,490 for the SX4 AWD.

In addition to the new engine and transmission options the SX4 AWD has been given a minor facelift for the 2010 model year: there's a new egg-crate style front grille, new colours, new instrument cluster with more information, improved illumination for the steering wheel switches, new black seat fabric, front seat arm rests, extra padding for the door arm rests, centre mounted dashboard speaker, MP3 socket, single fold rear seat (was a tumble fold) and new automatic air-conditioner control panel.

Suzuki has not only added the CVT transmission but also the optional changing methods with a traditional sequential shifter plus F1 style steering-wheel mounted paddles on the higher grade models. The CVT automatically gives the driver a near-unlimited number of transmission ratios. These are controlled according to engine torque, gear speed, load, the driver's input through the throttle and shift lever or brakes. The system is identical in the Liana.

Both cars also have the new six speed manual transmission for those who like doing the work themselves. On all models of both the Liana (SX4) and SX4 AWD the CVT transmission plus other upgrades add $2000 to the bottom line over the cost of the six speed manual. The new engine has a 21 per cent power advantage over the old Liana. The CVT slashes the previous figure for Liana automatic from 8.5 litres/100 km to 7.6 litres/100 km in the 2010 model.

Suzuki Auto Co managing director, Keith Carroll said those wanting iPod as well as Bluetooth were catered for by these being on the optional accessories list. “Liana's overall value packaging, specifications, price, performance, four doors, and elevated seating position were cornerstones of it's market success,” he said. “More than 2600 were sold in Queensland. Liana now has an additional sporty flair as well as the performance and fuel economy advantages delivered by an entirely new range of engine and transmission combinations.”

Our first drive of the Liana (SX4) and SX4 AWD was confined to ABS tests runs, ESP wet-top testing and a short gymkhana run at the Mt Cotton facility. The new engine puts out a modest 112 kW at 6200 rpm and an equally modest 190 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm . As such this is not the fastest crossover or sedan on the market.

The Liana is a much sportier looking vehicle than that which Suzuki marketed here previously although it still sits a little high. Behind the wheel it is functional like all Suzuki product and the new CVT gets the most out of the engine. We like the tiptronic shifter which seems to harness the power in a more elegant way than simply leaving the car in auto with the fairly typical `slipping clutch' sensation you get with many CVT transmissions. The six speed manual is light and smooth. Despite the car's high stance it corners quite well, although both the SX4 AWD and the Liana have some body roll and both understeer under hard, tight cornering.

SX4 AWD

GLX hatch 2.0 L man $23,490 (incl GST)

GLX hatch 2.0 L CVT $25,490 “

S-Series hatch 2.0 L man $25,690 “

S-Series hatch 2.0 L CVT $27,690 “

GLX hatch 2.0 L man $20,490 “

GLX hatch 2.0 L CVT $22,490 “

S-Series hatch 2.0 L man $23,490 “

S-Series hatch 2.0 L CVT $25,490 “

S-Series sedan 2.0 L man $23,990 “

S-Series sedan 2.0 L CVT $25,490 “

(Prices do not include some Government and dealer charges)