2011 Suzuki Kizashi

For all its radical lines, the Kizashi’s nose is pretty conventional. The sporty wire mesh grille is typically Suzuki, and big headlights make it look like a grown-up SX4 from head-on. But look closer at the rest of the car and funkier lines start to emerge. This design has a Swift-like vibe to it and the compact and sporty dimensions seem to grow on you the more you look at them. We particularly like the chromed-over alloys, the bulging wheel arches, the tight- fitting roof and especially the heavily sculpted rear, with its integrated boot lip spoiler and chrome exhaust brackets.

The Kizashi has been positioned as a sportier alternative to cars like the Accord at one end and as a larger, more spacious alternative to cars like the Skoda Laura at the other. And Suzuki wants drivers to enjoy this car. The all-round independent suspension comes attached to rigid sub-frames and you get an impressive 176bhp under your right foot.

Maruti however has diluted some of this sportiness for India. You don’t get the stiff setup present in other markets, the suspension has been raised by 15mm to help deal with Indian roads better, and the four-wheel-drive system has been deleted as well.