THE Suzuki Jimny Estate, the compact SUV that has provided so many customers with their first taste of 4x4 motoring, now benefits from a major facelift and at no extra cost.

With a fully refreshed and redesigned interior, sparkling new VVT engine, and just £9,999 on the road for the manual transmission model and £10,782 for the automatic, it remains the bargain of the SUV sector.

As fresh and distinctive as ever, the Jimny is every inch the compact, chunky SUV that backs up style with substance, as capable of tackling forays off the beaten track as it is at handling the urban cut and thrust.

The variable valve timing of its new Euro IV-compliant, 16-valve 1.3 litre engine ensures lively performance and strong fuel economy.

Output rises from 82 to 85PS, while the 81lb/ft of torque is now delivered at 4,100rpm, to give a flatter torque curve - near maximum torque is provided from as low as 2,500 rpm - and improved flexibility.

It's complemented by brand-new five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions, offering slicker changes and revised ratios perfectly matched to the characteristics of the all-alloy engine.

In everyday terms the benefits are significant, with combined cycle consumption improving from 36.2 to 38.7 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions down from 184 to 174 g/km (automatic from 34.9 to 36.2 mpg and 189 to 184 g/km respectively). The manual Jimny is also quicker to 62 mph, down from 16.8 to 14.1 seconds.

Inside, it's all change, with stylish new fabrics and finishes, new front and rear seat designs providing greater support and comfort, and a new steering wheel and fresh instrument panel featuring red illumination.

Automatic transmission-equipped models get a new centre console and gear selector gate, while both manual and automatic models now feature push button selection of the four-wheel drive system, located below the heating controls.

This replaces the separate lever previously positioned behind the main gearshift. Finally, a new audio unit, with easy-to-use controls and a CD player is fully integrated within the stylish, all-new dash.

From the outside the latest Jimny can be distinguished by its new five-spoke alloy wheels and fog lamps set into the front bumper, both now fitted as standard rather than an option. The central locking system also features remote operation as standard for the first time.

The Jimny Estate continues to offer high levels of standard equipment, including power assisted steering, front electric windows, electric mirrors, radio/CD player, ABS and EBD, selectable four-wheel drive with high and low ratios and automatic free wheeling hubs, front seatbelt pretensioners and driver and front passenger airbags.

As the entry level to Suzuki's extensive range of SUVs, the Jimny Estate remains the perfect introduction for those wishing to sample the adventure of 4x4 motoring, thanks to the breadth of its capabilities and its compact dimensions.

When required, it can be readily taken over more demanding terrain, with the rugged and distinctive styling underpinned by a separate chassis, Drive Select 4x4 system and all-round coil suspension.

The youthful, bold looks and 'wheel in each corner' styling have brought a loyal following and make the Jimny as enjoyable to be seen in as it is to drive.

The neat, modern, practical look is enhanced by curving body panels, body-side protective mouldings and bumpers, all colour coded to match or contrast with the paint finish. Integral roof rails emphasise the roof contours, giving additional functionality with a range of roof rack accessory options available.