IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SAFETY I was highly impressed with the easy-to-access Latch connectors in the Suzuki Kizashi. This, in combination with seat belt buckles on solid bases, should make this car particularly functional for small families. The only problem is that the actual amount of width between each of the rear seating positions was just a nano-smidge too tight, resulting in my daughter's booster seat encroaching upon the seat belt buckle receptor. Every time she got in the car it was a frustration. I ended up twisting around to reach behind me and scoot her booster seat out of the way so she could then have full access to the buckle.

A forward-facing convertible fits easily in the Kizashi. However, a rear-facing convertible runs into fit problems in the small backseat. To get the car seat installed correctly, the front passenger seat needs to be moved forward, which could be uncomfortable for taller passengers. A rear-facing infant-safety seat fit in the backseat without having to move the front passenger seat forward.

Standard antilock brakes, electronic stability and traction control systems, plus eight — yep, count them, eight — standard airbags (driver and front passenger front- and side-impact airbags, two rear side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows) make the Kizashi not only a great bargain, or "premium without the premium" as Suzuki claims, but also a safe bet for small families on the go.