By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 15, 2008Vehicle Overview
The Suzuki SX4 is derived from an established overseas model, the Swift, and boasts a generous list of standard safety features. It's available as the Sport sedan or the Crossover hatchback. Both compete with other small vehicles such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Mazda3.
New for 2009
Both models get standard navigation units. A front-wheel-drive Crossover version and a lower-priced base sedan version of the SX4 sedan are now available.
Exterior
From the B-pillar forward, the SX4 Sport is a dead ringer for the SX4 Crossover, featuring the same stylishly assertive face with creased bodywork. The sedan has a distinctive profile thanks to its 60.8-inch-high roof, which is taller than those of competitors like the Focus, Civic and Mazda3. The Crossover has 16-inch wheels standard; 17-inchers are standard on the sedan.
- Athletic appearance
- Four-door sedan or hatchback
- Optional heated door mirrors (Sport)
Interior
The backseat is workable for an adult, both in headroom and legroom. The backseat is split 60/40 and can be both folded flat and tumbled forward to free cargo space in both models. Even with the backseat raised, cargo volume in the Crossover is 16 cubic feet -- 54 cubic feet with the seats folded. The SX4 Sport's trunk is a sizable 15 cubic feet, which is larger than its competitor sedans.
- Standard navigation unit
- Standard driver and passenger armrests
- Available Bluetooth capability
- Optional heated seats (Crossover)
- Optional automatic climate control (Sport)
Under the Hood
Both SX4 models use the same powertrain, except that the Crossover has available all-wheel drive. The sedan and Crossover's EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from 21 to 23 mpg in the city and 28 to 30 mpg on the highway. When compared to estimates from the SX4 Sport's key competitors, the Suzuki ranks near the bottom of the pack. For the first time, a two-wheel-drive version of the Crossover is available, which provides slightly better mileage than the all-wheel-drive model. Two-wheel-drive Crossovers also have a larger fuel tank than all-wheel-drive versions.
- 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder with 136 pounds-feet of torque
- Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
- Front- or all-wheel drive
Safety
An electronic stability system is optional on the sedan and standard on the Crossover.
Standard features include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Front and side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | November 21, 2008 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | August 15, 2008 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | March 1, 2009 |
| Sherrice Gilsbach | Mother Proof | February 23, 2009 |
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