Vehicle Overview The Suzuki SX4 is derived from an established overseas model, the Swift, and boasts a generous list of standard safety features. For 2008, a two-wheel drive Sport sedan joins the Crossover hatchback in the SX4 lineup. Both compete with other small vehicles such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Nissan Versa.
Exterior Despite a roomy interior and good safety ratings, the quirky-looking Aerio SX four-door hatchback never caught on in the U.S. The SX4 Crossover is less distinctive but more athletic looking. 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.
Interior The SX4’s interior improves somewhat over that of the Aerio, with more variation in the color pallet. 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 the Crossover. Even with the backseat raised, cargo volume is a respectable 9.5 cubic feet — 22 cubic feet with the seats folded in the Crossover. The SX4 Sport’s trunk is a sizable 14.3 cubic feet, which is larger than the cargo area of the Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.
Under the Hood The SX4 uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 143 horsepower. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual; a four-speed automatic is optional. All-wheel drive is standard with either gearbox in the Crossover. Sport models get the same transmission choices, but with front-wheel drive.
Estimated mileage is 21/28 mpg city/highway for the Crossover with either transmission. The sedan achieves an EPA-estimated 23/31 mpg with the automatic transmission and 22/30 mpg with the manual. When compared to estimates from the SX4 Sport’s key competitors, the Suzuki ranks near the bottom of the pack.
Safety All SX4s have four-wheel-disc antilock brakes; front and side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags. An electronic stability system is optional for all models.
