Mother Proof's view

Are you looking for a cheap all-wheel-drive vehicle? Well, look no further than Suzuki’s brand-new 2007 SX4, the lowest priced all-wheel-drive car sold in the U.S. My test vehicle is priced at an astounding $14,999. Typically, my descriptive informational sheet on vehicle pricing includes two sections: base price and price as tested (and there’s usually quite a discrepancy between the two figures). On Suzuki’s informational sheet, everything was included; base price and price as tested were one and the same: That magic number of $14,999.

Car-seat installation was a breeze, particularly because the shape of the seat seemed to fit my Britax car seat perfectly. It was also easy to find and reach the Latch connectors. Of course, an upside to a tiny car like this is that once the kids are secured in their child restraints, I can effortlessly hand off snacks and sippy cups to the rear.

As I packed to take my 5-year-old skiing, I folded down part of the Suzuki SX4’s 60/40-split rear seat and managed to squeeze both my son’s gear and mine into the vehicle’s interior. Heading up to the mountains, I started my journey in two-wheel drive. Once I detected snowier roads, I simply pushed a button to switch the car into “Intelligent” all-wheel drive, meaning the car did the thinking about when I needed the all-wheel drive and when I didn’t, and I just got to stick to driving. Kind of like my crock pot … it intelligently, magically cooks my dinner to perfection, letting me just focus on setting the table (versus setting off the smoke detectors, as I did last night – after addressing barefooted children in the snow at frostbite temperatures, mysterious toilet-flushing behavior and a couple of ouchies, my dinner was reduced to billowing smoke and ferocious bubbling, resembling a science experiment gone awry; needless to say, I am always intrigued by anything “intelligent,” whether cooking or driving). But back to the all-wheel drive. If I’m badly stuck in snow or mud, I have the option of overriding the Intelligent all-wheel drive by switching into All-Wheel Drive Lock to get me out of the sticky situation.

Passing an accident on the interstate, I feel content knowing that Suzuki’s rock-bottom price doesn’t skimp on its airbag package. There’s plenty to protect my son and I, between the front-seat mounted side airbags, the front advanced airbags, and the front and rear side curtain airbags.

Curious at how rapidly the outdoor temperature was decreasing as I headed to higher elevations, (knowing full well that there was a direct correlation between it and the duration of our outdoor adventure), I found myself repeatedly looking at the temperature/clock display. I’m pleased to say that it is in a perfect location for quick glances, unlike other cars where I’ve had to search or spend an extra split-second deciphering an archaic display.

Otherwise, I found the features in the Suzuki SX4 very basic, which is to be expected in this price range. Unfortunately, there is no center console, which leaves me stranded with respect to my overflowing auxiliary gear. The passenger seat began to resemble a disheveled motel room as I stored my purse, extra jackets, wipes, snacks, cell phone, planner, pen and loose paperwork on it. Furthermore, the lack of a center console means I didn’t have anything to rest my elbow on, and I ended up wedging my arm against the seat while resting my hand on the emergency break. Oddly enough, given the circumstances, I’m surprised how well this worked.

When looking through the owner’s manual, I noted that it’s housed in a nice portfolio, including inserts for insurance or emergency road service cards. In addition, I can make use of a clip on the driver visor for any other cards.

The Suzuki SX4 doesn’t have that “cheapest on the block” look, and I actually like its clever little shape. I might not be able to keep up with red-light/green-light racers as I put the pedal to the metal (and wait for it to get up to speed), but the bottom line is I can get a cute 2007 all-wheel-drive vehicle for c-h-e-a-p.

*For more information on the Suzuki SX4 and its safety features, visit www.cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny

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

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Some