Suzuki SX4 Review

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport Sedan Shown

While Suzuki makes class-leading motorcycles that are desired from Okinawa to Omaha, its luck in the automobile market has been less than stellar. Most recent models have essentially been rebadged Daewoos. One exception is the Suzuki SX4, a compact car that proves the small Japanese company now makes better cars when it takes on the project itself. While it's not quite as fun as Suzuki's two-wheeled vehicles, the SX4 is nevertheless a thoroughly competent and well-made small car.

Considering that Americans still overwhelmingly prefer sedans to hatchbacks, the new-for-2008 sedan model gives the Suzuki SX4 an advantage over other subcompact cars that are offered only with a hatch. The standard all-wheel drive on the hatchback also gives the SX4 a decided advantage, as do both models' impressive build quality and sporty styling. However, its 143-horsepower four-cylinder engine struggles with the hefty curb weight, and fuel economy is consequently below average as a result. If your top priority is having a fuel-sipping compact, the SX4 is not the best choice. Yet while other subcompacts may lean toward either sportiness or comfort, the Suzuki SX4 does a good job of providing both, with the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a sedan model.

Current Suzuki SX4

The Suzuki SX4 debuted for the 2007 model year. It's offered in four-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles that actually differ from each other quite a bit. The hatch is aimed at a more rugged, active lifestyle, with standard all-wheel drive, SUV-like body cladding and a taller ride height. The front-wheel-drive sedan is 110 pounds lighter than the hatch (thanks to the deletion of AWD), has different suspension tuning, a sporty body kit and is 15 inches longer despite sharing the same wheelbase.

Underneath its sporty exterior lies a platform shared with the award-winning Suzuki Swift sold in Europe and Japan. This translates into a car with ride and handling characteristics seemingly fashioned for those locales. The ride is on the firm side, but in an upscale sort of way, absorbing bumps and undulating pavement with impressive composure. Its steering is also tight and direct, offering one of the more fun driving experiences in this segment.

For those in colder climes, the SX4 hatchback should prove attractive, as it is the least expensive all-wheel-drive car on the market. Featuring three modes, the AWD system can be configured for maximum traction or fuel economy. AWD Auto is like many crossover SUV systems that shunt power to the rear wheels only when front-wheel slippage is detected. AWD Lock is for lower speeds through snow or mud, while FWD mode is best for fuel economy. In most cases, that's the mode of choice, since neither body style achieves good fuel economy numbers for this class.

The interior is one of the Suzuki SX4's best attributes, sporting a simple, user-friendly design and top-notch materials. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD/MP3 player and a six-way manual driver seat that provides good space for taller drivers. The SX4 Sport trim adds luxurious niceties like automatic climate control, cruise control, SmartPass keyless entry and ignition, a trip computer and a premium audio system with six-CD changer, subwoofer and steering wheel controls. Although not as versatile as some other subcompact hatchbacks, the SX4 does offer plenty of rear passenger room and cargo space thanks to a flip-and-fold backseat that's placed high atop the floor for so-called "stadium seating."

Changes to the Suzuki SX4 lineup since its debut include the addition of the front-wheel drive SX4 Sport sedan in '08; in its first year of production, the SX4 was offered only as an all-wheel-drive hatchback.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.