2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport
By Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com
Suzuki is a brand best known for its tough compact SUVs and motorcycles, and the brand has neverbeen one of the first names to jump to mind when considering compact cars. Oh, sure, the SuzukiSwift was an economy champ back in the day, and even a bit entertaining when turbocharged, but mostpeople remember that car as the Geo Metro. Suzuki’s non-truck offerings since then have beensomewhat forgettable, though the SX4 crossover, introduced in 2006, aims to change that.
The SX4 crossover distinguished itself by being one of the most affordable cars on the market tooffer all-wheel drive (AWD). It’s a high-roofed, short-nosed five-door subcompact that replacesthe quirky Aerio in Suzuki’s lineup. For 2008, the SX4 Sport sedan joins the lineup, offering atrunk-backed version. Unfortunately, the SX4 Sport also loses the AWD option. Trouble is, if youtake away the SX4′s hatchback and AWD and it’s just not particularly interesting any more.
At a glance, the SX4 doesn’t leave much of a first impression. It’s more conventional-lookingthan past Suzukis have been, with a blacked- out honeycomb grille, arched-eyebrow headlamps andshortish overhangs front and rear. At the rear, partially clear taillamps and a deep bumper givethe SX4 a contemporary, slightly custom look. 17-inch wheels are standard equipment on the SX4Sport. The tall greenhouse and familiar Suzuki dip at the base of the A-pillar offer a bit ofdistinction and keep the SX4 from looking too awkward, but the result is that this little cardoesn’t stand out, either.
Seating is tall, and you look out through a massive windshield over red-backlit gauges. The SX4Sport will carry four passengers in comfort.
The tall roof provides ample headroom, and the seating position is comfortable. Unlike many ofits rich-feeling competitors, Suzuki’s compact feels like its price bracket, with cheap-ish plasticon the dash and economy-grade materials. That said, its well-built and there is some bang for thebuck to be found here. Trivia: Suzuki claims that the SX4 has the roomiest trunk in its class.My test car also featured steering wheel audio controls, a tire pressure monitoring system,automatic climate control, an exterior temperature gauge and a fuel economy gauge, all of whichhave traditionally been unheard of in entry-level cars. Ditto the available keyless entry andstart system. The SX4 is XM satellite radio-ready, can be had with Bluetooth connectivity, and itshead unit can read MP3s as well as standard CDs. A six-disc changer with a subwoofer is available.Side and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment.
The 2.0 liter four-cylinder needs a bit of revving to get it moving.
The SX4′s DOHC powerplant makes 143 horsepower, which is just a bit below average these days fora subcompact. The car’s relatively light weight makes up for some of this deficit, but the SX4isn’t going to be joining the ranks of “hot” compact sports cars any time soon. Getting the mostout of the little engine requires an aggressive foot and the standard five-speed manualtransmission. A four-speed automatic is also available.
Once rolling, the SX4 Sport does a fine job of nipping through traffic. The suspension isstandard economy car fare, circa 2001:
MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam rear. The handling is nimble enough, thanks to asport-lkte suspension that’s been lowered 10 millimeters from SX4 Crossover spec and features KYBsport shocks and stabilizer bars, and the standard anti-lock brakes are good enough. It’s by nomeans a distinguished handler, but Suzuki doesn’t seem to have aimed for the bottom of the barreleither. It’s a bit prone to wandering on the freeway, especially in strong crosswinds.
When it’s not trying to change direction, the ride is smooth and comfortable. The optionalstability control available on SX4 Touring models might have calmed the my tester’s handlingsomewhat.
It’s a few steps better than “good enough,” and should please economy- minded buyers on a budget. Then again, it’s not much fun to step out of a car and say to myself, “Well, I’ve driven worse.”The SX4 is competent, but doesn’t offer much reason to distinguish itself from the rest of thesubcompact herd except for a reasonable price and a lot of headroom. It’s aimed at drivers who areavoiding the imaginary stigma of a Korean nameplate but still want something less spendy than aCivic or Corolla, and the SX4 will deliver nicely for those folks. Without the availability ofall-wheel drive it loses some distinction, but makes up for that with a lower bottom line andexcellent warranty coverage–seven years or 100,000 miles with zero deductible on the powertrain.With a bottom line of $15,270 on my SX4 sedan test car, which included a healthy list of standardequipment, the SX4 is an appealing alternative indeed.
Specifications:
Length: 177.6 in.
Width: 68.1 in.
Height: 60.8 in.
Wheelbase: 98.4 in.
Curb weight: 2668 lb.
Cargo space: 15.0 cu.ft.
Base price: $14,770
Price as tested: $15,270
Engine: 2.0 liter DOHC four-cylinder
Drivetrain: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 143 @ 5800
Torque: 136 @ 3500
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gal.
Est. mileage: 23/31
