Vehicle: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan Sport with 4-speed automatic transmission
Price as tested: CDN$21345

Performance: Suzuki econoboxes of yesterday have always been known for their unrefined performance. Beyond unrefined, underpowered is another issue with this company’s little motors. Since the introduction of the SX4, all those have become history. Like this SX4 sedan, even though its 143 horses and 136 lb/ft of torque from its 2.0 liter motor are not the best-in-class. It certainly gives Suzuki’s motor a much better reputation than before. Its not only responsive and willing, its as refined and smooth as anything from the Japanese top-tiers. The 4-speed auto gearbox always keeps this DOHC engine in sweetspot, its also willing to rev on high rpms which can only dream about in Suzuki a few years ago.

Handling: Unlike the SX4 hatchback, which rides on a slightly softer setting. The sedan uses stiffer sports suspension which gives SX4 an even more impressive dynamic package. The steering is precise and accurate, with plenty of feedback for the driver. As expect from an econocar, safe understeer will rear its ugly heads at the edge of the limits. With SX4’s solid setting, its a truly confidence-inspiring little package. Its swift and docile in the twisties without sacificing its comfortable ride, which similar to the softer hatchback silibings. Best of all, its fun-to-drive without all those blendness usually associate with economy cars.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, SX4 brakes as confidently as it eats through corners. The whole braking system is sure-footness and reassuring without any kinds of numbness.

Interior: Along with the usual clear instrumentation gauges and nice velour seats, SX4 also comes with standard semi-automatic climate control and very pleasing interior ambience. The use of materials and fit-and-finish are Suzuki’s best efforts. With tasteful aluminum trim decorates the black interior really makes the interior a nice place to be.

However, when it comes to trunk access, SX4 is a letdown. There is no remote keyless entry nor any exterior trunk handle. When you are holding a huge baggage or lots of groceries, you have to put them down onto the floor. Use the remote keyless entry to open all the doors, get inside the car and use the remote release. When it comes to space itself, the trunk opening is high and cut-off swallow. In this case, you really have to go for hatchback when looking for practicality.

Conclusion: The SX4 is a surprising little package. Its not only performs surprisingly well, even without hatchback’s all-mode AWD, its equipment level will put many of more expensive cars to shame. Before you are going to Suzuki showroom, you have to decide one or two things. If you want the sportier sedan, you have to sacifice the versatility of AWD and hatchback configuration. On the other hand, a hatchback provides better all-weather traction but without the grunt and nimbleness of a sedan.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5