Vehicle: 2010 Suzuki SX4 hatchback JLX AWD CVT
Price as tested: CDN$24695

Performance: The single biggest improvement to the revised SX4 has to be its automatic gearbox. In the past, we criticized its gearing is too high for low gears and lack a proper 5th gear for highway cruising. Suzuki addressed this problem by giving us a CVT gearbox. What makes modern CVT so appealing in any senses is their gearless sensation, which provide ultimate efficiency when delivering power through the wheels and fuel economy. While there have been some good and bad CVTs over the years. The good ones are namely Audi Multitronic and Nissan Xtronic, while the poor ones are those from Chrysler. Suzuki’s version is certainly the middle-of-the-pack. It got enough refinement and smoothness to make SX4′s standard 2.0 liter DOHC 4-cylinder 148hp off-the-line with ease. Its 144 lb/ft of torque certainly helps to launch this puppy with authority. In the past, one has to use the manumatic mode to rev the SX4 at launch due to tall 1st and 2nd gearing. With the new CVT, SX4 can sails smoothly without any sort of roughness we have witnessed with yesteryear’s model. On the top, CVT makes SX4′s highway ride less buzzy and quieter than before. If one does have the urge to rev the SX4′s 2.0 liter up, there is always a paddle shifters for them to control the rpm through those artificial gears. However, the only drawback is the CVT is noisy when pushed the engine hard from 0 to 100 km/h.

Handling: SX4 with optional AWD handles surprisingly well, given its AWD system is mainly a FWD-bias variety. That means the AWD only starts to activate when it detects an offending wheel got stuck, then it starts to transfer the power from front to rear. Despite that, it remains a fairly confidence-inspiring vehicle when pushed through corners. The steering has nice feel and feedback, with enough precision to track through the path. Suspension is comfortably compliant which absorbs bumps and roughness relatively well. While there remain some safe understeer as with all those FWD-bias AWD vehicle, it remains a composed little car when hustle through twisties. Suzuki also gives SX4 standard ESP across the board, which works hand-in-hand with the AWD system, is a godsent in Canadian winter.

Brakes: With front discs, rear drums and standard ABS, SX4′s brake feels reassuring. The stopping distance and pedal feel reasonable. The pedal feels crisp and actually have some lives to it when press into the metal. ABS only steps in necessarily makes SX4 a very controllable car to drive during winter.

Interior: If there is one drawback to SX4′s interior packaging, its the fold-down rear seats don’t sit completely flat on the floor. There is about an inch or so above the floor.

As for the rest of the interior, SX4′s materials are more than reasonable given its price range. There are some rich materials on the dashboard and door panels, with we never used to be seen in Suzuki of the past. The velour seats are comfortable and well-foamed to provide decent support. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. On the other hand, the knobs for the semi automatic climate control and stereo are large enough to use with gloved hands.

Conclusion: Suzuki has done a very good job on redesigning the SX4. The addition of AWD with the CVT really have made SX4 even more appealing than before. Combined with its reasonable driving dynamics and a comfortable interior, those who are shopping for an affordable ride with AWD should seriously consider an SX4.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Suzuki SX4 hatchback
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Performance: 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.25/5