SX4

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

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

Vehicle: 2007 Suzuki SX4 JLX auto AWD
Price as tested: CDN$23690

Handling: The SX4 shares the same chassis as the very worthy Japanese Swift hot hatch. Combined this platform with its advanced 3-mode AWD system, SX4 is a vehicle that’s years ahead of the unremarkable Aerio it replaces. This 3-mode AWD system is a nifty one, its a remarkable system consider how much SX4 actually costs. When it sets to “auto”, it sends 50% of total torque to the rear wheels when it detects any wheel slippage. The “lock” mode only distributes 30% of power to the rear wheels. One can also set it to “2WD” mode in sunny days for maximum fuel efficiency. In both “auto” and “lock” modes, SX4 performs exceptionally well on wet and gravel roads. Its a remarkable system that detects wheelspin efficiently and quickly whenever an offending wheel starts to slip. The overall dynamic character of SX4 is a nimble one, as it has slight understeer when pushed. The steering feels responsive and light although driver feedback is only acceptable. Body rolls are very well-controlled during enthuisastic driving.

Performance: SX4 is only motivated by only one engine. That is a 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. With only 143hp and 163 lb/ft of torque pushing close to 2800 lb of weight, its barely adequate. This is a Suzuki engine that finally matched the refinement and flexability of Toyota and Honda’s units. However, it will definitely feel sluggish if there are 4 ppl on board. Consider Suzuki is going to rally with SX4, there is a potential for this model to go equipped with turbo as the rally machine. This little crossover needs at least 30 more horses and 50 lb/ft of torque to satisfied its stiff chassis.

Brakes: On our JLX tester, its standard with 4-wheel discs and standard ABS. The pedal feel is excellent and far from Suzuki’s previous spongy feedback. Stopping distance is short and ABS only kicks in when necessary.

Interior: SX4′s European Fiat influence continues inside. With best put together materials in Suzuki’s history. While you still find some hard plastic consider its econocar roots, the use of more soft-touched plastic and classy velour really made this the best interior in Suzuki’s entire history. The velour seats are comfortable while driving position is easily adjusted. However, there is one pet peeve. It feels like driving on top instead of in a car due to its crossover nature of the vehicle. The auto climate control is effective and air conditioning is cold.

There is plenty of head and legrooms for rear passengers. That’s something refreshing compares to cramped space in Aerio.

In terms of cargo space, its very well layout. Its 60/40 split fold down rear seats can created a complete flat-floor. You can put a bookshelf easily into the back of the SX4. Along with low liftover and squred cut-off, its a very versatile package.

Conclusion: The SX4 is a very refreshing vehicle from Suzuki. Its not only bring a nifty AWD and surprising dynamic quantity to the party. Its styling will also bring Suzuki into a more mainstream into the competitive subcompact segment. There is one thing, however, Suzuki needs to address quicker better than latter. That extra 40 horses wouldn’t amiss in this tidy little package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 SUZUKI SX4
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Performance: 2.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5