2007-2008 Suzuki SX4: Road Test

Acceleration is acceptable with a manual transmission, as long as you shift frequently. An SX4 is pokey with automatic, though it kicks down promptly for more available power. Either way, plan ahead for freeway merging and passing on busy two-lane roads. Fuel economy excels with manual shift, but disappoints with automatic. An extended-use base hatchback with manual transmission averaged 25.2 mpg. That's hardly stunning for a subcompact, but good for any AWD model. In contrast, a test automatic-transmission SX4 averaged an underachieving 20.7 mpg. SX4s use regular-grade gasoline. Ride quality is fairly comfortable for a small, relatively light car. The combination of limber but nicely-damped suspension and relatively sizable tires iron out most rough pavement. Sedans have a stiffer body, so they feel even more solid than hatchbacks. Handling is satisfying for a subcompact. The hatchback SX4's AWD front/rear power lock deactivates above 36 mph, so that model mostly behaves like a front-wheel-drive car. Hatchbacks corner with a stable feel, accompanied by moderate grip and body roll. Steering is quick and nicely weighted. Availability of an antiskid system is uncommon in this price class. Brake-pedal action is firm and progressive. Noise ranks as class-average, at best. Suzuki's engine is fairly loud at high rpm, and hums audibly even in gentle cruising. Wind noise is modest. Sedans are slightly quieter than hatchbacks, which let in more coarse-surface tire thrum and road noise. Little thumping over bumps is noticeable. SX4's conventional but attractive dashboard design provides large, legible gauges and simple, handy minor controls. Automatic-transmission models have a gear-position indicator in the gauge cluster--a nice touch for this class. Cabins use good-quality materials for this price level, with exemplary detail finish. Front riders can expect generous headroom, but despite a high seating position for this class, leg space is just adequate for lanky drivers. Seats are ordinary for shape and padding, and lack height adjustment. The angle and thickness of front roof pillars partially obstructs views to the corners. Rear-seat comfort is better than expected for this class. Though the seat is relatively high--a comfort plus--it's too narrow for three adults. Good foot space is accompanied by adequate kneeroom and legroom, even with the front seats moved far back. Head clearance is acceptable for six-footers, but squeezes taller folk. Cargo space behind the hatchback's split rear seat holds a half-dozen grocery bags or a few medium-sized duffels. Rear-seat headrests need not be removed, but seat sections won't tumble fully forward without a front seat well forward, too. With the split rear seat folded, hatchback cargo volume totals 38.1 cubic feet--quite good given SX4's modest overall length. Cabin storage is useful but not abundant. Sedans have a comparatively roomy trunk, but lack folding rear seatbacks.

Value for the Money
Declared the lowest-priced AWD car in the U.S. market, in hatchback form, Suzuki's SX4 does not impress for acceleration or fuel economy. Instead, count among this subcompact's virtues a solid feel, standard all-wheel-drive traction (on hatchbacks), laudable standard safety features, and impressive passenger and cargo room. An available antiskid system is another bonus. Tempting new-car prices have enhanced this Best Buy pick's appeal, but SX4 used-car valuations are higher than for earlier Suzuki passenger cars.