Acceleration

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
4	3	4	3	3

The SX4 is acceptably quick with manual transmission--given frequent shifting. It's a bit slower with the automatic, which kicks down quickly for more power. Either way, plan ahead for freeway merging and passing on busy two-lane roads.

Fuel Economy

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
7	5	8	6	8.2

Our extended-use base hatchback with manual transmission averaged 25.2 mpg over 10,090 miles. While not great for a subcompact car, it's good for a vehicle with AWD. Test automatic hatchback logged a less-impressive 20.7 mpg. Test sedans averaged a relatively frugal 27.6 mpg in mostly highway driving, 22.3 in mostly city driving. With automatic transmission, test sedan averaged just 21.3 mpg with a slight city bias. SX4 uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5	5	4.7

SX4s, hatchbacks in particular, ride fairly comfortably for being such small cars; limber but nicely damped suspension and large tires help iron out most rough pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
5	5	6	6	5.1

Quick, nicely weighted steering and stable cornering make SX4s feel nimble despite moderate body roll and grip in fast turns. With standard sport suspension and larger wheels and tires, sedans markedly more athletic. Brake-pedal action is firm and progressive on all SX4s. Availability of an antiskid system is rare at this price level.

Quietness

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
4	4	5	5	4.1

Wind noise is modest, and there's little thumping over bumps. Sedans are slightly quieter than hatchbacks, which let in more coarse-surface tire thrum and road noise. The engine is fairly loud at high rpm and hums audibly even in gentle cruising.

Controls

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.6

An orthodox dashboard design holds large, legible gauges and simple, handy minor controls. The automatic transmission includes a gear-position indicator in gauge cluster, a nice touch for this class. Ditto the available steering-wheel audio and cruise buttons.

Details

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.6

Cabin materials are appropriate for the price. Test examples have shown fine detail finish.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.5

Headroom is ample despite a high seating position for the class, but legroom is just OK for lanky folks. Seats are ordinary for shape and padding and lack height adjustment. Some testers complain that the front roof pillars impede the view to the sides.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.1

The seat is relatively high--a comfort plus--but it's too narrow for three adults. Head clearance is just OK for six-footers, but legroom and foot space are good even with the seats set far back.

Cargo Room

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
6	6	3	3	4.5

The sedan has a roomy trunk for the car's exterior size but lacks a folding rear seatback. The hatchback holds a half-dozen grocery bags behind its split rear seat, the backs of which do fold, and the seats flip forward to make a fairly large, boxy load area. Cabin storage is useful but not abundant.

Value within Class

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
10	9	9	8	6.8

SX4 lags most rivals for fuel economy, but it is roomy and solid, has a laudable list of available safety features, and offers uncommon class features such as AWD and antiskid control. Prices are also tempting, making this Suzuki a clear Best Buy. Our Best Buy label applies to Touring Package 2 models, which include an antiskid system and keyless access and starting.

Total Score

Hatchback, manual	Hatchback, automatic	Sedan, manual	Sedan, automatic	Class Average
63	59	61	57	55.2

Scores for all Subcompact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		55
High Score		63