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2008 Suzuki SX4 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Review:
5.
6.
Suzuki SX4 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Suzuki SX4 Review
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 adds a sedan model to the existing 4-door hatchback. Both use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with manual or optional automatic transmissions. The new sedan, called SX4 Sport, replaces Suzuki's Aerio sedan and comes only with front-wheel drive. The hatchback has all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing, but can be set for a 50/50 front/rear power split or front-drive only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options include automatic climate control and heated door mirrors. Hatchback models have 16-inch wheels. Sedans have 17s and a sport suspension, neither of which are offered on the hatchback.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.
Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.
Our Best Buys include the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended pick is the Honda Fit.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Scion xD and Smart ForTwo.
News
Though SX4 has just arrived, Suzuki has already cooked up an all-wheel-drive racer for the World Rally Championship, with a street version on the way. This "WRC" is apparently aimed at pocket-rockets like Subaru's Impreza WRX, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, and the new MazdaSpeed 3. No word on whether Suzuki will sell it here. A lot depends on sales of mainstream SX4s.
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2008 Suzuki SX4 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Available all-wheel drive (hatchback) | Acceleration (auto. trans.) |
| Maneuverability | Front visibility |
| Quietness | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Cabin materials are appropriate for the price. Test examples have shown fine detail finish.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2008 Suzuki SX4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/25/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SX4 Sport Base 4-door sedan, manual | $14,770 | $14,179 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,870 | $15,235 | $625 |
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| SX4 Base 4-door hatchback, manual | $15,270 | $14,659 | $625 |
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| SX4 Base 4-door hatchback, automatic | $16,370 | $15,715 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport 4-door sedan w/Convenience Pkg., manual | $15,270 | $14,659 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport 4-door sedan w/Convenience Pkg., automatic | $16,370 | $15,715 | $625 |
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| SX4 4-door hatchback w/Convenience Pkg., manual | $15,770 | $15,139 | $625 |
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| SX4 4-door hatchback w/Convenience Pkg., automatic | $16,870 | $16,195 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport 4-door sedan w/Touring Pkg. 1, manual | $15,870 | $15,235 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport 4-door sedan w/Touring Pkg. 1, automatic | $16,970 | $16,291 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport 4-door sedan w/Touring Pkg. 2, manual | $16,270 | $15,619 | $625 |
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| SX4 Sport 4-door sedan w/Touring Pkg. 2, automatic | $17,370 | $16,675 | $625 |
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| SX4 4-door hatchback w/Touring Pkg. 2, manual | $16,870 | $16,195 | $625 |
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| SX4 4-door hatchback w/Touring Pkg. 2, automatic | $17,970 | $17,251 | $625 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SX4 Sport/SX4 Base
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive (hatchback).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat (hatchback), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, intermittent wipers, rear wiper/washer (hatchback), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (hatchback), sport suspension (sedan), 205/60R16 tires (hatchback), 205/50R17 tires (sedan), alloy wheels.
SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Convenience Pkg. adds to SX4 Sport/SX4 Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, heated power mirrors.
SX4 Sport w/Touring Pkg. 1 adds to SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Convenience Pkg.:
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Touring Pkg. 2 adds to SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Touring Pkg. 1:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless access and starting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Satellite radio
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SX4 Sport w/Touring Pkg. 1, SX4 Sport/SX4 Base, SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Convenience Pkg., SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Touring Pkg. 2
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$400
|
$
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iPod adapter
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SX4 Sport w/Touring Pkg. 1, SX4 Sport/SX4 Base, SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Convenience Pkg., SX4 Sport/SX4 w/Touring Pkg. 2
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$160
|
$
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Suzuki SX4 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Suzuki SX4 4-door hatchback | Suzuki SX4 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.4 | 98.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 162.8 | 177.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.1 | 68.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 63.2 | 60.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2800 | 2745 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 54.3 | 14.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.0 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /120 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 143 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 136 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | 23/31 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Suzuki SX4 4-door hatchback | Suzuki SX4 4-door sedan |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 3/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Review:
5.
6.
Suzuki SX4 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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