SX4's tidy 98.4-inch wheelbase puts it squarely in the subcompact segment, as does its $14,999 base price. It "crosses over" the class with an impressive 40.9 inches of rear leg room and a 144-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. By comparison, 4-cylinder versions of Hyundai's Tucson compact SUV have 140 hp, and all models have 37.2 inches of rear leg room. SX4 further blurs the distinction between subcompact and crossover by offering standard AWD.

Our manual-transmission Base SX4's lengthy standard equipment list includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and power windows and locks. The $16,399 Sport adds antiskid/traction control, automatic climate control.

Though SX4 is among the most powerful subcompacts, it tips the scale at more than 3000 lb, which is at least 400 lb heavier than its closest rivals. As such, this vehicle requires a heavy throttle foot even in routine driving. That takes a toll on our ears with SX4's coarse engine note. Our SX4 also takes a toll on our wallets, as its small 11-gallon tank and somewhat disappointing 25.2 mpg fuel economy average mean a real-world cruising range of less than 250 miles for most of our drivers.

In spite of its shortcomings, we think SX4 does a good job of blending the tidy exterior size and features-per-dollar appeal of a subcompact, with the room, safety, and convenience of a crossover.

Editors' Comments

Damon Bell: If all-wheel drive is at the top of your list of desired subcompact features, the SX4 is for you. It's a pleasant-enough car, but I am disappointed in the SX4's EPA fuel economy ratings, which are up to 10 mpg worse than other vehicles in the class.

Chuck Giametta: As a roomy, subcompact wagon with a "crossover" feel, the SX4's natural rival is the Honda Fit. SX4s run some $1000 more than Fit counterparts, but for that, Suzuki provides all-wheel drive, more horsepower, and arguably a more substantial-feeling structure. Both cars suffer more engine ruckus than many people would want to live with. And Fit wins on cargo space, handling, and reputation for resale value. Both are attractive buys in their own right, but the real significance here is that a Suzuki holds its own in an argument with a Honda.

Jennifer Geiger: I spent over 560 miles in this car and no one knew what it was. That's a shame because SX4 is a great, affordable subcompact car that deserves to be looked at by the youngish, city crowd for its compact styling, ample interior room, and available AWD. Normally I'm disappointed by its gas mileage, but I averaged 29.1 mpg on this trip--not bad.

Tom Appel: What's not to like? The spunky SX4 seats four adults in relative comfort, has better than adequate power, is fun to drive, and boasts a fairly sophisticated AWD system for $15,000. For the SUV intender on a budget, your vehicle has arrived. Note however that our average observed 24 mpg trails most vehicles in the subcompact car class.

Ed Piotrowski: SX4 succeeds by delivering good passenger and cargo space, standard all-wheel drive, and lots of other standard features for the money. Regrettably, it falls short in terms of fuel economy, which is the one area that matters most to buyers of small cars.

2007 Suzuki SX4
Bodystyle:	4-door wagon
Model:	Base
Engine:	143-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl
Transmission:	5-speed manual
Total Miles:	10,090
CG® Observed Fuel Economy:	25.2 mpg
Problems During Test:	None
Base Price:	$14,999
Price as Tested:	$15,594
Major Options:	None