2008 Suzuki SX4 Review

Specifications

Suzuki has fielded a new threat in the compact class. The rally-inspired SX4 Sedan introduces a new breed of excellence, not only to the Suzuki lineup but also to its competition.

The SX4 Sedan replaces the Aerio sedan in the same way that the five-door SX4 Crossover replaced the Aerio fastback, and it was well worth the wait. Where the outgoing car was eccentric inside and out, the new SX4 takes a more conservative approach. That doesn’t mean it’s boring or uninspiring, however. It’s just more pleasing on the eye. What can you expect from the SX4 Sedan? More of what the SX4 had to offer, of course, meaning a nicely finished interior, comfortable seats, and a few extras so that it doesn’t feel too basic. It also doesn’t feature a shocking price tag; $14,339 is what the base model starts at.

Powering the SX4 Sedan is the same 2.0-liter 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine that was the driving force behind, or I should say in front of the Aerio sedan. Two transmissions are available, starting with the standard 5-speed manual and finishing off with the optional 4-speed automatic. While I would have liked to have tapped into the manual tranny with my Sport model tester, I had an automatic-equipped car at my disposal. Initially this appears to be the SX4’s weakness, being that some of its rivals now offer five- and even six-speed automatics, not to mention ultra-efficient CVTs, although Suzuki’s 4-speed autobox is still quite good. Yes, there was a bit of lag time when I wanted to accelerate quickly, but then again I was impressed that it managed the engine well overall. When cruising around town or at highway speeds it’s quieter than most rivals too.

The 2.0-liter engine is pretty peppy compared to some in this class, making a total of 143 horses at 5,800 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Yes, that’s more than enough for everyday city and highway driving, but don’t expect to get the same sort of performance as the rally car that inspired it. Zero to 60 mph takes about 8.3 seconds which, I suppose, is zippy enough for the SX4’s mission as a comfortable urban runabout.

The SX4 rides on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, giving the sedan enough agility and control in tight turns or at highway speeds to stay cool and collected. And when a sudden stop is necessary, the four wheel discs (rear drum brakes on base models) with ABS, Brake Assist and EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) comfortably stop the car in both wet and dry weather. It’s impressive that Suzuki includes ABS brakes as standard equipment when it’s an option on so many of its rivals. Safety equipment also includes standard front, side and curtain airbags, some of which are also optional with competitors.

The SX4’s interior is not only cozy to sit in, but also visually appealing. The A-pillar design, which is a design cue borrowed from the Aerio, has neat little extra windows that my passengers and I thought were very quirky, yet kind’a cool. Considering the car’s great visibility out the front, it’s hard to think what it would have been like had these windows not been incorporated. They also give the SX4 a little more edge over the competition, adding some much needed personality in a segment that is often bereft of any imagination. Furthermore, the cabin set up, with its easily identifiable button and gauges, and stylish metallic trim, is really quite attractive. It shows a nice balance of straightforward yet unique elements that combine into something that almost looks upscale. And this is really something to consider, being that Suzuki is hardly known for its ‘bling’ factor.

On the outside, there is a little ‘bling’ at all, with the Sport model’s Aero body kit featuring body-colored front and rear valances, side sill extensions, tinted glass, halogen headlights and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped around 205/50R17 all-season tires.

Of the two SX4’s available, the sedan is 14.7 inches longer than its five-door counterpart. The length is primarily in the rear end, as it hosts a cargo capacity of 15.5 cubic feet. This space is great for fitting sports gear, groceries or what have you, and compared to the hatchback version it’s securely tucked away from prying eyes.

Fuel economy for the SX4 is quite good even with its zesty 2.0-liter engine, at an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. And what better way to test the fuel economy than by taking a mini road trip. My friend and I decided to make an impromptu journey, and while our destination wasn’t too far out of town the SX4 was great on the open road.

It’s also nice to have such creature comforts as cruise control (which comes standard on SX4 with the Popular Package, or on Sport Convenience Package and Sport Touring 2 Package), air conditioning and the 8-speaker AM/FM, 6-disc CD audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls to make a short, or long trip more enjoyable. On the Sport Touring 2 model you also get SmartPass keyless access and stability control.

My big gripe with the SX4 Sedan has to do with its name. SX4 stands for “Sport Crossover 4WD,” and that, friends, is at best a little confusing and dare I say somewhat misleading when applied to the 4-door. Only the 5-door hatchback, which previously drove, has the 4-wheel drive option. I suppose the use of “SX4″ just comes down to name recognition. Still, the front-wheel-drive Sport has plenty of redeeming qualities even if it doesn’t have the hatchback’s all wheel drive system to cut through slippery and snowy conditions.

Overall, I was impressed with the SX4 Sedan’s quality, design and total value proposition. It’s a tough call as to which I’d prefer, the Sedan or the 5-door, as they’re both great cars in their own ways. One thing’s for sure, they certainly target different types of people. Suzuki is smart to offer the choice.

Specifications (SX4 Sedan):