
March 2009. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 comes as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback (Suzuki calls it a Crossover) with optional all-wheel drive, the lowest priced AWD vehicle available. Most Suzuki SX4 models have a standard navigation system, a portable Garmin Nuvi 760 system integrated into the dash. Reviewers say AWD and navigation are two significant advantages in the economy-car segment. The Suzuki SX4 sedan gets few compliments for its tall, awkward styling, although reviews say the hatchback looks like a cute mini SUV. For either body style, the tall roofline provides an airy, spacious interior with plenty of headroom for both front and rear occupants, reviewers say.
Experts are pleased with the Suzuki SX4's agile handling and solid build quality. Wind and engine noise can be a bit intrusive, many writers report. The 143-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides acceptable power, although the optional four-speed automatic makes the Suzuki SX4 feel sluggish. Testers also report disappointing fuel economy for the small-car class. EPA ratings are 22-23 mpg city and 29-31 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive models and 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with AWD. An AWD test vehicle averaged 25.2 mpg in one test, better than most other AWD vehicles.
Test drivers like the Suzuki's commendable history for reliability and Suzuki's transferable seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Suzuki SX4 Crossover is more of an economy hatchback than a true crossover SUV, reviews say, but it's an excellent alternative to significantly higher priced compact crossovers from Honda or Toyota. The 2009 Subaru Impreza (*est. $17,495 to $19,995) is highly rated and also offers standard AWD, but at a higher price. If you can do without AWD, critics say the 2009 Honda Fit (*est. $14,750 to $16,260) is a better vehicle for a higher price, comparably equipped. The SX4 sedan has more competition, but it offers an impressive list of standard equipment. Critics note its lack of a folding rear seat limits its cargo-carrying ability. Reviews say the 2009 Nissan Versa (*est. $9,990 to $16,330) compares favorably to the Suzuki.
Car and Driver compares eight economy cars, including the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan. For more complete details, comprehensive reviews are found at NewCarTestDrive.com, Cars.com and ConsumerGuide.com, which names the Suzuki SX4 as a Best Buy. CNET gives a well-written evaluation of the vehicle, with particular attention to the new navigation system, standard on most Suzuki SX4 models. Road & Track also highlights the nav system in a brief review. Fox News and LeftLaneNews.com provide thoughtful road-test evaluations.
Our Sources
1. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver's head-to-head comparison pits eight popular compact cars against each other in a comprehensive road evaluation. The Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan finishes sixth, with complaints from editors about its "inhuman driving position" and intrusive center armrest. On the plus side, the Suzuki has a solid feel, willing engine and "sharp steering."
Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla vs. Ford Focus, VW Rabbit, Subaru Impreza and Four More Economy Cars - Comparison Test, Patrick Bedard, May 2008
This lengthy Suzuki SX4 review provides excellent background information, model features and driving impressions of the SX4. Editors say all Suzuki SX4 models "are bargain priced and they deliver a lot of content." They are especially impressed with the AWD model for its all-weather capability. The seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is "an added bonus."
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4, Editors of NewCarTestDrive.com
3. CNET
CNET's car reviews give extra attention to the electronic features in the test subjects' cabins. Writer Antuan Goodwin test drives the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan and says "there is a lot to like about this modest little sedan." The low-budget portable navigation system is a "unique cabin tech solution," Goodwin says, but voice directions cut in on the stereo sound. Average fuel economy is only 21.7 mpg.
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport, Antuan Goodwin, Dec. 3, 2008
4. Cars.com
Cars.com provides both an overview summary and a detailed test-drive evaluation of the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan. Editor Mike Hanley is pleased with the Suzuki SX4, which he calls an "impressive performer on winding country roads." The interior feels roomy, he says, although the front seats need a height adjustment.
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4, Mike Hanley, Nov. 21, 2008
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports have a good summary review of the Suzuki SX4 with a road-test evaluation and reliability history as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
ConsumerGuide.com names the Suzuki SX4 a Best Buy for its safety features, roomy interior, reasonable pricing and features such as AWD and a navigation system that are uncommon in the economy-car class. Editors test four variants and record an average of 25.2 mpg with a manual-transmission Suzuki SX4 hatchback -- not exceptional for a small car, but good for an AWD vehicle.
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4 Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
7. FoxNews.com
FoxNews.com auto editor Gary Gastelu test drives a Suzuki SX4 Crossover and insists, "it's not a truck; it's not even an SUV -- it's a compact car." Gastelu provides a good description of the car's navigation system and other features. He says the car feels solid and the AWD worked well on dirt roads. Complaints include wind noise and slow acceleration.
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover, Gary Gastelu, Oct. 30, 2008
This test drive review gives a good summary of how the Suzuki SX4 Crossover is to drive and its strengths and weaknesses. Writer Mark Elias is not fond of the "fishbowl" styling or "rather sedate monochrome" interior, but says the handling helps make it a fun ride. The reasonable pricing and 10-year powertrain warranty are other high points.
Review: 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover , Mark Elias, Oct. 10, 2008
9. Road & Track
This brief test review examines the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan, the lowest priced car with a standard navigation system. The article offers few driving impressions; instead, it focuses on the nav system's pros and cons. The removable system works well, but "requires a significant reach forward to operate the touch screen," writes Doug Kott.
Review: Driving Impression: 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport , Douglas Kott, July 2008
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