ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR CHERYL BLAHNIK: After being in a wagon for more than a week, I thought this car would feel like a matchbox. To my surprise, it felt extremely roomy. I like the fact that it has four doors to make taking full advantage of the back seat easier. Last night, I picked up some rather large items from the store and when I first opened the back door, I wasn't sure they would fit, but they did and I was pleased.
Then there is the fact that this car is priced at less than $20,000 and comes with AWD. Inside and out, the car felt put together better than all of the previous Suzukis that I've been in. Maybe the quality of cars is now catching up to the motorcycles Suzuki makes. I thought the car looked good. I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing more and more of these little cars on the road.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: The SX4, particular this AWD version, is a dark horse in the small-car market. It's overshadowed by bigger-name Japanese competition and when you tell people you're driving a Suzuki, it's not uncommon for them to instantly write it off as a hunk of junk. The truth is that the SX4 is a really good piece coming from a company that is known for its expertise in small cars everywhere else in the world, except here in the States.
With a solid platform, tight suspension and crisp five-speed manual gearbox, this Suzuki is an entertaining pint-sized contender. The available AWD seals the deal for me, which would come in handy during winter months. There's enough power coming from the 2.0-liter four-banger to back up the car's quick reflexes. As demonstrated by Suzuki's WRC efforts, we know this platform has potential that hopefully will result in a sportier version of this car in the future. According to someone with Suzuki, we will see something coming in the next couple of years.
The ride is on the stiffer side compared with the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. Steering is quick to respond and the brakes are more than up to the task.
The Suzuki gives up some in the interior department, with less appealing hard plastics. However, the tall roof and the hatchback configuration do give the SX4 a good amount of space for hauling cargo.
So if you want to go against the grain in the small-car market, this Suzuki is a great thing to look into. You won't see yourself everywhere you go and you can get AWD, which is something the Honda and Toyota guys can't get.
2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover
In Fleet: Dec. 30-Jan. 15
As-Tested Price: $17,108
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4; AWD, five-speed manual
Output: 143 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 136 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,855 lb
Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 24/25.2 mpg
Options: Floor mats, cargo net ($169); rear skid plate ($150)
Then there is the fact that this car is priced at less than $20,000 and comes with AWD. Inside and out, the car felt put together better than all of the previous Suzukis that I've been in. Maybe the quality of cars is now catching up to the motorcycles Suzuki makes. I thought the car looked good. I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing more and more of these little cars on the road.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: The SX4, particular this AWD version, is a dark horse in the small-car market. It's overshadowed by bigger-name Japanese competition and when you tell people you're driving a Suzuki, it's not uncommon for them to instantly write it off as a hunk of junk. The truth is that the SX4 is a really good piece coming from a company that is known for its expertise in small cars everywhere else in the world, except here in the States.
With a solid platform, tight suspension and crisp five-speed manual gearbox, this Suzuki is an entertaining pint-sized contender. The available AWD seals the deal for me, which would come in handy during winter months. There's enough power coming from the 2.0-liter four-banger to back up the car's quick reflexes. As demonstrated by Suzuki's WRC efforts, we know this platform has potential that hopefully will result in a sportier version of this car in the future. According to someone with Suzuki, we will see something coming in the next couple of years.
The ride is on the stiffer side compared with the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. Steering is quick to respond and the brakes are more than up to the task.
The Suzuki gives up some in the interior department, with less appealing hard plastics. However, the tall roof and the hatchback configuration do give the SX4 a good amount of space for hauling cargo.
So if you want to go against the grain in the small-car market, this Suzuki is a great thing to look into. You won't see yourself everywhere you go and you can get AWD, which is something the Honda and Toyota guys can't get.
2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover
In Fleet: Dec. 30-Jan. 15
As-Tested Price: $17,108
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4; AWD, five-speed manual
Output: 143 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 136 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,855 lb
Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 24/25.2 mpg
Options: Floor mats, cargo net ($169); rear skid plate ($150)
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