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| Gas prices at the corner fillin' station may not fall below $2 a gallon any time soon. That's one reason demand for fuel-efficient vehicles continues to speed ahead.
The folks at Suzuki are known for fuel-efficient transportation; problem is many in the United States equate the Japanese manufacturer with fuel-sipping motorcycles, not cars. However, Suzuki has one of the most fuel-efficient lineup of four-wheeled vehicles sold in America. No pickup trucks or eight-cylinder engines, just a cadre of economically-priced four-cylinder cars and wagons along with unibody, car-based sport utility vehicles. American Suzuki Motor Corp. began selling cars in the United States in 1985 and has sold more than one million units in 22 years. Motorcycles have been sold here since in 1963.
The 2008 model year sees the debut of the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan, a four-door, four-cylinder vehicle following in the footsteps of the SX4 Crossover introduced in the 2007 model year. The 2008 SX4 Sport sedan arrived in Suzuki dealerships October 1, 2007.
Starting at $14,770, the well-equipped SX4 Sport features a compact body with a subcompact price. Both the SX4 Crossover and SX4 Sport share Suzuki's newest four-cylinder engine, a 2.0-liter, in-line double overhead cam four banger cranking out 143 horsepower. One key difference between the two is the Crossover features all-wheel drive while the four-door sedan is solely front-wheel drive. During a recent press launch in northern Michigan, automotive journalists had the opportunity to sample the SX4 Sport.
The 2008 Suzuki line up rounds out with the five-door, four-cylinder Reno hatchback, four-cylinder Forenza sedan and wagon, V-6 powered mid-sized Grand Vitara five-passenger SUV and flagship redesigned, V-6 powered XL7 mid-size crossover SUV with available third-row seating. The slow-selling Aereo bows out of the lineup after the close of the 2007 model year.
The Japan-built SX4 Sedan is a nice meld of performance, comfort and fuel economy. It may not boast the same horsepower and performance characteristics of pricier compacts, but exterior styling and get-up-and-go surpasses the more fuel-efficient Toyota Corolla. Seating comfort is a big plus in the SX4 Sport sedan, with a higher seating position than many compacts its size. This also makes entering and exiting all four doors easier, because the body does not have to exercise extra contortion moves.
One interior caveat resides in the second row. Seat backs do not fold down on the cushion. There is no access to the trunk from the interior cabin, making transporting skis or bikes difficult. Too bad because with 15 cubic feet of space, trunk dimensions are closer to mid-size than compact. An outlet to the cabin enhances cargo-carrying options for the optimistic target market desiring a fun-to-drive vehicle. While Suzuki markets this as a five seater, four travel in optimum comfort.
The SX4 sedan stands tall. At 60.8 inches in height, it's taller than the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (57.1 inches). Arched front fender flairs and a high rear decklid help create a wedge-shaped design. A honeycomb grille with center "S" Suzuki logo is flanked by narrow headlight housing stretching to the side fenders. The tall design and generous size of the four side windows minimize side blind spots.
Inside, drivers and all passengers benefit from the high stance with best-in-class headroom. Cloth seats were supportive and fatigue-free even after two-and-a-half hours of driving. Even with front seats slid back to the maximum, back seat riders have ample leg room; a nice touch in a compact car.
Three easy-to-grab dials control ventilation in the center of the dashboard. Below is a small storage area. Above is the rectangular shaped sound system. At night, the dash lights up with red backlighting. Square air vents are center while circular vents are at the corners. At the top of the center dash is a rectangular digital message center with time, temperature, and miles per gallon readouts, among other information tidbits. Between the front bucket seats are dual cup holders directly in front of the floor-mounted gear shift. An available, narrow arm rest folds up and down, and also has a flip top for storing pens or other small items.
Front doors also have cup holders molded in front of the map pockets. Back seat riders do not have as many cup holding options. Grab handles are above all four doors. The glove box is averaged-sized for a compact car. Cruise control functions are located on the steering wheel at 9 o'clock while secondary radio controls are at 3 o'clock.
Suzuki made a point to simplify trim levels and marketing to consumers. Suzuki offers one very well equipped trim level with two option packages. Standard equipment includes: air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, anti-lock brakes, compact disc player, six airbags including side-impact, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and power locks with remote keyless entry. One of the few options to consider is a four-speed automatic transmission (five-speed manual comes standard). Two option packages are available: Convenience and Touring. While the base model starts at $14,770, the Convenience package checks in at $15,270 and the Touring package steps to the plate at $16,720. Add $625 for destination charge and $1,100 for the optional automatic transmission.
Some of Suzuki's Japanese rivals boast competitive starting prices, but make air conditioning extra. Score one for the SR4 Sport sedan. Suzuki also does the Big Three Japanese brands (Toyota, Honda and Nissan) one better with a seven-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) powertrain warranty that's fully transferable to the next purchaser, enhancing residual value during trade-in time and providing peace of mind before trading it in.
During spirited cornering, expect some body lean. While wind noise was apparent at 60 mph, it was not overwhelming. A large rear window and good-sized side windows provide good sight lines to the side and in back.
Although it doesn't reach (and was never intended to match) the performance of a Volkswagen Jetta or Mazda3 compact sedan, the handsome-looking SX4 Sport does many things well, and for 10 to 15 percent less than comparatively-equipped competition from Japan.