Suzuki is used to being the car company that the other manufacturers think will be the cheapest. Offering great value, like the SX4 crossover's $16,000 entry price, a 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty including Roadside Assistance and a Courtesy Vehicle Program, seems to be something the other manufacturers need to recognize as more than cheap. Consumers certainly are noticing it.
I'm definitely not attracted to Suzuki's SX4 crossover for its outward appeal, but it's one of the more fun-to-drive vehicles in this segment. This is a very affordable crossover that is loaded with amenities including a standard navigation system.
With an entry price of just under $16,000, thee impressive 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty including Roadside Assistance and a Courtesy Vehicle Program, I could easily look past its tallish, awkward profile, especially if I was on a tight budget.
The benefit of that tall greenhouse, though, is that the SX4 Crossover provides excellent visibility and a fair amount of headroom.
Seating is for five, but four adults is the comfortable limit. With the rear seat in use, the cargo area is small, but I like that it includes a standard cover to hide valuables. When the rear seats are not needed, the cargo area can be expanded thanks to 60/40 split fold-and-tumble rear seats.
As for legroom, there was just enough for me up front, but with the front seats in their rear most position, there wasn't enough legroom for me in the back seat.
The cabin is adequate for this class and the controls are easy to reach and operate. My favorite feature in the SX4 Crossover is the standard navigation system.
The Suzuki SX4's integrated navigation system is the result of collaboration with Garmin and is available with a variety of advanced Microsoft Network-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town.
Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the fully integrated system utilizes Navteq mapping software and includes a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages.
The system also comes preloaded with street maps that feature millions of points-of-interest, such as hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations and ATMs, and other Suzuki-recommended, brand-oriented destinations. A dedicated community Web site will be launched to support the sharing and downloading of user-generated recommendations for destinations and drive routes among Suzuki owners.
For the safety-minded, all SX4 Crossovers come standard with six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, and electronic stability control.
Powering all Suzuki SX4 Crossovers is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 143 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional.
SX4 Crossovers are offered as FWD or AWD models. AWD models normally send power to the front wheels and allow the driver to switch into "AWD Auto" or "AWD Lock." |