TEST DRIVE: Suzuki SX4

After seeing the initial advertisements for the Suzuki SX4, I decided it may be to my best interest to go and see what this little car is all about. Right now I own a 1995 VW GTI VR6 that is beginning to show its age. While I still love the car, I am starting to get into the market of new cars but right now I just want to get my "feet wet".

The SX4 caught my eye because of its relatively small size with the 4WD application. Yes, thats right, 4WD. There is a switch that allows you to go from 2WD (Front), Auto 4WD (depending on conditions, or 4WD LOCK. But wait, I think I am getting ahead of myself....

When I pull into the dealer there are about 5 SX4's on the lot, 2 of which were the 5-speed manual I wished to drive. I was lucky that the car salesman seemed like a total "n00b" so I didn't get hassled. He gave me the keys no problem and I hopped into a "Racy Red" SX4. An interesting note about the key...it apparently has some sensor on the key "housing" that allows the car to be started (with the clutch engaged) by turning a keyless starter. You could use the key if you wished but I think the sensor start would take a little to get used to.

Okay, so strange keyless entry/start aside, I begin to head out of the dealership. I was really surprised by the ease of the transmission, gears changed with no problem and the clutch felt like it engaged well. As far as the power goes, 143hp and 136ft/lbs coming from a 16v 2.0 4 cyl (with VVT). and compared to my VR6, this seems like nothing! Yet, there is the lure of the 4WD system, something I wish my little GTI was equipped with ( no synchro...) Because the salesman was in the car, I didn't get to push the car to observe when the auto 4WD option initially engages but I did ride around in both 2WD and LOCK 4WD just to compare.

Another aspect I was surprised with was the stiffness of the suspension. Apparently, it is an evolved version from the Suzuki Swift (according to the 'wiki') but the stiffness also decreases the ride comfort, my brother in the back was saying how he could feel every little bump on the highway. Another thing about highway driving, I was doing about 60mph and the engine noise was quite loud inside the cabin for about 3000 rpm's so long drives may get hectic to the ears.

My ride ended shortly after, where I pull back into the dealership no problem. Other aspects about the car upon an overall investigation;

- The interior seems "plastic-y" and somewhat cheap which I guess gives it the $16,000 USD price tag

- The engine bay has TONS of room which makes me want to wait a few years for a possible performance model. I think this is highly possible seeing as how the SX4 will be entering the WRC in a few years...

- There is a $5000 USD charge for a special "environmental package" that includes a special paint job (and as far as I can tell, nothing else)! I like how it has a stock rack on top and everything but I don't think a package itself should increase the cost by around a 1/3

- The 100,000 mile 7 year warranty is a very good selling point for the car but I have never had much experience with Suzuki's in the past so I am not exactly sure of their reliability, OEM service, projected lifespan etc.

- It comes standardly equipped with power everything, AC, 6 disc changer, self-lubing timing chain (interesting seeing as how MY timing chain is failing because of wear...) and probably some more options I just don't remember.

As far as an overall impression goes, I was quite surprised in a lot of ways of how the car would preform. I did not get to push the car as I would have wanted or take it on a gravel road or any other "dodgy" conditioned surface but from what I experienced so far, I believe it to be capable. I dont have any sort of standing to rate this car but from my personal experience...out of a possible high score of 10, I would give this a solid 7.5.

I have to admit that I too was very interested in the car when information first started to show up. However I have yet to see one in person, much less heard many overwhelmingly positive reviews. I think the Achilles heel for the car will be the somewhat low power, and combined with the 4WD, somewhat low fuel economy.

But given that it is the cheapest available 4WD car on the market, that is a very strong selling point. The outer styling is very attractive, and given it's basis on the Suzuki Swift, it would presumably be a competent drive.

...But dollar for dollar, I'd probably still consider the VW Rabbit or Honda Fit over the SX4. Better build quality, fuel economy, and presumed reliability make them seem as better options, but that may just be me.

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Thumbs up on the good review!

I went to the VW dealership after that but they were closed (it was the 1st day of the new year anyways). I wanted to try out the Rabbit because I've read more reviews but I guess I will have to wait.

The lack of power was definite issue for me, the first initial shift into second REALLY caught me off guard because I was expecting the torque available from my VR6. However, the suspension is MUCH like my MKIII Golf; MacPherson Struts and a rear beam (dont ask me how they did that with the 4WD) Because im not really in the new car market right this second, I think I will keep exploring my options.

Something about this car, though, really keeps me interested. Hopefully sales will be good enough for Suzuki to offer a performance model. But seeing that none of their other cars have had such treatment, I may just be wishing for something that may never happen. I guess we really have to hope the car sells well in the Japanese market and then maybe some JDM parts will begin to show up on the internet.

The only reasons I think there will be a performance model is that:

-While the picture doesn't to it justice, the engine seems small for the bay, I know I could fabricate a Cold Air Intake right where the stock air "box" is no problem. Better yet, turbo would be perfect!
-Its a 16v 2.0l with 143 hp?? that seems a bit underpowered to me
-No leather options right now, I believe this may leave room for an upgraded model with even more options.
-WRC! I think that is self explanatory

I guess I will have to keep my eyes open for any information regarding future models. I posted this same write-up on the vortex to a mixed response. Some say there will be reliability issues unmatched by a Toyota Yaris or Scion xB but with a 100,000 mile 7 year warranty I don't see how they would offer a car that wont last long. If anything, I am going to wait a few model years just to see if they work out any arising problems with the car.

Its really a suprising car to me, there are actually a few on my street, a "Racy Red" one (Looks fantastic IMO ) And a classy black one. They do catch my eye easily. Hope they sell, I wouldn't mind having one later in life

I like the look of the car, I would want to see a performance model. Preferably with a Turbo/Supercharger. Good write up.

If it's indeed based on the Swift, the chassis should at least be decent. The Swift we get here is a little on the light side, shock-wise (much like the Honda Fit), but it's lively because of the short wheelbase. Of course, the SX4 is bigger and heavier, which should negate it somewhat.

IMO, that is the only major disappointment about the SX4. Suzuki gives us the Swift (arguably their best car) indirectly, and it isn't as stellar as it should technically be.

They're probably afraid that the Swift would be too small for the US market... and they might be right. It's pretty small and cramped compared to current competitors like the Fit, Accent and Rio5 (or Rio Hatch, whatever it's called there), which would put it on the marginal end of the size scale in the US (heck, even for us Asians, it's a bit tight in the back seat). But then again, they're missing a golden opportunity there, as the Swift's Mini-esque looks make it quite popular... and the availability of a decent 1.6 liter engine gives it some balls (some... but not much... ).