Photo courtesy of Suzuki
With gas surging past the $3 per gallon mark and quite possibly headed towards the $4 per gallon milestone, many folks are looking at getting an economy car for the daily commute. Suzuki’s SX4 demonstrates that such a vehicle need not be the automotive equivalent of the penalty box. And it can even be modestly fun and comfortable to drive.
The SX4 competes against such better known rivals as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Dodge Caliber. The gas price surge has this market segment heating up and most automakers are even looking at fielding even smaller models. In other words, it’s likely this segment will see significant progress in the near future in terms of pricing, technology and equipment levels.
For those who can’t or won’t wait, the SX4 may be the ideal compromise because it combines a usefully sized passenger cabin with an attractive price, decent performance and, best of all, all-wheel-drive. For now, the SX4 is the only econocar that puts its power to all four corners.
Power comes from a 143 horsepower 2.0 liter four cylinder hooked to a five-speed manual transmission. The tranny shift linkage is a bit sloppy and the ratios don’t make the most of the engine’s torque curve; even so, expect nine second 0-60 mph times and enough cut-and-thrust capability to get safely through heavy traffic.
The all-wheel-drive is transparent in operation. About the only indication of its presence is the fact launching the SX4 feels a bit sluggish initially and getting some scratch with the tires is all but out of the question. These are minor irritants. Fuel economy is hurt a bit by the system’s extra weight and system resistance, but 28 mpg on the road can look quite appealing when you are accustomed to 16 mpg in an SUV or minivan.
The Fit probably offers a bit more utility and the Yaris feels sportier and is a
Toyota
The SX4’s list of standard equipment is lengthy, the broad and glassy greenhouse gives the car a bit of a mini-minivan appearance and the $14,999 bottom line on the sticker, with all-wheel-drive, six air bags and anti-lock brakes makes for a high value package that ought to make it onto lots of economy minded buyers’ short list.
