2008 Suzuki SX4 Review: A Spacious Compact
by
Dorothy T. Redmond
Suzuki
SX4 delivers an affordable yet stylish vehicle perfect for the young and young
at heart. Although considered a compact vehicle, I found the SX4 to be surprisingly
spacious. The vehicle can seat up to five passengers (two in front and three in
the backseat) and is accented with cavernous trunk space. In addition, there are
many discreet storage compartments located throughout the cabin, and all the doors
feature large pockets and bottle holders for added convenience.
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2008 Suzuki SX4 |
I
recruited several fellow journalists to test the comfort level by targeting colleagues
much taller and wider than my own five foot, four inch frame. My larger counterparts complemented
the rear leg room and entered and exited the backseat with ease. However, they conceded
that any road trip would be much more pleasant with two instead of three in the
backseat.
The Suzuki provided several
delightful surprises including superior handling taking on the hilly, winding roads back
roads of northern Michigan with ease. I found that the SX4 rose to the challenge effortlessly.
I was also impressed with the control I had when it began to rain during our afternoon
drive. I learned that SX4 Sport Touring models are equipped with an Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) that can detect unintended oversteer or understeer and
can apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain
the proper cornering line. This traction system helps the driver maintain control
when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and/or when driving
on slippery roads.
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Suzuki SX4 Rear Shot |
This
is a helpful tool as this vehicle is being marketed towards younger audiences,
ideally college students and young professionals. Safety conscious buyers can
also look forward to other additional safety features including: six standard
airbags driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags and side-impact airbags;
and side curtain airbags designed to provide additional protection for outboard
front- and rear-seat passengers.
Also,
the SX4 Sport is fitted with three-point emergency locking retractor rear seat
belts. Also, a safety-reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones designed
to help absorb impact energy with a unibody structure designed to direct impact
energy away from the reinforced cabin area.
The
only drawbacks I found were that the cushioning in the seats were somewhat stiff
and unpleasant and the interior design was extremely basic. You get the feel that
you are in an inexpensive vehicle once your are inside.
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Suzuki SX4 Interior |
However
the extra toys really help you overlook the drawbacks. Each vehicle has standard
power locks and windows and a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers
or an available six-disc in-dash CD AM/FM/MP3 audio system with nine speakers
(including subwoofer). Both audio systems are XM Satellite Radio-capable. Customers
who want the convenience of a fully integrated iPod2 system can purchase a Suzuki
iPod interface from their Suzuki dealer. Also available on a dealer-installed
basis is Suzuki’s Bluetooth3 connectivity option.
Overall
I found the Suzuki SX4 to be a great bargain for
a first car purchase for the economical
shopper. It offers a cool exterior and
great functability. It also offers plenty
of toys for it’s base price of $15,000.
This is the perfect vehicle for a no-nonsense
buyer.
Click here to learn more about the Suzuki SX4.
For more information on Suzuki vehicles, visit RTM’s 2008 Vehicle Model Guide.
Features and Specifications:
Wheelbase: 98.4 inches
Overall length: 162.8 inches
Overall width: 69.1 inches
Transmission: 4-speed automatic/5-speed manual
Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes: 4-wheel with ABS
Fuel economy, city/highway: Automatic: 24/30, manual 23/28
MSRP: $14,999 - $16,099
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