All-new SX4 may be the best car nobody’s heard of

Suzuki has joined the crowded party of new subcompacts with the introduction of the SX4, which replaces the odd looking Aerio SX.

Compared to other new arrivals in the compact segment — Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Chevy Aveo — only the SX4 offers all-wheel drive.  It’s the least expensive all-wheel drive sold in America.

Americans don’t much care for small subcompact vehicles and automakers don’t make much money building them. Vehicles in this segment are considered entry-level cars that will introduce first-time buyers to a particular brand. Manufacturers hope to hang on to those buyers when they decide to move up to more expensive vehicles in the future. 

On sale since last fall, the SX4 is enjoyable to drive, comes well equipped for the price and actually looks appealing. Although it has one of the largest engines in its class (143 horsepower compared to the Yaris’ 106, Versa’s 122 and Fit’s 109), the SX4 still feels frighteningly slow from behind the steering wheel.

It’s slow because at 2968 pounds, this is one hefty subcompact vehicle. It’s almost 500 pounds heavier than Fit and 200 more than Versa.  Blame the extra iron that’s for the all-wheel drive set up, but that weight zaps the fuel economy to 23 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway, far below the competition in this vehicle class.

I didn’t so much notice the lack of power during around town jaunts, but it was very evident when getting up to highway speeds. Don’t even think about passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway.

I spent a week behind the wheel and other than the wanting for more “oomph,” I found the SX4 most enjoyable, with a roomy cabin, comfortable seats, good visibility and a generally pleasant driving experience.  It maneuvers well around town, corners nimbly and brakes well. There was noticeable road and engine noise at highway speeds.

There are three settings for the all-wheel drive system: front-wheel drive for maximum fuel economy, AWD Automatic and AWD Lock for snowy or muddy roads.  While all SX4’s come standard with all-wheel drive, it’s worth noting that the vehicle isn’t appropriate for off-road use, but should perform exceptionally well on snow-covered road surfaces. 

Exterior styling is a major leap forward from the frumpy Aerio and Suzuki Forenza sedans. The SX4 is a tall vehicle, wider and longer than the Aerio. 

Interior room feels surprisingly large for a car this size. The high roof and wide body provide ample space for my 6-foot 6-inch frame.  The quality has been upgraded from Aerio, but acres of hard plastic surfaces still abound. Dressed up with some metallic trim, it looks better than most in this class. 

Throw down an extra $1400 for the SX4 Sport and the interior upgrades to include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite audio system, cruise control, keyless ignition, automatic climate control, fog lights and electronic stability control.

Cargo and luggage space is the best of any vehicle in its class, at 38.1 cubic feet.  Fit offers only 21.3 cubic feet and Nissan Versa a measly 17.8.  Fold the SX4’s rear seat and cargo space boosts to 54 cubic feet.

SX4 comes in just one model, two if you cont the Sport option.  Base price is $15,594 including the $595 shipping charge.  It comes standard with air conditioning, five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows/locks/mirrors, intermittent wipers, roof rails, tilt steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats, floor mats and AM/FM/CD/MP3.

Options include a four-speed automatic transmission ($1000); convenience package with steering wheel audio controls, leather wrapped steering wheel and cruise control ($300); and numerous interior and exterior accessories to dress up the vehicle. 

Standard safety gear includes front, side and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes and antilock brakes. The SX4 has not yet been crash tested.

Factory warranty is a generous 100,000-mile/7-year transferable powertrain and provides for a free loaner car when the SX4 is in for a warrantable repair. 

The SX4 seems to have all the right features, inside and out, to make it a worthy daily commuter and a logical choice for economy-minded residents of the snowy mountain areas of our state. As a primary vehicle for the family, the little SX4 might be a bit too small. A Subaru Forester or Honda Element, with slightly higher prices and similar gas mileage, seems more practical.