CD Article: 2007 Suzuki SX4

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Though the Suzuki SX4 appears small, it's roomier than other cars in its class because of its long wheelbase and tall roof, says contributor Lesley Wimbush.  It has the most horsepower in the subcompact class and is "terrific on winding roads," she says, but its heavier curb weight "somewhat offsets the advantage it gained with horsepower output."  "It's less frugal at the pumps," she notes.  
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[Juke1]

It's a cute little duckling but the lack of dealer representation is the killer for me.

[tpl]

I took a look but it had a really strong smell of plastic inside... like new cars used to have years ago.
But it did look like a good small car.

[Giant Dwarf]

The article reads:  "Outwardly, it's the same tall hatch as the more upscale model I'd just returned, but a closer look revealed smaller wheels, and drum brakes at the rear. It also lacked the roof racks and hard rubber fender flares of the more buff AWD JLX ."

The caption under all the pics reads:  "2007 Suzuki SX4 FWD"

.... and yet those pictures clearly show the larger wheels, rubber fender flares and roof racks.

 

[jww]

I liked the SX-4 on paper, but wasn't as impressed in person. The strong odour of plastic or whatever was really off-putting for both my wife and I. I still like the tall hatch feel, the cabin is very spacious feeling, and controls are well placed. If they could just get rid of that odour - pew!
 

[Scaerio]

I don't think I've ever read a review from this writer before.  Whining about the sounds of door/seatbelt and turn signal chimes is really reaching for something to complain about, and the SX4 replaces the Aerio 5-door, not the Swift+...

I found the quality of the interior plastics to be lower than those in my Aerio, especially the air vents - they felt really flimsy.

However, it is a more attractive looking car than the Aerio.

[Lesley]

Whining? That's an observation - and one made by several others to boot.
(I've never heard of you either - so I guess we're even  )

Giant Dwarf - quite right about the pics, my bad. I'd sent the JLX photos mixed in with the base model, since I took oodles of each. Our illustrious editors are rectifying that, as we speak. 

[Lesley]

Re: SX4 as Swift+ replacement... guess I was thinking rally cars. One of the fellows in my motorsports club was the navigator for the Canadian Rally Swift+ that won the P3 class, 2 years ago. I actually rode in that car. But Suzuki's opted not to fund a Canadian team this year. We'll have to see how the SX4 fares on the WRC circuit...

[quadzilla]

I've never heard of you either - so I guess we're even 

 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think the SX4 is a good effort and I'm happy that I'm seeing quite a few of them on the roads thus far. Don't know why, but I'm kind of startled when I see one or it passes me on the highway - "Oh, there's an SX4" I think to myself    I know, I'm strange.

In any case, it's an interesting machine. Interior quality for me is quite good... much better than a Yaris IMO, I don't think it's much worse than a Fit if at all. The rear seats are situated just a little too high for the tall guy I am, but if I were shorter in the torso I'd appreciate the more upright base for leg comfort. I like outward visibility and the A-pillars don't bother me. The AWD is the clincher, as I don't think the fuel economy on the FWD is good enough to justify the purchase versus a Fit (with it's flexible interior configuration).

So for me, it's definitely a competitor. And if I lived in the sticks with snow, perhaps a top one in the segment.

[DC]

Good review Lesley. I have read dozens for the 4x4 so a base model write up is refreshing. I put an order in for a mid range JX front driver last week. I must say I just loved the styling, much fresher than anything else in the under 20k class.

[Giant Dwarf]

Re: SX4 as Swift+ replacement... guess I was thinking rally cars. One of the fellows in my motorsports club was the navigator for the Canadian Rally Swift+ that won the P3 class, 2 years ago. I actually rode in that car. But Suzuki's opted not to fund a Canadian team this year. We'll have to see how the SX4 fares on the WRC circuit...

When I attended the Rally of the Tall Pines earlier this year I thought it shameful that Suzuki missed out on such a tremendous marketing opportunity by campaigning the old Swift instead of the new SX4.  With such a neat AWD setup and funkier styling, the SX4 seems like a great choice.

Oh well, as you said, let's see how it fares in WRC...

Thanks for coming in here and acknowledging us 'common folk of the forum'. 

[initial_D]

Re: SX4 as Swift+ replacement... guess I was thinking rally cars. One of the fellows in my motorsports club was the navigator for the Canadian Rally Swift+ that won the P3 class, 2 years ago. I actually rode in that car. But Suzuki's opted not to fund a Canadian team this year. We'll have to see how the SX4 fares on the WRC circuit...

WRC? Suzuki will be at least 1000% better than Mitsubishi and Hyundai.  Can't be much worse than Subaru if they just show up. 

[Arthur Dent]

I'd be interested in one as a 2-3 year old used car buy - 5spd base car would make a decent 2nd car/ commuter

[UmroAyyar]

I'd be interested in one as a 2-3 year old used car buy - 5spd base car would make a decent 2nd car/ commuter

What a Dent-ed though?

[The Mighty Duck]

I saw the SX4 Rally Concept at the Autoshow.  Have the poster hanging on my wall, in fact.  If Suzuki sells that car, it would definately get my attention.  And with base prices starting at $16k, I would imagine the SX4 could undercut the Subaru WRX and Mitsu Lancer (rumored WRX competitor) on price.

As it is, I would seriously consider the AWD SX4.  But for me, that's the cars big draw - if I were going with FWD, I feel like I would end up in a Fit.  But I'd have to test both, of course.