By James Bergeron
Photo Gallery:
2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan
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It has been almost exactly one year since I reviewed the 2007 Suzuki SX4; Suzuki has now introduced the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan for those that are not so keen on hatchbacks, and it is quite a looker for a small car. Year after year, car after car, I keep saying compact / economy cars are no longer the penalty boxes they used to be, and the SX4 Sedan reinforces this statement once again.
This week I’ll be reviewing the Suzuki SX4 Sedan Sport. At just over $20,000 at first glance this car seems to pack a lot of features into a little car. Some features I do not regularly see on much more expensive cars, especially as standard ones.
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For starters, the SX4 Sedan weights in at a paltry 1245kg (2745lbs), yet is propelled by a 2.0litre engine that produces 143hp at 5,800 rpm and 136lb-ft of torque at 3,500rpm, which can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or in the case of my tester, a four-speed automatic.
Sound good so far? Let’s get to the really good stuff, a short list of things I typically do not expect in a vehicle in the compact / sub-compact category and certainly not for $21,345. These features are: air conditioning with automatic climate control, an AM/FM/6 CD/MP3/WMA player with eight speakers including a subwoofer, cruise control, a leather wrapped steering wheel with both audio controls and cruise control buttons integrated, body-coloured mirrors, handles and valance, 17″ aluminum alloy wheels, ABS with Brake Assist (BA) and EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), Fog lamps, 4-wheel disc brakes and 6-airbags, just to name a few.
Yet despite all that goodness, I noticed a few things that the SX4 hatchback had that are not available in the Sedan. Those are folding rear seats, which for me personally are a must in any vehicle, and available all-wheel drive. That said, you can’t have it all, and for the price, the SX4 Sedan certainly does provide some kit.
I haven’t had much chance to drive the SX4 Sedan yet, but in the little bit I have, I have so far been impressed. It certainly isn’t the kind of economy car I was expecting; stepping out of the Civic Si last week I was expecting to be in slight shock this week, but I don’t think I will be.
2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $21,345
For more information on Suzuki and the SX4 visit Suzuki Canada
