2012 Suzuki SX4 Overview

2012 Suzuki SX4 Overview

With sales on the rise for this underdog and oft-forgotten maker, Suzuki hopes to gather more fans with a few tweaks to its SX4 lineup for 2012. You won't see any grandstanding, though - most of the changes are subtle creature-comfort improvements, excepting the addition of Electronic Stability Control and rear disc brakes on all SX4 sedans.

The Suzuki SX4 is a compact car available as either a sedan or 5-door hatchback. All but Crossover trims are front-wheel drive, while the Crossovers are all-wheel drive with some alternative functionality, like the ability to shift to front-wheel drive for better fuel economy, which for the SX4 ranges between 22 mpg city and 33 highway depending on the drivetrain. All are powered by the same 2-liter inline-4 good for about 150 hp, with the option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual.

Many drivers have reported better fuel economy than advertised and very thoroughly enjoy the SX4's European driving style and upscale sport suspension. An exceptionally small number of lemons have left the manufacturing lines, so future drivers should be aware that no SX4 should have any significant problems before 100,000 miles. If your SX4 happens to stand against this trend, it definitely appears that Suzuki is interested in making sure you are absolutely satisfied with your choice.

New additions for 2012 include alloy wheels for automatic-equipped Crossover models alongside the stability control and disc brakes added across the board, as previously mentioned. The SE sedan was tweaked for an 8% increase in fuel economy, and the Garmin navigation system standard in the Sport sedan received an upgrade to include the voice recognition and interactive capabilities already available in the Grand Vitara.

Any one of the 9 members of the SX4 family is available for less than $20,000 - and though they do not come equipped with wow features like a rear-view camera, the upper tiers do include things like heated front seats, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and a navigation system without needing to opt up for a bigger price tag. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel could be a problem for some, but the height-adjustable seats have seemed to simultaneously solve that problem and spark the ire of some drivers who were hoping for a more car-like stance.

Elbow room is not a problem, despite the small size of the SX4. Cargo space is pretty decent, too - a maximum of 54 cubic feet in the hatchback, and a minimum of 15 cubic feet in the sedans, with more room for larger items provided by folding down the seats. The Crossovers are a bit cramped in the gas tank, though, limiting their range and forcing drivers to fuel up a bit more often, but being a budget buggie, the SX4 does very well for itself.