You can’t blame Suzuki for trying. Sadly, it seems to be its own worst enemy in this case. With its attempts at raising its own bar with the Kizashi, it has inadvertently highlighted some of the weaker points of its second-most-ignored entry – the SX4.
The SX4, especially in gray sedan form, has suffered from what I’ve always called “Cavalier Syndrome,” the unfortunate occurrence of a vehicle being so boring, so visually indistinct that it simply melds into ubiquitous anonymity. Hatchback “Sportback” and Crossover trims avoid this malady well, and even manage to skirt the edges of stylish, but the sedan is nearly invisible.
Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that Suzuki’s share of North American sales continues to drop well below the 1% line - .02% as of this writing. As such, the SX4 has managed to become lost in a sea of barely distinguishable carbon copies. What’s worse is that it’s undeserved in large part. The SX4 has a lot going for it, perhaps most impressive being its status as the most affordable AWD crossover on the market for several years running.
But with the extreme emphasis manufacturers have understandably placed on fuel efficiency as of late, the SX4 is getting lost in a rising tide of vehicles that can go further and further between refuels. On paper, the SX4 should be quite the efficient little roundabout, with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine fitted to a 6-speed manual or CVT. The manual is by far the better choice, with smoother action, increased peppiness and fun factor, as well as not suffering from the boggy tendencies of the CVT, which can sometimes feel as though the car will flat out die during fast deceleration. The 6-speed setup even offers more power, albeit just 2 extra horses – 150 for the 6-speed at 6200 rpm versus 148 with the CVT at 6000 even. Torque ratings are identical regardless of transmission, 140 lb-ft at 3500. In the sedan, those setups will return EPA-estimated fuel efficiency figures of 23/33 with the 6-speed and 25/32 with the CVT.
The engine can be a bit rough as well, especially when taxed. At higher speeds or even when pushed hard around town, the coarse nature of the 2.0 presents itself, betraying the limitations of its design. It has plenty of power but simply isn’t refined as the powerplant in some more expensive offerings.
Fortunately these are the sole shortcomings of the SX4, or at least those worth complaining about. Taller drivers will find difficulty with regard to legroom, and the pedals configuration could be better spaced, especially for those with larger feet, but overall room is generous front and back. Budget-appropriate fabrics cover the seats, which are both comfortable and well-bolstered, especially for a vehicle in this price range.
Ride and steering response are perhaps the most impressive aspects of the SX4, with even the base suspension offering a competent and comfortable ride. The optional sport suspension firms things up quite a bit, although you’ll still encounter some lean in harder cornering, but things never get uncomfortably stiff, and that’s a plus. Curiously, the SX4 has a wide turning radius that seems out of place for a car of its size and frustrates city drivers.
Interior materials are constituted largely of hard plastics, but they don’t seem overly cheap, especially for the class, however the design of the gauges and controls is a bit too old-fashioned for some. They are all legible and well within sightlines and reach alike, but their traditional design loses a lot of appeal, dropping their overall worth in the eyes of some. Perception is everything. The optional touchscreen Garmin navigation system works well, although some find its screen too small and far away for easy operation.
Really, there are just better options out there than the SX4, unless you’re interested in AWD. For anyone needing the AWD option, it’s an economical and practical choice. While the Sportback avoids the visual blandness that plagues the Sedan, there are cheaper and more refined examples on the market with better efficiency. If the SX4 is on your shortlist, go for the Crossover with the 6-speed manual and revel in the fact that you’re driving the most affordable AWD crossover on the market – not to mention the additional benefit of being almost certain never to see another on the road.
