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Review by Danny Chang
(Updated with a counterpoint view June 5, 2010)
Pros
- Available with AWD
- Passes agility tests better than a Border Collie
- Gets you from point A to point B
- Don’t have to look for the bus pass
- Way better than a Yugo
Cons
- Slightly more powerful than a lawnmower
- Unimpressive styling even with new aero kit
- Underwhelming MPG
Introduction
I had planned a trip to Lake Tahoe a few weekends ago and when my editor told me there was a Suzuki SX4 available I jumped at it. Since Suzuki bills this SX4 as a crossover, I thought it’d be a great car to take it up to the mountains. The SX4 comes with an all aluminum 2.0 liter 16 valve DOHC in-line 4 engine that pumps out 150 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, a little disappointing. But more on that later. The tester had the Touring package, which includes fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a Smartpass keyless entry and start system – a surprising, nice feature for an economy-built subcompact.
Driving Impressions
For 2010, Suzuki created the SportBack model based on their SX4 Crossover with the goal of creating something a little more sport-oriented. A bump in power, from 143 to 150 hp, was engineered into this hatchback along with all-wheel drive being given up for a simpler front-wheel drive system. Without all-wheel drive, the SX4 SportBack is lighter and more efficient, and without a roof rack, sitting lower to the ground, it figures to be more aerodynamic with its new aero body kit.
Surprisingly, the 2.0-liter engine felt really weak and the CVT transmission was not very smooth nor good at keeping the engine it its optimal powerband. The paddle shifters on the steering column set some pretty high expectations that are duly crushed in no time. Driving up to Lake Tahoe at night was already a challenging experience, having to constantly floor the gas pedal just to maintain speed and not get stuck behind semi trucks made the trip all the more exciting. Cornering and road grip felt above average in the SX4. Ride quality was stiff, but it’s exactly what you expect out of a subcompact from Japan with a sports-tuned suspension.
(Continued on page 2)
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I bought an SX4 that had been heavily breathed-on by RoadRace Motorsports of Sante Fe Springs, CA. A Ronal wheel, plus tire and suspension package, and a turbo package make for a quick and stable trackday car that is still a tractable everyday street car. The carbon-fiber hood adds visual drama.
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I’m on my way to buy one tonight. its a 2010 and i must say i’m a little confussed, so I’ll have to review it myself and let you know. However is the reasale value good?? anybody?
Thanks,
berrichondanny, sorry you have absolutely no clue what you are talkin about, the suzuki sx4 ratings and reviews are all pretty decent, and when they do have some issues about it, they actually know how to explain the issue, you didnt point out anything true about the vehicle. i agree this was very biased and you should just never ever right a car review ever again.
Long overdue, but a counterpoint to Danny’s review has been published.
http://reviews.carreview.com/blog/first-impressions-2010-suzuki-sx4/
I do not own a SX4 but did my ‘researched’ as I am car shopping. As a car guy (yes, I drive a Miata) feel compelled to comment that this author is an idiot and don’t know a thing about cars…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_SX4
Or read or watch just any ‘other’ reivew of the SX4
“…as my wife calls it, the Suzuki SuX4me…” Statements like this add no value to this so called review and show your bias.
Btw, below is what I consider and unbias review and comparison and something you can learn from. Honestly, I fully expected the Fit to win..
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/subcompact-car-showdown-cga.htm
In summary, please stick to writing your ‘Opinion’ articles.
This journalistic review is total garbage. Poorly written, biased, and clearly from a guy who probably reads his Facebook more than actual car specs….very poor. This guy must drive German cars to be so hard on the SX4 – most reviews are positive and my 2 test drives left me impressed….terrible article written bu a guy lying in bed most likely.