The Suzuki SX4 offers the most powerful engine in its class. It has a wide track for good handling and it seems to have a solid body. The downside is that it's relatively heavy, and weight is the enemy of which performance and fuel economy. So the SX4 is not much faster than its competitors, on dry pavement, that is, and fuel consumption is not quite as good.
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover comes with all-wheel drive and that distinguishes it among the herd of compacts. The world's top rally cars use all-wheel drive for its superior traction and Suzuki will be competing in the spectacularly fast World Rally Championship in 2008 with a high-performance version of the SX4. This is a roundabout way of saying that the SX4 has the basic ingredients for a solid performance car.
The Crossover model's all-wheel-drive system, called i-AWD, operates in three modes via a console-mounted switch. The 2WD mode is for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement, the AWD Auto mode controls the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels from zero to 50 percent, depending on available traction, and the AWD Lock mode is designed to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud. When in the lock mode, power is distributed to the rear wheels in the range of 30 to 50 percent. When the vehicle reaches 36 mph in AWD Lock mode, the system automatically switches to AWD Auto mode.
Honestly we don't see the point in the 2WD mode as the fuel savings have to be minimal and it means the driving feel changes when you switch to or from the automatic mode. It seems much more sensible to have the benefits available at all times so that in an emergency situation one has all four wheels doing the work. The lock mode is useful for really adverse conditions at slow speeds.
We found both body styles fun to drive with the manual transmission, though the gearshift throws are a little long and rubbery. The SX4 could do with a sixth gear as we found ourselves wanting to up shift several times as we drove on straight highways and freeways. Around the twisty bits, however, just shifting through the gate between second, third and fourth gear was fine. Zero to 60 mph times are in the 10-second range, so the SX4 is not quick.
We only tried an automatic for a short distance and the shifting seemed smooth. The SX4 Sport achieves a slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy rating with the automatic than it does with the manual, 23 mpg City and 31 Highway, compared to 22/30. In the Crossover, the fuel economy numbers are the same 21/28 no matter what transmission is chosen.
In the Crossover, the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering feels fine with virtually no sign of torque steer. It might not be quite crisp enough for a racer but it's far from being sloppy. The steering in the Sport is a little sharper, and some minor torque steer can arise if you stomp on the throttle in the middle of a turn. We never had the chance to try the brakes in a panic but we have no reason to doubt they work fine, especially in cars equipped with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution.
Overall handling is competent in both body styles, thanks in part to a long wheelbase and a wide track. With standard AWD, the Crossover grips much better on slippery surfaces and the AWD system can even help on a dry road. The Sport lacks AWD, but its lower ride height and tauter suspension make it more nimble than the Crossover. Both body styles have a relatively high seating position, which makes the SX4's moderate body lean more pronounced. However, once the SX4 shifts its weight in a corner, it takes a nice set and tracks nicely through the turn.
Those who like a soft cushy ride might like the Crossover but find the Sport a little too stiff for their liking. Broken pavement can cause the Sport to jiggle, while a series of larger humps can create some bounding motions. Still, the Sport is not uncomfortable; it's just stiffer than most of its competitors.
