If my experience driving around Chicago is any indicator, there's quite a market for small, sporty-looking hatchbacks. Most of them are heavily modified used cars, and against this benchmark the SX4 performs quite well, if for no other reason than it has up-to-date safety equipment.
It's when the SX4 is compared with other new offerings that it suffers. Is it as crisp, poised and refined as the segment leaders? Nope. And while it's fun to drive on twisty roads, it's not the most fun. The SX4 doesn't look like many other cars on the road, and the SportBack version is well-differentiated from its siblings. For some people, that plus good handling will be enough. I'm not convinced, though, that I wouldn't be happier in day-to-day use with something different.
Seat Adjustment
WARNING:
Never attempt to adjust the driver’s
seat or seatback while driving. The
seat or seatback could move unexpectedly,
causing loss of control.
Make sure that the driver’s seat and
...
What It All Means
The steering has a nice weight, meaning it's not overly power-assisted to the
point of being twitchy on the highway, nor does it require too much effort at
slow speeds. It's also precise, meaning ...
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems
WARNING:
An air bag supplements, or adds to,
the frontal crash protection offered
by seat belts. The driver and all passengers
must be properly restrained
by wearing seat belts at all time ...