It's a good thing that the SX4 handles better than it looks. It's as nimble as the pros in this class — we're talking the likes of a Lancer, Mazda3 or Focus. The steering wheel requires a bit more effort to turn than many, but it delivers excellent turn-in precision and good feedback. It also returns naturally to 12 o'clock and stays there on the highway. The Civic's steering wheel feels more secure at high speeds, but for a car that seems susceptible to crosswinds, the SX4 doesn't wander off course like I'd expect it to. My SX4 Sport's sport-tuned suspension kept body roll nicely in check, too.
Sadly, good handling does lead to a rather undisciplined ride. The suspension cushions major bumps well enough, and it keeps the wheels connected with the road over rough patches. But smaller imperfections are your constant companion in this car: Over long stretches of less-than-smooth highway, my tester settled into a rhythm of up/down motions. We've complained of the same proclivities in crossovers like the Honda CR-V and, to a lesser extent, the Toyota RAV4. No matter where it happens, it gets old fast.
Listening to a XM Satellite Radio (Option)
Listening to a XM Satellite Radio (Option)
(1) XM button
(2) Category button (CAT)
(3) Seek up button
(4) Seek down button
(5) Manual tuning knob
(6) Display button (DISP)
(7) Preset button ( ...
Mirrors
Inside Rearview Mirror
Inside Rearview Mirror
You can adjust the inside rearview mirror
by hand so as to see the rear of your vehicle
in the mirror. To adjust the mirror, set
the selector tab ...
Driving Tips
WARNING:
• Wear Your Seat Belts at All Times.
Even though air bags are equipped
at the front seating positions, the
driver and all passengers should
be properly restrained at all times ...