Suzuki SX4 in the Market
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.
See also:
Basic Power
This year's four-cylinder engine gains some guts — it makes 150 horsepower,
up from last year's 143 — and it works through either a stick shift or a new
continuously variable automatic transmi ...
Heated Rear Window and Heated Outside Rearview Mirrors (if equipped) Switch
Type 1
Type 2
When the rear window is misted, push this
switch (1) to clear the window.
If the driver’s outside rearview mirror has
the mark (2), it is also equipped with the
heated outs ...
Exterior & Styling
One good thing I can say about the Grand Vitara is that it's relatively
distinctive looking. It has some similarities to earlier-generation Saturn Vues,
and whether you like it or not is for you t ...