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.
Over the Ice & Through the Snow
A white Christmas gave me plenty of opportunities to test the all-wheel
drive, and the Kizashi proved to be a competent snowmobile. Now, the Kizashi has
a feature that's rare among cars with all-w ...
Exterior
From the center roof pillar forward, the SX4 Sport sedan is a dead ringer for
the SX4 Crossover, featuring the same stylishly assertive face with creased
bodywork. The SportBack ditches the Crosso ...
Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing)
Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
you use the proper towing method specified
for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specific ...