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:
Going & Stopping
For a V-6 with paltry mileage, the Grand Vitara's acceleration is merely
adequate. Our friends at MotorWeek clocked a comparably equipped 4WD Grand
Vitara automatic's 0-60 mph time at 9.0 seconds. ...
Driving on Hills
Driving on Hills
• When climbing steep hills, the car may
begin to slow down and show a lack of
power. If this happens, you should shift
to a lower gear so that the engine will
again be opera ...
Cargo & Towing
There's up to 28.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the backseat. Maximum
cargo volume totals 70.8 cubic feet, but it takes a few steps to get there. You
have to fold down the second row's backrest ...