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.
Safety
As an all-new model, the Kizashi hasn't been crash-tested yet by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It features eight airbags, including
seat-mounted torso airbags for all outboard seats ...
Balance of form and function
The Suzuki SX4 comfortably accommodates up to five people and their luggage
needs, while retaining a sleek and stylish look. The 4WD models have exterior
length-width-height dimensions of 4,150mm ...