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.
Under the Hood
All SX4 models use the same engine and transmissions, though the Crossover
has standard all-wheel drive and the others come with front-wheel drive.
Mechanical features include:
150-horsepower, 2 ...
Traction and Safety
The all-new Suzuki Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety
equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®), an anti-lock braking ...
Starting the Engine
Before Starting the Engine
1) Make sure the parking brake is set fully.
2) Manual Transaxle – Shift into “N” (Neutral)
and depress the clutch pedal all
the way to the floor.
Hold the clutch ...