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.
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems
WARNING:
An air bag supplements, or adds to,
the frontal crash protection offered
by seat belts. The driver and all passengers
must be properly restrained
by wearing seat belts at all time ...
If the Engine Overheats
The engine could overheat temporarily
under severe driving conditions. If the High
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light in the instrument cluster glows red
during driving:
1) Turn off the air ...
Break-In
CAUTION:
The future performance and reliability
of the engine depends on the care
and restraint exercised during its
early life. It is especially important to
observe the following precautions
d ...