Now in its fourth year since replacing the Aerio, the Suzuki SX4 has gained a steadily increasing following as an unheralded competitor to the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Scion xD. But the compact car, now features 16 different styles, including the new sportiest edition in the family, the Sx4 Sportback. A hatchback with a different name, the Sportback has a firmer suspension, a lower ride height, increased of horsepower (143 to 150) and two new transmission options a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the latter of which replaces last year\u2019s four-speed automatic. And there\u2019 s more: restyled front fascia, a new instrument cluster, a height-adjustable driver seat, an auxiliary audio jack (delayed availability), a few new navigation features and some renamed trim levels. My weekly test driver was the six-speed manual transmission. It has a short shift box, and not the fastest car on the round, it tries hard. I can remember driving an entry sedan that was so much fun to drive sine the first year of the previously mentioned Honda Fit. Suzuki has put a lot of thought into the Sportback and the additions cover a lot of ground, practicality to safety to efficient use of space. It all adds up to value. In addition to its smooth, steady drive, the Suzuki SX4 feels bigger than it is. One primary reason is the near panoramic view. The front windshield is wide and it\u2019s complement by large extra front seat driver and passenger side portals. Further, considering its size and its hatchback style, the view through the rear is window surprisingly void of obstruction. Another keen standard feature is the portable touch screen navigation system. It rests on top center of the instrumentation panel. It recesses for safety and is also removable. The standard MSN Direct Services include real time traffic to low price gas finder to airport arrival information. The SX4 is also keen on practicality. Extraordinarily efficient heated seats, ceiling hand grips, lots of cup holders, multi-position sunshields. They\u2019re all small items, but added as part of the whole package, the SX4 provides amble reason to believe that just because a car has an entry level price its doesn\u2019t mean the manufacturer “cut corners” to keep the cost down. Facts & Figures: 2010 Suzuki SX4 Sportback Airbags: Dual front, side and side curtain (Standard). Fuel economy (EPA estimates) mpg (city), mpg (hwy). Government Safety Ratings (stars): Frontal crash, driver 4, passenger 5; Side crash, front Category:Home \u203a Home \u2022 Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? \u2014 part 2 \u2022 Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? \u2014 part 1 \u2022 Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? \u2022 Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? \u2014 part 13 \u2022 Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? \u2022 Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? \u2014 part 12 \u2022 Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? \u2022 Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? \u2014 part 11<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Now in its fourth year since replacing the Aerio, the Suzuki SX4 has gained a steadily increasing following as an unheralded competitor to the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Scion xD. But the compact car, now features 16 different styles, including the new sportiest edition in the family, the Sx4 Sportback. A hatchback with a… <\/p>\n