Suzuki SX4 2008

By Bruno Bouchard

A question of need

I’ am going out on the limb from the start: I maintain that the SX4 is the best Suzuki that I’ve driven thus far (note the absence of the new Grand Vitara which has escaped me so far). The SX4 comes up better than the defunct Aerio in all areas but for a slight hitch; although the SX4 qualifies as superior, it must face rivals who are very well implanted in the market. Being compared to a formidable foe like the Toyota Matrix can be intimidating.

Let’s begin with the heart of the SX4, the 2 litre four- cylinder engine. It develops 143 hp and 136 lb-pi of torque. This stays within the norm because the same-size motor in the Mazda 3 shows 148hp yet progress demands that yesterday’s reference becomes passé tomorrow. Be not afraid, it has not yet happened. The SX4’s engine, however, does not offer the suppleness or the great motor music common to Honda and Toyota. A strange fact considering Suzuki’s output for years of exceptional motorcycles. I ask myself where this passion to win originates. In short, the SX4, s motor growls too much and the distance between speeds in the automatic transmission does not help at all; for instance, the first speed goes on much too long which has a negative effect on acceleration. The result is the constant need to apply a heavy foot in order to follow the traffic flow. You can well imagine the toll on the fuel consumption. In fact, the SX4 delivered a dismal 11.5 litres/100km in the city. This equals the consumption of much bigger vehicles. The all-wheel drive feature, however, shares some of the responsibility.

Road-test Liked:

• the SX4 looks much better than the Aerio;
• The ‘lock’ mode on the AWD.  A pleasant surprise on a relatively inexpensive ride.
• The driving position;
• All-around sight lines;
• The features package for the JLX model is quite generous given a vehicle in this price range;
• Suzuki  upholds the Japanese tradition of providing quality construction.