2010 Suzuki SX4 Vehicle Overview

2010 Suzuki SX4 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Suzuki introduced its tall SX4 compact three years ago, and this hatchback (and later sedan) managed to catch our attention thanks to its roomy cabin, generous features list, available all-wheel drive, easy-driving demeanor and low cost. Our few complaints involved its rather tepid performance and below-class-average fuel economy.

This year, Suzuki addresses both gripes with a new, more powerful engine and two new transmissions that help boost fuel mileage by a couple of miles per gallon. A new trim level, the SX4 Sportback, has also been added to the mix. The Sportback is the hatchback model fitted with the performance upgrades of the Sport sedan. These upgrades include a lowered ride height, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension and body styling tweaks.

All SX4s this year gain a new 2.0-liter engine that puts out 150 horsepower (7 more hp than last year). The power gain by itself is not huge, but there's some added spring in the SX4's step thanks to those two new transmissions -- a six-speed manual and a CVT -- which replace last year's five-speed manual and four-speed auto. Other changes this year include a revised front fascia, a new instrument cluster, rear-seat floor vents and enhancements to the navigation system that include weather maps and even airline departure/arrival information.

The 2010 Suzuki SX4 takes the age-old approach of offering more for the money than the segment's established stars. For around the same price as a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, the SX4 hatchback gives you a roomy cabin, a more powerful engine, sporty handling, power everything, a quieter highway ride and even available automatic climate control. And we'd definitely take the SX4 sedan over Nissan's Versa or Sentra, though it has tough rivals in the well-equipped Kia Forte, the sporty Mazda 3 and the tried-and-true Honda Civic. All said, the improved 2010 SX4 is a strong contender for the small sedan or hatchback shopper.

For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Suzuki SX4 is a compact car available in sedan or hatchback form. The sedan comes in standard and Sport versions, while the hatchback is offered as the base "Crossover" and the uplevel "Sportback." The sedans are front-wheel drive only, as is the Sportback. The Crossover can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. In lieu of a lengthy options list, the SX4 comes in a multitude of trim levels.

The standard SX4 sedan comes in base, LE and LE Popular trims. Standard features on the base SX4 sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, but little else. Should you also want air-conditioning and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack (delayed availability), step up to the LE. The LE with Popular package adds the CVT (in place of the six-speed manual transmission), cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The SX4 Sport sedan comes in S, SE and GTS trims. The S comes with the LE sedan's equipment and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a lower body kit and a navigation system. The SE adds the LE Popular package sedan's features, and Bluetooth is optional. The GTS adds foglights, a rear spoiler, an upgraded audio system (with a six-disc CD changer), upgraded navigation features (MSN traffic, weather and airline flights), keyless entry/ignition and automatic climate control.

The SX4 Crossover comes in base, Technology and Touring AWD trims. The base Crossover comes with the LE sedan's features and adds 16-inch wheels, a roof rack and a rear wiper. The Technology trim adds the LE Popular package sedan's features along with the navigation system. The Touring AWD adds the GTS's features, except it has 16-inch wheels rather than 17s.

The Sportback comes only in loaded GTS trim, which includes the features of the Sport GTS sedan minus the CVT and MSN subscription, both of which are optional.

For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance

Power for all Suzuki SX4s comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 150 hp and 140 pound-feet of torque. It's connected to a standard six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. When paired to the CVT, the engine's output drops slightly to 148 hp. All SX4s are front-wheel drive except for the Crossover hatchback, which offers an AWD option.

Fuel economy estimates for the SX4 range from 25 mpg city/32 highway and 28 mpg combined for the base sedan with the CVT (23/33/26 with the manual) down to 23/29/25 for the AWD Crossover with the CVT (22/30/25 with the manual).

For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.

Safety

Every 2010 Suzuki SX4 comes with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. Traction and stability control are standard on the Sport GTS sedan, the Sportback and all Crossover trims.

In government crash testing, both SX4 body styles received four stars (out of five) for driver and passenger protection. In side impact tests, the SX4 earned five stars for the driver and four stars for the rear passenger. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the SX4 earned the top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Suzuki SX4's cabin has a clean design with large, three-dial climate control knobs that sit just below a compact, well-labeled stereo. The optional navigation system has a small display screen and an aftermarket look, but it's surprisingly useful. The quality of some interior plastics isn't as high as in some rivals, however.

The SX4 earns high marks for its voluminous headroom, though we've found actual driver comfort a bit hit-or-miss. Some of our editors have found the elevated seating position very comfortable, while others complain about the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Legroom can be tight for adults seated in back, but the high rear seat cushion provides good thigh support.

In the hatchback, the 60/40-split rear seatbacks flip forward to open up an impressive 54 cubic feet of cargo space, just 3 cubes shy of the marvelous Honda Fit (though the seats don't fold flat like they do in the Fit). The sedan sports a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and offers a generous 15 cubic feet of trunk capacity -- equal to that of many midsize sedans.

For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

Driving Impressions

Though it has a powerful engine compared to its subcompact competition, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 is still no hot rod. Its typically heavier curb weight negates any advantage, and the 2.0-liter four is predictably light on low-end torque. Nonetheless, acceleration is satisfactory for a small car. The Crossover AWD, due to its smaller fuel tank, also suffers from poor range, with gas station stops a too-frequent annoyance.

The SX4 boasts a smooth, refined ride quality on most surfaces. Big bumps don't upset the suspension much, and its character over broken pavement is firm but composed. With their lower-profile 17-inch tires and firmer suspensions, the Sport versions are the handlers of the lot, with a minimum of body roll through the corners. For vehicles with "Sport" in their names, however, their lack of steering feedback is disappointing.

For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from our Editors, see our Road Tests page.

Top Ten Of The Best Hot Hatches

TOP TEN OF THE BEST HOT HATCHES

Considering their price, petrol consumption and insurance costs, it must be surprising to some just how packed the hot hatch sector is - but for us punters who like our cars pacey, reasonably priced and boasting powerhouse looks, it's a no-brainer. So if you're in the market for a fast and furious hatchback, here's our rundown of the very best...

TOP TEN OF THE BEST HOT HATCHES

Renault Twingo/Clio/Megane

When it comes to front-wheel drive hot hatches, Renault's performance division, Renaultsport, seems incapable of putting a tyre wrong. Not only did it round off the Megane's fat-bottomed previous gen with one of the greatest hot hatches ever made, the R26.R, they've gone on to unleash three astonishing hatches within months of each other - and there's one for every budget; the Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup (from £12,046.95 - 0-60 in 8.7secs), the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup (from £16,459.45 - 0-60 in 6.9secs) and the daddy, the Megane Renaultsport 250 Cup (from £22,467.29 - 0-60 in 6.1 secs). All offer huge grip, brilliant chassises and confidence-inspiring rides. No, none of these cars have the fit or finish of a German motor but at these prices, who cares?

Get a quote on a Renault today! >>

Skoda Fabia vRS

From £16,000 est.

The previous vRS was an unassuming little hatchback with a diesel engine - not the most conspicuous of hot hatches then but that was part of its appeal for many owners. For the 2010 version though, Skoda has decided to up the drama of the car's exterior with looks that are distinctly warm if not scorching hot. Under the bonnet, the diesel is being given the heave-ho and in its place is a 178bhp turbo- and supercharged 1.4-litre engine. You'll also be able to option for a seven-speed DSG gearbox with shift paddles mounted behind the wheel - looks like Skoda means business this time round...

Get a quote on a Skoda Fabia today! >>

Mini Cooper S

From £17,015

We may have said it before at BuyaCar but for pure go-kart-like handling, the Cooper S with its supercharged engine and sublime chassis can even make city driving fun. Couple this with the Mini's idiosyncratic and fun interior, and you have the perfect pocket-sized ally for tackling British roads. For those who prefer their Minis hardcore, you can snap up a Mini John Cooper Works from £21,655 - while it's a little steep price-wise, the JCW's twin-scroll turbocharged engine helps shift the car from 0-62 in 6.5 secs which makes it a true pocket rocket.

Get a quote on a Mini Cooper S today! >>

Honda Civic Type-R GT

From £20,768

When the all-new Civic was unveiled to the world back in 2007, you had to pinch yourself - Honda? Doing daring looks? It still looks futuristic from the inside and out, and look under the bonnet and you'll find the latest Honda V-TEC engine which loves being revved to within an inch of its life. The ride is firm and the steering could do with more feel but for a hot hatch that stands out for all the right reasons, the Type-R is still a crowd-pleaser.

Get a quote on a Honda Civic R GT today! >>

Subaru Impreza Sti

From £27,245

The new-ish shape Impreza has divided opinion with its hatchback looks and numb steering. But you're getting a serious piece of kit for your money - a practical four-door family car with more useable space than its predecessor thanks to its hatchback and folding-flat back seats, and a sorted chassis with Subaru's legendary AWD system plus a 2.5 turbo boxer engine kicking out nearly 300bhp that will see you to 60mph in under five seconds. That's Lambo-worrying performance...

Get a quote on a Subaru Impreza Sti today! >>

Focus RS

From £27,575

Its boy racer looks featuring a large twin-blade spoiler and pumped-up wheel arches filled with massive 19' alloys may not to be to everyone's taste but from behind the wheel, it's clear that the new RS is built for maximum attack. Thanks to Ford's new fangled suspension system - the RevoKnuckle - which aids the front wheels gain traction, this RS is far more manageable than the previous generation RS. Factor in its fantastic turbo-charged engine, burbling exhaust note, stonking performance (0-60 in 5.9 secs) and obscene grip, and you're looking at a future classic. And it's got a massive boot. What more do you want?

Get a quote on a Focus RS today! >>

Golf R

From £30,235 (with DSG gearbox)

The Golf's range-topping R32 was the superhot hatch that never managed to outshine the lesser-powered but more rewarding-to-drive GTi. This latest incarnation though sees VW dumping the lardy 3.2 V6 engine and going with a lighter and faster turbo-blown 2.0-litre unit. Couple that with AWD and first impressions are of a R-Golf that finally shows its younger sibling a thing or two about astonishing crosscountry pace ? but with the excitement and involvement that was lacking from the R32.

Get a quote on a Golf R today! >>

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Price TBC

Alfas may boast looks that make grown men go weak at the knees but the driving experience can sometimes be a letdown ? even its halo supercar, the 8C, came under criticism for not being the sharpest handling tool in the box. With the 147 replacement, the Giulietta, arriving here soon, Alfa is hoping to take the fight to the VW Golf and recapture some of the old Alfa driving magic in the process. The Giulietta is certainly a looker and will feature a host of petrol and diesel engines on its launch - but the one we're most interested in is the Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf); with 232bhp under the bonnet, it should be something special. Fingers crossed.