2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

Awhile back we reviewed the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan. This week’s SX4 Crossover while similar, is not quite a twin sister. Each of the two cars have a distinctive personality. With that in mind, let’s visit upon the details.

Go power for both the sedan and Crossover comes in the form of an aluminum block 2.0 liter four-cylinder motor. It’s got 143 horsepower and peak torque comes on at a low 3500 rpm. That means strong acceleration from dead stop to wide-open throttle. Crossover’s elapsed time is a respectable nine seconds. Beyond speed is the contemporary issue of fuel economy. Suzuki delivers each new car with a full tank of gas. In this case about 11 gallons, which is enough for 200 to 300 miles. Suffice it to say mileage is pretty darn good. You probably already know how to maximize mileage by easing your foot down on the gas pedal. Slower acceleration equals more mpg.

You also need to know that two transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic ($1100). The difference in mileage is a mere one mpg. The car is All Wheel Drive, but not plain vanilla. Instead it’s iAWD, with the “i” standing for intelligent. There are three modes. One for max fuel economy, one for deep mud or snow and another for automatic and optimal flow of power to front and rear wheels.

Handling manners are very good, with nimble, responsive steering. Suzuki SX4 Crossover rides on a wide track suspension, which is a techie way to describe the distance measured between left and right wheels. Thanks to the its wide track and tight turning ratio cornering is precise and controlled. Simply put, with its responsive engine and great handling, this car is lots of fun to drive

SX4 Crossover accommodates up to five people and their luggage, Thanks to a particularly high roofline headroom is spacious while front seat legroom is about average. And the wide track we talked about a minute earlier also broadens the passenger compartment. Rear seats perch slightly higher than the front ones and are split 60/40. Predictably they tumble forward to create an almost fully flat load floor. Overall upholstery is comfy. Wind noise is modest, the engine is audible, but not intrusively loud.

Some of the biggest news is the fact this car comes with a navigation system as standard equipment. That’s unheard of in this price range. Basically the nav system is a vamped up Garmin GPS that’s also tied in to real time traffic, weather, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town.

The base model 2008 SX4 Crossover is well-equipped and lovingly bestowed with more standard features than some cars costing thousands of dollars more. Key items include power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, an aero body package, alloy wheels and floor mats.

ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is a standard item on all models. But there’s a package that makes it tempting to move up to the more expensive touring model. Said package includes traction control, stability control and the Electronic Stability Program. ESP firmware calculates vehicle speed, steering wheel angle and yaw. Should ESP detect unintended over steer or under steer it responds by applying individual brakes and at the same time reducing engine torque. It does its good work when cornering, under acceleration and when negotiating slippery road surfaces.

Safety items include daytime running lights (lights on for safety) dual stage front airbags, front seat side impact air bags, side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and child safety locks and tether anchors. But what I like best are the front and rear crumple zones, and the way the unibody would flow impact energy away from the reinforced passenger compartment.

There are two optional packages: Convenience and Touring. The Convenience Package adds cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, automatic climate control and heated outside mirrors.

While the top of the line Touring package adds a six-disc CD player, an upgraded 380-watt audio system with nine speakers, including subwoofer, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, the previously mentioned Electronic Stability Program with traction control system and Smart Pass keyless entry and start system.

Finally, Suzuki’s warranty runs for seven years or 100.000 miles and is transferable from the original owner. Should the car needs warranty work done, Suzuki provides a courtesy car.

Wheelbase - 98.4“
Engine - 2.0L I-4
HP - 143 @5800 rpm
Transmission - 5-spd manual
Mileage - 21/28 mpg
Fuel capacity - 11 gallons
Curb weight - 2855 pounds
Base price - $
As tested - $