Suzuki SX4 in the Market
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.
See also:
Grand Vitara in the Market
American automakers get a lot of criticism for their bad decisions in the
sport utility arena. There was too much emphasis on the truck-based type, and
they're paying the price. Suzuki proves with ...
Under the Hood
Engine and transmission configurations include:
152-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder, aluminum block/cylinder head,
DOHC, four valves per cylinder with 171 pounds-feet of peak torque 261 ...
Power and torque
The 1.6-litre petrol engine has been improved to comply with Euro 5 emissions
with a new cylinder head and block which offer improved cooling performance and
improved 'knock' or detonation control ...