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.
On-Road
In everyday driving, the Equator rides and handles the way a midsize pickup
should. It's smoother than a full-size and easier to park, but without V-8
power. All the test units were 4x4s; we hoppe ...
Catalytic Converter
Catalytic Converter
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to
minimize the amount of harmful pollutants
in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use of leaded
fuel in vehicles equipped with catalytic
co ...
Anti-Theft Feature
Anti-Theft Feature
(1) Power on/off knob
(2) Track up button/Fast forward button
(3) Preset buttons (1 to 6)
The anti-theft feature is intended to discourage
theft or the audio system by preven ...