2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover Review

By Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis

The 2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover blends the safety and security of an all-wheel drive system to a stylish European hatchback design and an even more attractive $14,770 starting price, which stands alone as the smallest, most inexpensive all-wheel drive vehicles on the market. Keep reading below for a full review on the SX4 Crossover.

It's hard to admit, but sometimes living in Florida loses its appeal. Although it's hard to complain about 70 degree winters and sunny summers, there are parts of the country that actually get a winter and have to deal with driving in snow and ice.

Convertibles and sports coupes may be the perfect vehicle for beautiful, sunny days, but there is a breed of car that performs at its best when Mother Nature is at her worst. When the convertibles and sports cars would be parked, all-wheel drive cars shine when the sun doesn't. The majority of all-wheel drive cars on the market exist as high-end performance cars, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Porsche 911 Carrera 4, with price tags to match their performance capabilities.

Suzuki set out to prove that having all-wheel drive is not a luxury. In doing so, Suzuki created a small, efficient and versatile vehicle with a driver-controlled all-wheel drive system and topped it off with a unique European design. Now in its second year, the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Crossover remains the smallest and most inexpensive all-wheel drive vehicle on the market. As a matter of fact, the only vehicle cheaper with four-wheel drive and the ability to seat more than two passengers is the Kawasaki Mule – an ATV!

With a base MSRP of just $14,770, the SX4 competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Aveo5, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. In this segment, the SX4's all-wheel drive proves to be just as much as a curse as it is a blessing. The weight from the driveline components gives the Suzuki inferior performance and fuel economy. The combination of less than stellar fuel economy mixed with a relatively small 11-gallon fuel tank, the SX4 seemed to want to stop at almost every gas station.

Power is derived from a 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. Like many higher-end cars, Suzuki's SmartPass system allows the car to be unlocked and have the ignition started with the key fob in the driver's pocket or purse. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with an optional four-speed automatic available for all trim levels.

A rocker switch next to the central-mounted parking brake lever allows the driver to choose between the three all-wheel drive modes: 2WD, AUTO and LOCK. In "2WD" mode, the SX4 acts the same as a front-wheel drive sending all of the torque to the front wheels. In slippery conditions, the driver can set the three-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system (i-AWD™) into "LOCK" mode, which sends between 30 to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels at speeds under 36 mph. The middle setting is the "AUTO" mode that automatically sends up to 50 percent of its engine torque to the rear wheels when front wheel slippage is detected for an ideal 50/50 torque split.

The SX4 was developed in conjunction with Fiat (who markets the car as the Fiat Sedici in European countries), while the surprisingly stunning looks were designed by the same company responsible for the beautiful 2007 Giugiaro Mustang concept car. With looks that are somewhere between a Subaru and Scion xD, the SX4 definitely stands out in the crowd of compact hatchbacks. The Touring package adds fog lights and a rear decklid spoiler above the rear window.

Inside, the SX4 shows its size and price. The front passenger seats are comfortable, but there is minimal space between the driver and passenger and the lack of a center armrest can be a little uncomfortable while driving. Rear passengers aren't as lucky with cramped legroom and limited hiproom. From the driver's seat, the three large instrument gauges are easily visible through the steering wheel, and the center stack instrumentation is simple and uncluttered. The optional Touring package adds a nine-speaker stereo with an integrated six-disc CD/MP3 player.

As is the case with most uniquely shaped vehicles, cargo space is noticeably limited by the sloped liftgate and short rear overhang. Behind the rear seat, the SX4 is limited to just 16 cubic feet of storage space, which is among the smallest of its main competitors. Ironically, with the 50/50 split rear seats folded out of the way, the SX4 offers best-in-class storage capacity at 64 cubic feet.

New for 2008, Suzuki adds a cheaper, more fuel-efficient and more conventionally designed sedan version of the SX4 Crossover, called the SX4 Sport.

Review written by: Jeffrey Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis © 2008