2011 Suzuki SX4 Sedan: High Gas Prices '" Fight Back!

Suzuki has been in the U.S. auto market for about the last 25 years. The automaker offers a number of models including the 2011 Suzuki SX4 sedan. With fuel prices on the rise, good gas mileage is important. However, as you will see, a vehicle does not need to be at the very top of the mileage charts to be a contender for your hard earned money. And in the case of the Suzuki SX4, you will have a good idea of what you are getting right from the start. Thus, I consider the SX4 to be a 'measured and safe' vehicle purchase.

The SX4 sedan competes with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic but at a $4,000 - $5,000 discount. Thus, while many consumers flock to Toyota or Honda dealerships, good buys are available at Suzuki dealerships.

The SX4 has compact exterior dimensions combined with a high roofline and modern wedge shaped appearance. The front headlights and rear taillights are nicely integrated. The hood has sloping cut lines and the grille is well, friendly! The wheel arches are pronounced and provide a muscular appearance. Visit the slideshow to see the impressive 2011 Suzuki SX4 sedan!

This sedan is well-built as it weighs in at about 2,900 lbs. The 4-door configuration allows for good utility and practicality. The trunk provides a mid-size car 15 cubic-feet of space and the 40/60 rear seats fold down.

The interior's high roof provides a feeling of spaciousness as in a larger car. The front and rear leg room is adequate for even tall passengers. The seats allow the driver and passenger to sit up a bit higher for good visibility. Furthermore, the seats are comfortable and supportive and the instruments are well placed with controls that are easy to use. The fit and finish of the materials are the equal of vehicles costing much more.

Standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, four speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, 40/60 split-folding rear seats, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution.

Safety protection includes eight standard air bags consisting of driver and front passenger, side impact, as well as front and rear side- curtain protection. The SX4 sedan is also equipped with ISOFIX-compliant child seat anchors and the LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children). The SX4 is one of the safest cars in its class!

The engine is a 2.0-liter four cylinder providing 150 hp and 140 ft. lb. of torque. The engine is acceptably smooth and fairly quiet in most driving situations. Of note is that the SX4's engine has a timing chain rather than a costly timing (usually requiring replacement to about 65,000 miles).

The transmission is a modern 6-speed manual or a continuously variable (CVT) automatic with paddles on the steering wheel. This car's 0-60 time is in 10.2 seconds and its fuel rating is 23 city and 31 highway.

The brakes are vented discs up front with drums at the rear. The standard tire size is 195 65 15 inch.

On the road the SX4 has good ride quality for a car its size. The engine is adequate for day-in and day-out use. The handling provides quick maneuverability in town and a well planted stance on the highway. The rack and pinion steering provides good feedback.

The starting price of the 2011 Suzuki SX4 sedan is a reasonable $12,958. It reportedly has America's best warranty at 100,000 miles - seven-year fully transferable, zero deductable powertrain limited warranty.

The 2011 Suzuki SX4 sedan lets you know what you are getting from the start and today, that is worth considering indeed!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.