2012 Suzuki SX4 Crossover: Value, Value, Value in Any Kind of Market

Well, it has been a tough time for the Dow Jones Industrial average since the raising of the country's debt limit, and especially since Standard and Poor's downgrade of the U.S. finances from AAA to AA+ Friday night.

Today, the DOW dropped a substantial 634.76 points or 5.6 percent and stock markets worldwide experienced their own significant selloffs as well.

So as a driver, what vehicle offers value, value, value? One car is the 2012 Suzuki SX4 Crossover. What does the SX4 have to offer?

Since financials are now on many drivers' minds, let's start with the SX4's starting price of as low as $11,900. Yes, this is for a base model, however, a more upscale SX4 Crossover with all-wheel drive can be had for $12,900 - $13,500. It is the least expensive subcompact all-wheel drive car in the U.S., and it has the lowest cost of ownership in its class.

Standard features included on the base SX4 include air conditioning, a tilt steering column, a four-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability, a navigation system, power windows and mirrors, 16 inch wheels, as well as a roof rack.

The engine is a 2.0-liter mill (with a chain-driven camshaft) providing 143 hp and 140 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a six-speed manual box or a continuous variable transmission (CVT) with paddles on the steering wheel. Of note is that the car's all-wheel drive can be switched off making it front-wheel drive to save fuel. Thus, the SX4 can handle winter weather but obtain good fuel economy in front-wheel drive mode during the summer. The car's 0-60 time is in 9 seconds.

Standard safety features on the SX4 include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, stability control, and six air bags including side curtains.

The SX4's fuel rating is 22 city and 32 mpg highway.

On Buying a New Car Guide.com it is said, "The SX4 Crossover is brilliantly packaged, brilliant to drive, and it's a smokin' deal."

Yes the Suzuki SX4 Crossover is a basic car, however, with its seven-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, it will likely hold up better than the market as of late!

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.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.