Review of the 2007 Suzuki SX4

When the name Suzuki comes up, usually one of two thoughts appear. Motorcycle fans minds race with flashes of Suzuki's world class super bikes, and off road machines, such as the dirt bikes appearing at the X-Games. Car fans, as well as just about everyone else will think one thing, cheap transportation. The Suzuki SX4 won't change their minds, but it is a baby step in the right direction, and that's due to the fact that it is the cheapest car to offer All Wheel Drive standard.

The SX4 comes standard with a 2 liter inline four spinning out 143 horse power and 136 pound-feet of torque. The power might be adequate for a lighter car, but weighing in at 2900 pounds, and suffering from a transmission that cuts power at each shift, the Suzuki only managed a sprint to 60 in 9.1 seconds. On the skid pad, the SX4 does pull a more impressive 0.80 g, but the added weight of the all wheel drive system meant a poor stopping distance of only 184 feet from 70 mph.

Inside the SX4 is a single switch that allows the driver to select front-wheel drive, AWD auto, or AWD lock. The lock mode sends 30 to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels up to 36 mph, where it switches to AWD auto. The base model SX4 comes with a decent amount of features, but for $1400 more the Sport model adds traction control, keyless ignition and automatic climate control.

The Suzuki SX4 may not be the best looking or best driving car for the money, but the all wheel drive for the price can not be beat. In northern states, and snowy areas, the car is sure to be a hit much like the Subaru's which come with all wheel drive standard as well. Sure, the car may look like a sized down minivan, but the all wheel drive is what saves the day.

Statistics

Base Price: $15,594

Engine: Inline DOHC 4
Power: 143 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 136 lb-ft @3500 rpm

Dimensions:
Wheelbase 98.4 in
Length: 162.8 in
Width: 69.1 in
Height: 63.2 in
Curb Weight: 2907 lb

Performance: (From Car and Driver)
0-60 mph- 9.1 Sec
0-100 mph- 30.1 Sec
5-60 mph- 9.3
¼ Mile- 16.9 Sec @ 83 mph
Top Speed- 114 mph
Braking, 70-0- 184 ft
300 Ft skidpad- 0.80 g

Fuel Economy
EPA City Driving- 22 mpg