Review: Suzuki SX4 Sport - The S Stands for Super Sedan

If you remove the big S from the front grille of the Suzuki SX4 Sport, it would be hard to distinguish this little rice-burner from its Toyota counterpart, the Corolla.

Both Japanese sedans are priced right for entry-level buyers: Starting under $15,000 for manual versions of the SX4 ($14,270); the Touring Package 2 with automatic transmission tops out at an MSRP of $16,870.

The test-vehicle we cruised in for a week had a sticker price of $15,270 which included destination charge and a bevy of standard features.

Among them:

Performance: Speed-sensitive power steering, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport body kit and four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes.

Safety: Front, side and side curtain airbags, child safety locks, a tire pressure monitoring system, and front and rear crumple zones.

Comfort and Convenience: Automatic air conditioning, power windows, locks and heated outside mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, cruise control and tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, floor mats, rear-window defroster, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Overall, that's a lot of bang for very little bucks.

By comparison, the Toyota Corolla CE, with a manual transmission, has a starting price of $14,405. The top-end Corolla Corolla LE, with an automatic tranny, lists at $16,415. And there are not as many standard features on Toyoota's stalwart Corolla either For example, a remote keyless entry system, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and AM/FM/CD player are all options..

The Suzuki boasts a slightly larger powerplant with a 2.0-liter. 16-valve, double-overhead cam 4-cylinder under its stylish hood that generates 143 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and has 136 lb.-foot of torque at 3,500 rpm. The Corolla features a 1.8-liter, DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder that produces 126 hp at 6,000 rpm; and 122 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm.

Where Suzuki has the edge is in the warranty department. The carmaker offers a fully transferable, zero-dollar deductible 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty on all new vehicles. The powertrain warranty can be transferred from owner to owner, adding value at resale or trade-in also --- plus there is no deductible, so Suzuki owners won't have out-of-pocket expenses.

Toyota warrants the Corolla for 36 months or 36,000 miles, but that where its basic vehicle coverage ends. And there is no roadside assistance offered either. But Toyota does guarantee the powertrain for 60 months or 60,000 miles and well anti-corrosion coverage for that same period. The warranty, like Suzuki's, is transferable between owners.

The Suzuki SX4 Sedan gets an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Our test vehicle did slightly better than that in both categories, by about two miles more per gallon. The Corolla does, however, win in the gas-savings arena, with an estimated 27mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Both manufacturers also are offer9ng customers handsome incentives now: Suzuki has a $1,000 cash-back deal through the end of February or 4.9% financing for 48 months. Toyota also has a $1,000 cash-back offer as well as 1.9% APR for 36 months.

For our money, the Suzuki SX4 has an overall sportier appearance than the stodgy Corolla, which resembles a "mini-me" of big brother the Camry. But first-time car buyers and young drivers really could not go wrong buying either vehicle.

Both cars are popular with the "Fast and Furious" crowd, who like to soup up and customize their rides. After market manufacturers are tuned in to these desires, too, offering a plethora of goodies as witnessed at a recent auto show in the Carolinas. One Suzuki we saw even had the "S" as in Superman logo emblazoned on its side and roof. As in Super Sedan, we can guess, with its throaty exhaust and superb graphics. Suzuki's new vehicle warranty covers all components of the vehicles for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Any repairs to correct defects in materials or workmanship will be made with no charge for parts or labor. In addition, Suzuki offers Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the U.S. and Canada. Available services include tire changes, jump starts, lockout service, mechanical repairs, and towing to the nearest Suzuki dealer or authorized service center.