Suzuki's SX4 sedan has a good foundation but cheapness detracts

There is greatness lurking in the engineering of Suzuki's new SX4 sedan, but some cheapness diminishes what could be a class-leading compact.

The SX4 Sport joins the SX4 Crossover ($15,895), an all-wheel-drive, five-door hatchback. Both share mechanicals and interior features.
This five-passenger "compact" is a good example of a big little car.

Materials, manufacturing and technology for compact cars have been able to expand space without adding mass. Consequently, what was once a subcompact is now super-sized to nearly compact size. And what was once a compact is now almost too big for many people. And too expensive.

In the trend of "less is more," stepping down to a compact doesn't necessarily mean making a sacrifice.

Today's test car, the Suzuki SX4 sedan, is a good example.

Starting at about $15,000, this economy car has a good foundation that gives an impression of reliability and durability. Standard equipment includes six air bags, remote locking, air conditioning, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, trip computer, power mirrors-windows-locks, four-speaker CD-MP3 audio system, aerodynamic body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels and floor mats.

The top-line SX4 Touring, $16,895, adds such extras as SmartPass keyless entry and start system, nine-speaker audio upgrade, fog lamps and electronic stability control with traction control. An optional four-speed automatic adds $1,100.

This compact segment is packed with choices, including the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Lancer and Nissan Versa. But the list thins quickly when you start looking for a compact with 17-inch wheels, automatic air conditioning, keyless starting and entry, four-wheel-disc brakes and electronic stability controls.

The SX4's 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is responsive and fairly thrifty, with a rating of 30 miles per gallon for highway driving. The five-speed manual transmission is easy and dutiful, but not as sporty or fun to use as the B&M shifter in the Hyundai Accent coupe. Suzuki does add brand-name KYB performance shock absorbers, a sport-tuned suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Aerodynamic body panels and alloy wheels add to the Sport stance.

The car really sticks in the corners and through sweeping exit ramps. But I think the all-wheel-drive hatchback model is more fun to drive.

The ride quality is of a more substantial car and the interior is well-isolated from road or tire harshness. The cabin appears more refined than the Ford Focus, but not as well-finished as the Hyundai Elantra or even the smaller Hyundai Accent.

The tall roof allows a spacious interior with plenty of shoulder and headroom. But the roof line and cab-forward architecture is accommodated by the use of forked windshield pillars that can complicate corner views, particularly at crosswalks.

Big and tall drivers may find their shoes overlapping the brake and accelerator pedals. There's no flip-down armrest for the driver's right arm, which Hyundai so thoughtfully provides in its compacts. And also missing are seat-back pockets, and the glove box doesn't lock.

Fabrics, most plastics and quality of construction are good. The flannel-cardboard headliner and flimsy vinyl visors (even though they do have covered mirrors) detract from such features as a leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel, aluminum trim and red-lighted gauges.

The back seats are raised for great visibility, and there is a center seat head restraint. But the substantial transmission tunnel cuts back on center seat foot room. The seat-back does not fold, but the tall trunk is spacious at 15 cubic feet.

Suzuki builds a good car, but the SX4 still seems to be in transition from the Japanese market to a car for North America.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

Tune in to signonradio.com and join Maynard's Garage Internet radio at 1 p.m. Mondays for 30 minutes of automotive news and reviews.

And click into Maynard's Garage blog site at http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/garage/.

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.

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SPECS BOX

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with convenience package

Body style: compact, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan

Engine: aluminum, 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter, DOHC four-cylinder

Transmission: five-speed manual; optional four-speed automatic

EPA fuel economy estimates: 22 mpg city, 30 highway; 87 octane recommended

DIMENSIONS

Trunk space: 15 cubic feet

Front head/leg/shoulder room: 39.6/41.4/53.3 inches

Length/wheelbase: 1776./98.4 inches

Curb weight: 2,745 pounds

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: remote locking, automatic air conditioning, power windows-locks-mirrors (heated), four-speaker CD-MP3 audio system, cruise control, floor mats, aluminum interior accents, rear-window defroster, intermittent multispeed wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, no-maintenance timing chain, speed-sensitive power steering, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport body kit, four-wheel disc brakes

Safety features include: dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side bags, side-curtain bags, front belt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution

PRICING

Base: $15,270, including freight charge

Warranty: bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years/36,000 miles; 100,000-miles/seven years transferable limited powertrain coverage; roadside assistance; warranty-repair courtesy car; full tank of gas on purchase

Where assembled: Japan

PLUSES: Durable Suzuki engineering.

MINUSES: A few cheap features detract from the greater good.

SIDEBAR

Consumers share tips for WD-40's automotive utility

By Mark Maynard

Copley News Service

Where would do-it-yourselfers be without WD-40?

Along with refrigeration, canned beer and duct tape, WD-40 has to be one of the top, history-changing inventions of civilization.

The San Diego company that created this rust-preventing, water-displacing, clean-all, cure-all elixir has just updated its "official" list to include 2,000 uses for WD-40. The majority of these suggestions come from consumers who leave comments on the Web site, wd40.com/uses. There's even a fan club and newsletter.

Among the new automotive applications for WD-40 is the treatment of windshield wipers so the blades don't crack and dry out. Then use it on wiper hinges to keep them moving freely. It can be used to remove wax from flat, black car paint and it prevents corrosion of spark plug cables, stops squeaks on steering wheels and is handy for removing insects from grilles.

Some of the more interesting "official" uses on the list:

Lubricates power-injecting device strung from the ceiling in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Keeps missile silo doors swinging freely

Removes stickers from surfboards

Cleans gum from turtle shells

Keeps saddles rust-free

Removes floodwater marks on paneling

Keeps top-line guides from freezing on fishing rods when ice fishing