2007 Suzuki SX4

An all-new model for 2007, the Suzuki SX4 is a replacement for the Aerio wagon. Currently the SX4 is a four-door hatchback only, and so the Aerio sedan carries over for one final year.

The SX4 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that mates to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Driveline configurations are front-wheel drive, or an all-wheel drive system that has three modes, which the driver selects via a switch between the front seats. It can be set into FWD for better fuel economy, into an “Auto” mode that sends torque to the rear if the front wheels slip, or a “Lock” mode that engages the rear wheels for extra traction on slippery roads. The system returns to Auto mode once the vehicle reaches 18 km/h.

Trim levels on the SXT are base, JX and JLX; each can be ordered with manual or automatic transmission. The automatic adds $1,100 to the price of each.

The base model is FWD only, and includes 15-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes, power windows, power locks, CD/MP3 satellite-ready stereo with four speakers, tilt wheel, floor mats, 60/40 folding rear seat, power mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, fixed-intermittent rear wiper, and side and curtain airbags. Air conditioning can be added as an option.

The JX is FWD but can be optioned to AWD, and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless remote, manual air conditioning, skirts and wheel arch extensions, heated mirrors, and black roof rails.

The JLX is AWD only, and adds automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo, eight speakers with subwoofer, cruise control, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, and two-tone silver roof rails.

The SX4 is a worthy successor to the Aerio, with more mature styling, impressive interior space, fold-and-tumble rear seats, and six airbags with ABS and Brake Assist. Electronic Stability Program is available, but only as an option on the JLX. It can feel a little underpowered, and the automatic transmission hunts for a gear on hills, but overall, this is a very attractive package for the price.