2008 Suzuki SX4

NEW FOR 2008:

- New sedan model

- Air conditioning standard on all models

- Engine immobilizer added

- Electronic stability control and Smartpass keyless entry and start added to JLX hatchback models

- Leather-wrapped wheel with audio and cruise controls added to JX hatchback models

- All models receive remote fuel filler door release

- Exterior colour: Bright Red added to JX and JLX

For 2008, the Suzuki SX4 hatchback is joined by an all-new sedan version, which replaces the Aerio sedan of 2007. An all-new model in 2007, the hatchback receives some upgrades, including air conditioning on the base model, and electronic stability control on the top-of-the-line JLX.

All SX4 models use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Sedan models are front-wheel drive only, while the hatchback is front- or all-wheel drive. The system has three driver-selectable modes: FWD for better fuel economy, "Auto" mode that sends torque to the rear if the front wheels slip, and "Lock", which engages the rear wheels for extra traction on slippery roads, returning to "Auto" once the vehicle reaches 18 km/h. The base SX4 is FWD only, the JX can be optioned to AWD, and the JLX is AWD only.

The sedan is offered in Base or Sport trim lines. Features on the Base model include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, CD/MP3 stereo, tilt wheel, floor mats, power mirrors, fixed rear seat and variable intermittent wipers.

The Sport model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo with wheel-mounted controls and subwoofer, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, body appearance kit, heated mirrors, and fog lamps.

Features on the base hatchback include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, CD/MP3 stereo, tilt wheel, floor mats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, cargo cover, power mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and intermittent rear wiper.

The JX adds 15-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, side skirts, heated mirrors, and black roof rails.

The JLX adds automatic climate control, keyless start, six-CD/MP3 stereo with subwoofer, two-tone silver roof rails, and electronic stability control.

Now offering two body styles, the SX4 sits mid-pack, offering a more powerful engine than the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Versa, but below the output of the Chevrolet Cobalt and Mazda3. It can feel a little underpowered on hills, especially with the automatic; the manual transmission is very notchy and snicks into each gear with military precision. The Sport sedan is very stiff and handles well, but that translates into an extremely harsh ride.

The new sedan is arguably better-looking than the hatchback, which can be a little ungainly with its tall windows, but visibility and headroom are excellent in both models. Hatchback models feature fold-and-tumble rear seats to provide the cargo-carrying capacity inherent to tall wagons; the sedan's rear seat doesn't fold, but the trunk is huge. Interior space is impressive in both body styles. Suzuki generally carries a low profile in this segment, but the SX4 is worthy of comparison with better-known models.