2009 Suzuki SX4

NEW FOR 2009:

- JX FWD hatchback with manual transmission discontinued

- Standard driver and front passenger seat armrests, passenger side seatback pocket

- Sedan adds standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat

- JLX hatchback and Sport sedan add heated front seats

- Sport sedan adds Smartpass keyless entry and start system

For 2009, the Suzuki SX4 hatchback and sedan receive some trim changes. While the mid-range JX hatchback is still available with a manual transmission, it's now only on the all-wheel drive model. Other changes include the addition of armrests, seatback pockets, a split-folding seat on the sedan, and new features on the upper-line trim models.

Both the sedan and hatchback use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. The sedan is front-wheel drive only, while the hatchback can also be optioned with an all-wheel drive system with three driver-selectable modes: FWD, an "auto" system that sends torque to the rear wheels when necessary, and a "lock" setting that engages the rear wheels for extra traction, and returns to "auto" at speeds over 18 km/h. The base hatchback is FWD only, the JX can be optioned to AWD, and the JLX is AWD only.

Features on the base sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power windows with driver's express-down, power locks with keyless entry, CD/MP3/WMA stereo, pre-wiring for XM satellite radio, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, floor mats, vanity mirrors, reclining front seats, power mirrors, tilt wheel, and variable intermittent wipers.

The Sport sedan adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, keyless entry and start system, six-CD/MP3/WMA stereo with wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, leather-wrapped wheel, heated seats, aero body kit, heated mirrors, electric trunk release, and fog lamps.

Features on the base hatchback include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power windows with driver's express-down, power locks with keyless entry, CD/MP3/WMA stereo, pre-wiring for XM satellite radio, cargo area light, tilt wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cargo cover, power mirrors, variable intermittent wiper, fixed intermittent rear wiper, and engine block heater.

The JX hatchback adds 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, cruise control, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, heated mirrors, and black roof rails.

The JLX adds automatic climate control, keyless entry and start system, six-CD/MP3/WMA stereo, heated seats, black and silver roof rails, fog lamps, and electronic stability control.

The SX4 offers impressive interior space, along with cargo capacity that's much improved by the addition of a folding rear seat on the sedan model. The car can feel a little underpowered on hills, especially with the automatic, but stick fans will be able to keep it in the powerband longer with a shifter that's very notchy and snicks into each gear with military precision. The Sport sedan is very stiff and handles well, but has an extremely harsh ride. Suzuki generally carries a low profile in this segment but deserves to be cross-shopped against better-known competitors.