2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport

Life often presents the agonizing but usually realistic choice between what you really want and what you can afford. Automotive desire and financial responsibility are not usually good bedfellows. Though reality of the decision is hardly ever as great as the fantasy of the situation, every now and again there's a little win even for the financially disinclined. A lot for a little or more for less is always welcome, especially when it involves having a swell time. Enter into this rare motoring world of the Suzuki SX4 Sport Sedan.


A small and inexpensive car with sport as part of its name should not just look like fun—it should actually be fun. Why suffer in commuter box misery or woefully underpowered engine-induced road-going depression? Going for a drive should be a good time regardless if you're heading into the office or up into the hills with a few bicycles on the roof. The Suzuki SX4 Sport starts out with a feisty engine then wraps it in a package with enough sport to make the car fun, but enough practical features to keep the car well rooted in financial realism.

Performance

At the heart of the SX4 Sport is a 2.0-liter, 143-horsepower twin-camshaft engine. The four-banger supplies plenty of underhood verve for road-going entertainment. The horsepower is a refreshing alternative to the typically gutless world of the underpowered economy class. The SX4 Sport engine features a variable induction system that delivers a throaty growl into the cabin to provide sonic amusement, but not so much that it becomes tiresome over the long haul. The two camshafts are chain driven for added durability over belt-spun versions.


The SX4 comes with choice of a five-speed manual transmission a four-speed automatic. The SX4 Sport automatic transmission is crisper than the usual swishy and indecisive automatic slushbox expected in an economy car special. The automatic is tuned to shift decisively all by itself, and also comes with a manual gear selection feature for freedom of choice in gears in an automatic world. A gear up or down can be had with a few left to right snicks of the shift lever.

Handling

The SX4 Sport suspension starts out with a solid foundation by way of some body reinforcement in the suspension mount areas. The springs sit 10mm lower than the standard SX4, and work together with KYB performance shocks. Anti-sway bars hold the body and suspension together to keep cornering maneuvers more stabilized. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution scrub off velocity when called upon.


The SX4 Sport rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with a set of low-profile tires for sporty handling and a more aggressive look. Over the road the SX4 handled inner city driving or mountain road carving with a taut and responsive yet reasonably compliant ride. The runabout holds good compromise between the super taut race-bred suspension of a sports car and the vague mush fest of your average compact econobox. The SX4 is complacent enough around town but has strong legs for winding roads.