CAR POOL
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday April 2, 2010
THE CAR Suzuki SX4 Sedan STHE PRICE From $23,990, plus on-road/dealer costsVITAL STATISTICS 2.0-litre 4-cyl; 112kW/190Nm; 6-speed manual; 7.3L/100km; 170g/km CO2; FWDTHE TESTER Toby HagonWHY WE'RE DRIVING ITThe SX4 recently got an updated engine, new transmissions, more equipment and styling tweaks.LIKESIncludes standard equipment normally reserved for more expensive cars, such as keyless starting system, cruise control and climate control air-conditioning. Safety is well catered for with six airbags and stability control. New 17-inch alloy wheels look OK and have reasonably grippy tyres. More powerful four-cylinder engine is perky and willing while being relatively economical; optional continuously variable transmission adds to gains while six-speed manual offers decent selection of ratios. Basic but functional interior layout. Decent boot.DISLIKESSteering overly light. Sedan not available withall-wheel-drive system that gives the SX4 hatch better traction and a point of differentiation. Driving position a bit high and pillar to right of windscreen impedes vision. No reach adjustment on steering wheel. Hard plastics detract slightly from otherwise good interior ambience.WOULD I BUY ONE?There are better-driving and fresher small cars around, although the value of the SX4 and the availability of all-wheel-drive in the hatch make ita little bit different.
© 2010 Sydney Morning Herald