The Suzuki SX4 Sport is a compact sedan designed to offer a blend of performance, safety, and convenience, positioning itself as a compelling option in its class. It has been recognized as one of Consumer Guide®'s Best Buys For 2008, highlighting its value proposition.
Function Description:
The SX4 Sport serves as a versatile compact car, suitable for daily commuting and longer journeys. It aims to provide a "Live Large. Drive Small." experience, combining the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a smaller vehicle with a spacious interior and advanced features typically found in larger, more expensive cars. The vehicle is equipped with a range of technologies to enhance driving dynamics, passenger comfort, and safety.
Important Technical Specifications:
Engine:
- Type: 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC Inline-4 engine.
- Horsepower: 143 hp at 5,800 RPM.
- Torque: 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM.
- Engine Design: Features a forged steel crankshaft, reliable chain-drive camshafts, drop-forged connecting rods, and a high 10.5:1 compression ratio for efficient combustion. It also incorporates a Variable Induction System (VIS) to optimize power delivery across the RPM range. Motor Trend describes the engine as "packing a good punch" and being "incredibly durable."
Transmission:
- Standard: 5-speed manual transmission.
- Optional: 4-speed automatic transmission.
Brakes & Suspension:
- Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes, front ventilated, with Bosch® Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
- Suspension: Tuned sport suspension with high-performance KYB shocks, designed for a balance of responsiveness and a smooth ride.
- Stabilizer Bars: Front and rear stabilizer bars for improved handling.
- Steering: Power steering is standard.
Wheels & Tires:
- LE Sedan: 15" steel wheels with wheel covers.
- Sport Sedan: 17" alloy wheels with low-profile tires.
Safety Features:
- Airbags: Standard advanced dual-stage front, side, and side-curtain airbags. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes advanced dual-stage driver and weight-sensing front-passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and SRS front dual-advanced airbags.
- Stability Control: Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and Traction Control System (TCS) sensors constantly monitor throttle and steering wheel angle to help maintain the intended path, especially during cornering.
- Seatbelts: Height-adjustable front safety belts with pretensioners, and 3-point seatbelts at all 5 seating positions.
- Child Safety: Rear child-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system and rear-door child safety locks.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Standard feature to monitor tire pressures.
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Standard for increased visibility.
Dimensions & Capacities:
- Wheelbase: 98.4 inches.
- Overall Length: 177.6 inches.
- Overall Width: 68.1 inches.
- Overall Height: 60.8 inches.
- Seating: 5 passengers.
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: 16 cu. ft.
- Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons.
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (FWD):
- Automatic: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (LE Sedan); 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (Sport Sedan).
- Manual: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (LE Sedan); 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (Sport Sedan).
Usage Features:
Comfort & Convenience:
- Climate Control: Standard air conditioning; available automatic climate control.
- Keyless Entry & Start: Available SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system allows unlocking doors and starting the engine without removing the key from a pocket. Remote keyless entry with panic button is standard on Sport Sedan.
- Power Features: Standard power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
- Steering Wheel: Leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls (Sport Sedan).
- Cruise Control: Standard on Sport Sedan.
- Floor Mats: Optional carpet floor mats.
Infotainment & Navigation:
- Audio System:
- Standard: 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback and XM®7 readiness (LE Sedan).
- Optional/Sport Sedan: 9-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with subwoofer, MP3 playback, and XM®7 readiness.
- Navigation: Integrated TRIP™ navigation system (standard on Sport Sedan) offers more features than many competitor units, including:
- Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play (TRIP™): Contains over six million standard points of interest (hotels, restaurants, ATMs).
- Turn-by-turn directions: Delivered through the front speakers.
- MSN Direct®2: Provides real-time traffic, weather, news, stocks, movie times, and lowest gas prices.
- Connectivity: Hands-free Bluetooth®4 system (optional on LE Sedan, standard on Sport Sedan). Available iPod®12 jack.
Exterior Features:
- Headlamps: Multi-reflector headlamps.
- Fog Lamps: Front fog lamps (standard on Sport Sedan).
- Body Styling: Aero Body Package (standard on Sport Sedan).
- Mirrors: Heated outside mirrors (standard on Sport Sedan).
- Wipers: Intermittent windshield wipers.
- Defroster: Rear window defroster with timer.
- Spoiler: Sport Rear Spoiler (accessory).
Interior:
- Seating: 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks for versatile cargo space.
- Fabric Interior: Beige Fabric Interior (LE Sedan), Black Fabric Interior (LE Sedan, Sport Sedan, and Crossover).
Maintenance Features:
- Warranty: America's #1 Warranty – a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty with no deductible and fully transferable. This means covered repairs have no out-of-pocket cost for parts and labor, and the warranty transfers to subsequent owners, enhancing resale value.
- New-Vehicle Limited Warranty: A 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty with no deductible, covering most components (excluding battery and tires, which have separate coverage).
- Roadside Assistance: Comprehensive 24-hour Roadside Assistance is included.
- Courtesy Vehicle Program: Provided for convenience during service.
- Engine Durability: The engine's robust design with components like a forged steel crankshaft and chain-drive camshafts is engineered for "minimum maintenance."
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): While not a substitute for regular inspections, it helps alert drivers to low tire pressure, which can prevent premature wear and damage.
The Suzuki SX4 Sport is designed to be a reliable, feature-rich, and safe compact sedan with a strong warranty, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking value and performance.