2008 Suzuki SX4 Review: A Spacious Compact

by Dorothy T. Redmond

Suzuki SX4 delivers an affordable yet stylish vehicle perfect for the young and young at heart. Although considered a compact vehicle, I found the SX4 to be surprisingly spacious. The vehicle can seat up to five passengers (two in front and three in the backseat) and is accented with cavernous trunk space. In addition, there are many discreet storage compartments located throughout the cabin, and all the doors feature large pockets and bottle holders for added convenience.

2008 Suzuki SX4

I recruited several fellow journalists to test the comfort level by targeting colleagues much taller and wider than my own five foot, four inch frame. My larger counterparts complemented the rear leg room and entered and exited the backseat with ease. However, they conceded that any road trip would be much more pleasant with two instead of three in the backseat.

The Suzuki provided several delightful surprises including superior handling taking on the hilly, winding roads back roads of northern Michigan with ease. I found that the SX4 rose to the challenge effortlessly. I was also impressed with the control I had when it began to rain during our afternoon drive. I learned that SX4 Sport Touring models are equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that can detect unintended oversteer or understeer and can apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the proper cornering line. This traction system helps the driver maintain control when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and/or when driving on slippery roads.

Suzuki SX4 Rear Shot

This is a helpful tool as this vehicle is being marketed towards younger audiences, ideally college students and young professionals. Safety conscious buyers can also look forward to other additional safety features including: six standard airbags driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags and side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags designed to provide additional protection for outboard front- and rear-seat passengers.

Also, the SX4 Sport is fitted with three-point emergency locking retractor rear seat belts. Also, a safety-reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb impact energy with a unibody structure designed to direct impact energy away from the reinforced cabin area.

The only drawbacks I found were that the cushioning in the seats were somewhat stiff and unpleasant and the interior design was extremely basic. You get the feel that you are in an inexpensive vehicle once your are inside.

Suzuki SX4 Interior

However the extra toys really help you overlook the drawbacks. Each vehicle has standard power locks and windows and a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers or an available six-disc in-dash CD AM/FM/MP3 audio system with nine speakers (including subwoofer). Both audio systems are XM Satellite Radio-capable. Customers who want the convenience of a fully integrated iPod2 system can purchase a Suzuki iPod interface from their Suzuki dealer. Also available on a dealer-installed basis is Suzuki’s Bluetooth3 connectivity option.

Overall I found the Suzuki SX4 to be a great bargain for a first car purchase for the economical shopper. It offers a cool exterior and great functability. It also offers plenty of toys for it’s base price of $15,000. This is the perfect vehicle for a no-nonsense buyer.

Click here to learn more about the Suzuki SX4.

For more information on Suzuki vehicles, visit RTM’s 2008 Vehicle Model Guide.

Features and Specifications:
Wheelbase: 98.4 inches
Overall length: 162.8 inches
Overall width: 69.1 inches
Transmission: 4-speed automatic/5-speed manual
Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes: 4-wheel with ABS
Fuel economy, city/highway: Automatic: 24/30, manual 23/28
MSRP: $14,999 - $16,099