Suzuki SX4 fully loaded

This week, we’re driving the all-new and impressive 2007 Suzuki SX4 All Wheel Drive (AWD) compact, built in Japan and delivered to your door from just $14,999 with a 5-speed manual to $15,999 with a 4-speed automatic.

Consumers should not be misled by the low-cost price tag, as SX4 comes loaded with features that competing manufacturers charge extra for. Suzuki’s base price includes front, side and curtain air bags (six total), four-wheel disc ABS, the all-important AWD, power windows-locks-mirrors, keyless entry, and much more. Sometimes, less is indeed more!

Designed for consumers of varying needs, SX4 is sure to be a year-round friend in all driving conditions. The SX4 name stands for (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons of weather, and features a nice five-door hatchback design similar to the other compacts on the market today.

The standard all-wheel-drive setup offers outstanding stability and confident handling characteristics, something we enjoyed on a trip to Philadelphia recently. Be it cruising on the interstate or negotiating heavy city traffic, SX4 is a joy, especially when it comes to parallel parking.

Although SX4 weighs more than competing compacts thanks to the heavier AWD system, the extra pounds and a wider stance result in a more refined ride. The factors allow the suspension to work to the driver and passengers’ advantage, thanks to an independent strut suspension up front, and a live axle torsion beam setup out back. Add large 16-inch tires, and you’ve got a car that provides solid grip.

SX4 receives motivation from a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 143-horse 16-valve DOHC engine (most powerful in class) fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment. The AWD operates in three modes via a console-mounted switch — 2WD mode for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement; AWD Auto mode, which controls the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels in the range of 0-50 percent depending on available traction; and AWD Lock mode designed to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.

The power distribution ratio to the rear wheels in AWD Lock mode ranges from 30 to 50 percent. When the vehicle reaches 36 mph in AWD Lock mode, the system automatically switches to AWD Auto mode.

Our SX4 automatic averaged 26.2 mpg during our 320-mile trip, excellent when one considers the Suzuki sat motionless four times for accidents and spent a good hour in center city negotiating traffic during rush hour. The EPA numbers are 24 city and 30 highway.

Inside, SX4 offers straightforwardness thanks to a well-done instrument panel with analog gauges and comfortable seating. Entry and exit is a breeze, although the back seat may be a bit tight if a tall driver has his/her seat “back.” This is common in this class of vehicle.

In addition to the aforementioned standard items, add air conditioning, 4-speaker AM/FM/MP3 Compact Disk audio system, tilt steering wheel, alloy wheels, black roof rails, daytime running lights, fender flares and silver bumper guards to the list.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 98.4-inches, up to 54 cubic feet of available cargo space with rear seat folded, 2,926-pound curb weight, 11-gallon fuel tank, and a 35.4-foot turning circle. All 2007 Suzukis are backed by a 100,000-mile, seven-year fully transferable, zero-deductible, powertrain limited warranty.

It’s difficult to criticize a car manufacturer that introduces an AWD vehicle for just $14,999 … with no additional charge for destination. Suzuki is on to something here, so don’t be surprised to see Suzuki’s sales skyrocket as we move through the holiday season.

Be it a safe, sporty AWD compact for college, a new car for the senior citizen or a multi-purpose off-road funster for the 22- to 36-year-old, you’ll be seeing many SX4s dotting the nation’s highways. Thus, Suzuki receives a 9.5 on a scale of one to 10 for offering the lowest cost AWD in the country.

Likes: AWD, price, interior, ride, looks, versatility, safety items, standard equipment.

Dislikes: A little tight in the rear quarters, weight of vehicle and automatic tranny slow acceleration.