2011 Suzuki SX4 JLX AWD ReviewThere are some hidden ''gems'' in today's mine of compact cars. The 2011 Suzuki SX4 Hatchback is one of them. Many drivers don't even know about it, thinking that Suzuki only builds motorcycles and ATVs. It's not their fault: the company's advertising money is largely spent on motorcycles and ATVs – not cars – leaving dealers in a vicious circle that makes it that much harder to promote interesting products like the SX4.
I say interesting because of its price, value, practical interior and pleasant road manners. And of course the option of all-wheel drive. Only three other models in this segment offer the latter, including the Toyota Matrix, Subaru Impreza and Jeep Compass. SX4 at a glance The obscure Japanese has many things going for it, starting with two different body styles (a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback) and four trim levels (JA FWD, JX FWD, JX AWD and JLX AWD). All 2011 SX4s use a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower, which is only eight short of the Matrix AWD's 2.4-litre mill. Two transmissions are available, although not with every model. The JA FWD and JX AWD can be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously-variable transmission, while the JX FWD and JLX AWD only come with the CVT. Go figure! Braking is handled by a classic disc/drum combo, which is definitely not something to get excited about, but if you ask me, it will likely get the job done for most SX4 buyers, meaning small, urban families. While ABS comes standard, stability control remains exclusive to the three higher-end models (standard on JLX). Intelligent AWD Then there is Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD), a three-mode, on-demand system with a switch on the centre console that allows the driver to select 2WD, Auto and Lock.
As the name suggests, the Lock mode positively locks the centre differential to distribute torque evenly between both axles (50/50). This setup enhances grip in difficult situations, for example on sand or snow. As soon as the car reaches 60 km/h, the system unlocks the differential and returns in Auto mode.
Which AWD model to pick? Now that they have a clearer picture, potential buyers can pick the model that best suits their needs. Should they opt for AWD, they will have to choose between the JX (starting at $21,735) and the JLX ($24,835). The $3,100 price difference translates into a longer list of features and amenities, such as keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, premium audio, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, heated front seats and fog lights. And as mentioned earlier, ESP and the CVT come standard in JLX AWD trim and are optional in JX AWD trim. You're still with me? When equipped with both ESP and the CVT, however, said JX AWD model is just $1,500 cheaper than the top-of-the-line model. The JLX may still appear more enticing for those who value comfort as well as drivers considering a Matrix AWD or Impreza Sport. Some of its features are either absent or optional with these two competitors. Incidentally, the SX4 JX AWD is priced in the same exact ballpark as the base Impreza hatchback. Pros and cons At heart, this Suzuki remains a down-to-earth kind of car – like most other compact hatchbacks, for that matter. Shorter than both the Matrix and Impreza, the SX4 offers about half the cargo capacity with the rear seats up. Once you fold them down, however, it matches the Subaru while the Toyota still offers 13-percent more room.
Owners will also like the relatively-firm suspension that contributes to safe, predictable handling, not to mention the low beltline and large mirrors that maximize visibility. Moreover, they won't need to remove the head restraints when folding the rear seats, which saves time and energy.
On the other hand, just like the Impreza, the steering wheel tilts but does not telescope (only the Matrix offers such a thing). My JLX AWD tester also had a small tank (45 L vs. 50 L for FWD models) which limited the car's range. In fact, when you factor in the real-world fuel consumption average of 11 litres per 100 kilometres, the SX4 barely covers 400 kilometres with a full tank! In the end, irritants like these don't seem to bother SX4 owners, who spend more time enjoying its commendable driving dynamics, functionality and general reliability. |
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