It just goes to show you how spoiled by technology I've become that it took me a while to locate my test car (my usual method entails pressing the fob, and heading toward whichever one beckons back.) But this time, I looked dumbly at the key fob for a few minutes before it registered that it was, simply, a key.
This week's tester - the 2007 Suzuki SX4 FWD, was a no-frills base model that stickers at $15,995. And keyless entry is obviously not one of its options.
I'd just spent two weeks with the Suzuki SX4 AWD JLX and I'd come to appreciate the sure-footedness of the little car and its tight handling.
Outwardly, the base model is the same tall hatch as the top of the line JLX AWD I'd just returned, but a closer look reveals smaller wheels, and drum brakes behind. It also lacks the roof racks and hard rubber fender flares of the more buff AWD JLX.
The lineup of brand-new SX4s at Suzuki headquarters, resembled a row of colourful, oversized jellybeans. Tall and rounded, somewhat egg-shaped, they were - much as I hate to say it "cute."
My first encounter with the Suzuki SX4 was at last fall's AJAC Car of the Year Testfest, where I was underwhelmed by the tester's automatic transmission. Nonetheless - I liked the car and was looking forward to it in manual format. It had an inherent stiffness that was promising and hinted at a playful side.
Developed jointly by Suzuki and Fiat, the SX4 owes its appearance to Italdesign Studio. Originally intended only for the European market (where it's known as the Sedici) the Hungarian/Japanese built car is now distributed in Japan and North America as well. Although marketed as a crossover - it fills the gap left by the vacating Aerio hatchback.
The SX4 appears small, but with its 98.4 inch wheelbase, it's longer than the Honda Fit. Still, it's shorter than others in its segment, such as the Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa. Legroom however, is almost identical to that offered in the competition. An extra wide stance not only gives it stability, but opens up the cabin for more shoulder room.
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| The SX4 FWD is the cheapest SX4 available. |
This week's tester - the 2007 Suzuki SX4 FWD, was a no-frills base model that stickers at $15,995. And keyless entry is obviously not one of its options.
I'd just spent two weeks with the Suzuki SX4 AWD JLX and I'd come to appreciate the sure-footedness of the little car and its tight handling.
Outwardly, the base model is the same tall hatch as the top of the line JLX AWD I'd just returned, but a closer look reveals smaller wheels, and drum brakes behind. It also lacks the roof racks and hard rubber fender flares of the more buff AWD JLX.
The lineup of brand-new SX4s at Suzuki headquarters, resembled a row of colourful, oversized jellybeans. Tall and rounded, somewhat egg-shaped, they were - much as I hate to say it "cute."
My first encounter with the Suzuki SX4 was at last fall's AJAC Car of the Year Testfest, where I was underwhelmed by the tester's automatic transmission. Nonetheless - I liked the car and was looking forward to it in manual format. It had an inherent stiffness that was promising and hinted at a playful side.
Developed jointly by Suzuki and Fiat, the SX4 owes its appearance to Italdesign Studio. Originally intended only for the European market (where it's known as the Sedici) the Hungarian/Japanese built car is now distributed in Japan and North America as well. Although marketed as a crossover - it fills the gap left by the vacating Aerio hatchback.
The SX4 appears small, but with its 98.4 inch wheelbase, it's longer than the Honda Fit. Still, it's shorter than others in its segment, such as the Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa. Legroom however, is almost identical to that offered in the competition. An extra wide stance not only gives it stability, but opens up the cabin for more shoulder room.
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| It offers plenty of interior space despite a small format. |