The Suzuki SX4 hatchback is no longer the freshly discovered species of our automotive fauna. It’s already been around since 2007. Though less popular than the similarly sized Toyota Matrix, Volkswagen Golf and Nissan Versa, it nevertheless has one particularity that’s rather important to many drivers across the country. Like the Subaru Impreza, it offers the undeniable advantages of all-wheel drive, particularly appreciated in winter.
In the case of the bestselling Suzuki in Canada, the AWD is optional in a way, as you can also purchase a front-wheel drive SX4. The compact car also comes in a FWD, classic sedan version (with trunk).
The SX4 distinguishes itself in another way as well. In 2010, the Japanese automaker decided to replace the traditional 4-speed automatic transmission, optional until now, by a CVT. The move was made in the name of fuel efficiency.
FWD or AWD
The SX4 hatchback comes in four flavours: Base, JX, Aero and the high-end JLX. The three-mode i-AWD is offered solely on the JX (as an option) and JLX (standard).
The SX4’s profile, created by Ital Design, hasn’t changed much since the vehicle’s introduction. All the better, as the elegant lines are aging well.
The cabin, however, has shaken things up a little for 2010. New dials have cropped up behind the steering wheel, which boasts backlit controls for the stereo and cruise control system. Note that the tilting steering wheel still isn’t telescopic.
The seats have been covered in new, geometric-patterned fabric. The JLX is the only variant offering the comfort of heated front seats.
The sophisticated stereo of the JLX and Aero versions now features a ninth loud speaker housed in the middle of the dash. The air conditioner of both these variants has inherited new digital controls, while chrome accents now frame the door handles.
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| The Suzuki SX4 hatchback is one of the few compact cars featuring all-wheel drive. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
In the case of the bestselling Suzuki in Canada, the AWD is optional in a way, as you can also purchase a front-wheel drive SX4. The compact car also comes in a FWD, classic sedan version (with trunk).
The SX4 distinguishes itself in another way as well. In 2010, the Japanese automaker decided to replace the traditional 4-speed automatic transmission, optional until now, by a CVT. The move was made in the name of fuel efficiency.
FWD or AWD
The SX4 hatchback comes in four flavours: Base, JX, Aero and the high-end JLX. The three-mode i-AWD is offered solely on the JX (as an option) and JLX (standard).
The SX4’s profile, created by Ital Design, hasn’t changed much since the vehicle’s introduction. All the better, as the elegant lines are aging well.
The cabin, however, has shaken things up a little for 2010. New dials have cropped up behind the steering wheel, which boasts backlit controls for the stereo and cruise control system. Note that the tilting steering wheel still isn’t telescopic.
The seats have been covered in new, geometric-patterned fabric. The JLX is the only variant offering the comfort of heated front seats.
The sophisticated stereo of the JLX and Aero versions now features a ninth loud speaker housed in the middle of the dash. The air conditioner of both these variants has inherited new digital controls, while chrome accents now frame the door handles.
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| For 2010, the SX4’s dash enjoys new dials and digital air conditioner controls. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |