I really like the way the SX4 handles. The ride is firm but not bone-jarring, and you can drive swiftly down country back roads with confidence. The steering is light, though it lacks a little road feel. The turning circle is narrow, which makes the SX4 a competent urban runabout. The car is pleasant to drive, but like I said before, the manual transmission is the partner of choice for me.
Pleasing and disappointing interior
The cockpit is garnished with good-quality materials, and everything feels solid. The instrument panel is easy to read in the daytime, but we're not too crazy about the red markings while driving at night. However, the climate controls are easy to discern.
There is a lot of space up front, and in back, three people will obviously rub shoulders. But two adults can easily get comfortable; the front seats are mounted high, which leaves room for back occupants' feet. And with that high roofline, headroom is quite generous for all occupants.
However, the rest of the cockpit disappoints. The front seats lack any kind of adjustment, they don't offer much lateral support, and I didn't feel as comfortable behind the wheel after an hour of driving. Some radio buttons are small and the rotary knobs are thin and slippery. In addition, the A-pillars, with their small corner windows, create quite a blind spot at intersections.
I really wish there was more features for the price. Where's the center armrest? The wheel-mounted audio controls? The fog lamps? For what this SX4 JX AWD costs, I was expecting a higher equipment level, since its competitors pretty much offer all the amenities mentioned at a similar price. Stepping up to a JLX AWD only adds fog lights, a 6-CD changer with 4 more speakers, climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but be prepared to dish out another fifteen hundred bucks.
 |
| Cockpit is spacious. |
Pleasing and disappointing interior
The cockpit is garnished with good-quality materials, and everything feels solid. The instrument panel is easy to read in the daytime, but we're not too crazy about the red markings while driving at night. However, the climate controls are easy to discern.
There is a lot of space up front, and in back, three people will obviously rub shoulders. But two adults can easily get comfortable; the front seats are mounted high, which leaves room for back occupants' feet. And with that high roofline, headroom is quite generous for all occupants.
However, the rest of the cockpit disappoints. The front seats lack any kind of adjustment, they don't offer much lateral support, and I didn't feel as comfortable behind the wheel after an hour of driving. Some radio buttons are small and the rotary knobs are thin and slippery. In addition, the A-pillars, with their small corner windows, create quite a blind spot at intersections.
I really wish there was more features for the price. Where's the center armrest? The wheel-mounted audio controls? The fog lamps? For what this SX4 JX AWD costs, I was expecting a higher equipment level, since its competitors pretty much offer all the amenities mentioned at a similar price. Stepping up to a JLX AWD only adds fog lights, a 6-CD changer with 4 more speakers, climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but be prepared to dish out another fifteen hundred bucks.
 |
| The JX model lacks some features. |