A new variant of the Suzuki SX4 hatchback, the “Sportback,” debuts for 2010. With visual tweaks, a firmer suspension and a lowered ride height, the Sportback adds some spice to the SX4 lineup. All SX4 models benefit from a new, more powerful engine and a pair of new transmissions: a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the latter of which replaces last year’s four-speed automatic. Rounding out the SX4 changes this year are a restyled front fascia, a new instrument cluster, a height-adjustable driver seat, an auxiliary audio jack (delayed availability), a few new navigation features and some renamed trim levels.

Introduction

Suzuki introduced its tall SX4 compact three years ago, and this hatchback (and later sedan) managed to catch our attention thanks to its roomy cabin, generous features list, available all-wheel drive, easy-driving demeanor and low cost. Our few complaints involved its rather tepid performance and below-class-average fuel economy.

This year, Suzuki addresses both gripes with a new, more powerful engine and two new transmissions that help boost fuel mileage by a couple of miles per gallon. A new trim level, the SX4 Sportback, has also been added to the mix. The Sportback is the hatchback model fitted with the performance upgrades of the Sport sedan. These upgrades include a lowered ride height, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension and body styling tweaks.

All SX4s this year gain a new 2.0-liter engine that puts out 150 horsepower (7 more hp than last year). The power gain by itself is not huge, but there’s some added spring in the SX4′s step thanks to those two new transmissions — a six-speed manual and a CVT — which replace last year’s five-speed manual and four-speed auto. Other changes this year include a revised front fascia, a new instrument cluster, rear-seat floor vents and enhancements to the navigation system that include weather maps and even airline departure/arrival information.

The 2010 Suzuki SX4 takes the age-old approach of offering more for the money than the segment’s established stars. For around the same price as a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, the SX4 hatchback gives you a roomy cabin, a more powerful engine, sporty handling, power everything, a quieter highway ride and even available automatic climate control. And we’d definitely take the SX4 sedan over Nissan’s Versa or Sentra, though it has tough rivals in the well-equipped Kia Forte, the sporty Mazda 3 and the tried-and-true Honda Civic. All said, the improved 2010 SX4 is a strong contender for the small sedan or hatchback shopper.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Suzuki SX4 is a compact car available in sedan or hatchback form. The sedan comes in standard and Sport versions, while the hatchback is offered as the base “Crossover” and the uplevel “Sportback.” The sedans are front-wheel drive only, as is the Sportback. The Crossover can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. In lieu of a lengthy options list, the SX4 comes in a multitude of trim levels.

The standard SX4 sedan comes in base, LE and LE Popular trims. Standard features on the base SX4 sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, but little else. Should you also want air-conditioning and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack (delayed availability), step up to the LE. The LE with Popular package adds the CVT (in place of the six-speed manual transmission), cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The SX4 Sport sedan comes in S, SE and GTS trims. The S comes with the LE sedan’s equipment and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a lower body kit and a navigation system. The SE adds the LE Popular package sedan’s features, and Bluetooth is optional. The GTS adds foglights, a rear spoiler, an upgraded audio system (with a six-disc CD changer), upgraded navigation features (MSN traffic, weather and airline flights), keyless entry/ignition and automatic climate control.

The SX4 Crossover comes in base, Technology and Touring AWD trims. The base Crossover comes with the LE sedan’s features and adds 16-inch wheels, a roof rack and a rear wiper. The Technology trim adds the LE Popular package sedan’s features along with the navigation system. The Touring AWD adds the GTS’s features, except it has 16-inch wheels rather than 17s. The Sportback comes only in loaded GTS trim, which includes the features of the Sport GTS sedan minus the CVT and MSN subscription, both of which are optional.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Suzuki SX4′s cabin has a clean design with large, three-dial climate control knobs that sit just below a compact, well-labeled stereo. The optional navigation system has a small display screen and an aftermarket look, but it’s surprisingly useful. The quality of some interior plastics isn’t as high as in some rivals, however.

The SX4 earns high marks for its voluminous headroom, though we’ve found actual driver comfort a bit hit-or-miss. Some of our editors have found the elevated seating position very comfortable, while others complain about the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Legroom can be tight for adults seated in back, but the high rear seat cushion provides good thigh support.

In the hatchback, the 60/40-split rear seatbacks flip forward to open up an impressive 54 cubic feet of cargo space, just 3 cubes shy of the marvelous Honda Fit (though the seats don’t fold flat like they do in the Fit). The sedan sports a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and offers a generous 15 cubic feet of trunk capacity — equal to that of many midsize sedans.

Powertrains and Performance

Power for all Suzuki SX4s comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 150 hp and 140 pound-feet of torque. It’s connected to a standard six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. When paired to the CVT, the engine’s output drops slightly to 148 hp. All SX4s are front-wheel drive except for the Crossover hatchback, which offers an AWD option.

Fuel economy estimates for the SX4 range from 25 mpg city/32 highway and 28 mpg combined for the base sedan with the CVT (23/33/26 with the manual) down to 23/29/25 for the AWD Crossover with the CVT (22/30/25 with the manual).

Driving Impressions

Though it has a powerful engine compared to its subcompact competition, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 is still no hot rod. Its typically heavier curb weight negates any advantage, and the 2.0-liter four is predictably light on low-end torque. Nonetheless, acceleration is satisfactory for a small car. The Crossover AWD, due to its smaller fuel tank, also suffers from poor range, with gas station stops a too-frequent annoyance.

The SX4 boasts a smooth, refined ride quality on most surfaces. Big bumps don’t upset the suspension much, and its character over broken pavement is firm but composed. With their lower-profile 17-inch tires and firmer suspensions, the Sport versions are the handlers of the lot, with a minimum of body roll through the corners. For vehicles with “Sport” in their names, however, their lack of steering feedback is disappointing.

Safety

Every 2010 Suzuki SX4 comes with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. Traction and stability control are standard on the Sport GTS sedan, the Sportback and all Crossover trims.

In government crash testing, both SX4 body styles received four stars (out of five) for driver and passenger protection. In side impact tests, the SX4 earned five stars for the driver and four stars for the rear passenger. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the SX4 earned the top rating of “Good” in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

A standout in one of the more popular §egmènts, the seven-passenger XL7 midsize crossover is an ideal vehicle for customers with active families or friends. Únlike other vehicles, the XL7′s price point will not dampen adventurous ambitions.

For 2009, the Suzuki XL7′s new six-speed automatic transmission returns better fuel economy (now up to 24 mpg highway, an increase of 2 mpg) than last year’s model, providing more value than ever before. Suzuki is all about giving more while taking less. The Suzuki XL7 rivals other sevenpassenger crossovers, such as Mazda CX9, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, in terms of room, performance and capability, while matching them in available luxury, amenities and technology. The XL7 offers all this for a considerably lower price than its immediate competition, leaving more left over to buy fuel for life’s many destinations and a hotel or campsite once you’ve arrived.

Now in its second model year, the SX4 Sport offers buyers even more value and freedom, adding a fully integrated standard navigation system, marking the first time a vehicle priced below $16,000 will include navigation as standard equipment. Other 2009 enhancements that add purposeful, real-world functionality include a driver and passenger armrest and split-folding rear seats. Automatic climate control, heated door mirrors and fog lamps also are included in the SX4 Sport’s Touring package. Suzuki is extending the SX4 family offerings with the new SX4 Sedan, the entry version of the four-door SX4 Sport. As with all retail 2009 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the SX4 Sport is backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

Price: $13,300 – 19,640.
Invoice: $14,100 – 15,590.

Powertrain

Built in Japan, the Suzuki SX4 Sport lives up to the ‘sport’ in its name with a sophisticated 143-horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, a more powerful standard engine than §egmènt volume leaders. Customers can choose between a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available specially-tuned four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The SX4 Sport returns city/highway EPA fuel economy estimates ranging from 22/29 mpg for the SX4 Sport (MT), to 22/30 mpg for the SX4 Sport (AT) and Sedan (MT), and up to 23/31 for the SX4 Sedan (AT).

The use of regular-grade fuel might come as a surprise given the engine’s high-performance credentials: an aluminum cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, a forged steel crankshaft, aluminum pistons on drop-forged connecting rods, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, a resin intake manifold and a variable induction system. Additionally, the camshafts are chain-driven, rather than using a belt, which reduces maintenance costs and enhances durability.

Interior

Large cabin proportions reward SX4 Sport drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess that belie the car’s compact dimensions. The driver sits higher than in other compacts for a better view of the road, which is further enhanced by the car’s low cowl and glass line – giving drivers a real sense of control and stress-free driving. Raised ‘theater-style’ seating for rear passengers, combined with rear legroom of 35.8 inches and class-leading rear headroom make riding in the back seat a pleasure rather than a punishment.

The SX4 Sport also offers substantially more trunk space than §egmènt leaders to facilitate active, independent lifestyles. For adventure-seekers lòòking to stow their gear, the versatility of the SX4 Sport’s 15.5 cu.-ft. trunk is enhanced for 2009 with a standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat. Storage compartments are located throughout the cabin, including large pockets and bottle holders in all the doors.

Controls in the Suzuki SX4 Sport are refreshingly easy to use in an age when some carmakers are adding needless complexity. Drivers have a clear view of gauges that seem to float while backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting. The center panel’s large, circular controls are flanked by aluminum-colored trim.

Navigation System

Enhancing the lives of people who live life like they really mean it, the SX4 Sport adds a fully integrated standard navigation system for the 2009 model year. Referred to as the Suzuki TRIP™ (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the SX4′s navigation system is the result of a collaboration with Garmin.

It utilizes Navteq® mapping software and comes preloaded with street maps that feature millions of points-of-interest, such as hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations, ATMs and Suzuki dealership locations throughout the country. The navigation unit includes a removable flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and is fully integrated into the vehicle’s audio system, which results in all navigation commands being channeled through the SX4′s speakers.

An available upgraded Suzuki TRIP system also offers Bluetooth® hands-free calling technology, on-screen and audible text messaging and a number of available MSN Direct®-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, news reports, stock quotes, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town.

Suzuki also added a bit of brand essence to the system, programming lifestyle-oriented destinations and landmarks identified with a Suzuki ‘Way of Life!’ icon on the navigation screen. Locations include hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions and other activity-focused destinations. A Travel Guide™ expansion module also is available that provides Fodor reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife, sporting events and other tourist attractions.

Safety

Active safety technology in the SX4 Sport includes daytime running lights, four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. The available Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with traction control works to help vehicle stability when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and when driving on slippery road surfaces. It is available on the SX4 Sport with Touring package.

Passive safety starts with a reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb impact energy and direct it away from the reinforced cabin. Six airbags are standard: driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags designed to help provide additional protection for front and outboard rear-seat passengers. Front three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners integrate force limiters. The SX4 Sport also is equipped with ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors and the LATCH system (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) for all three rear seat positions. In combination, these active and passive safety features make the SX4 one of the best-equipped cars in its class when it comes to safety.

Trim Levels

The Suzuki SX4 Sedan and SX4 Sport are some of the best-equipped compact cars in America, with more standard features than cars costing significantly more. For entry buyers, the SX4 Sedan LE offers a comprehensive list of standard safety and convenience features, including air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, tilt §teering wheel, power windows, locks and mirrors, trip computer and 60/40-split fold-down rear seat. The SX4 Sport and SX4 Sport with Technology package share the same content as the SX4 Sedan LE, and add the fully integrated standard navigation system, Aero body kit, 17-inch wheels and remote keyless entry.

Additional amenities on the SX4 Sport with Technology package include fog lamps, cruise control, a leather-wrapped §teering wheel with integrated audio controls and navigation system with MSN and Bluetooth. The comprehensive Touring package (SX4 Sport only) adds automatic climate control, a six-disc CD player, upgraded audio system with nine speakers (including subwoofer), ESP with traction control, SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system and heated exterior mirrors. Both the standard and upgraded audio systems are XM Satellite Radio®-capable and an accessory iPod® interface is available. A connected iPod works seamlessly through the radio or the §teering-wheel-integrated controls, with playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.