ALT-5 Suzuki
The median price of a new car in the United States is now $30,000. But what if you're in the new car market and have half that amount to spend?Are there quality new vehicles available for $15,000?Honda can respond with an unqualified "yes" with its 2007 Fit, a compact, wonderfully space-efficient compact wagon.Far less unheralded but not to be overlooked is the Suzuki, SX4, the Japanese manufacturer's smallest car.The SX4, which replaces the Aerio for 2007, offers an economically minded buyer a lot for their money with a vehicle that performs more like a sports car than a entry level offering.With its five-door, crossover design, the SX4 features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine, delivering 143 horsepower 34 horsepower more than the Fit. It has a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.As perhaps the country's most affordable AWD car, the SX4 system operates in three modes via a console-mounted switch. The 2WD mode is for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement. The AWD Auto mode redirects the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels from 0-50 percent for usual AWD conditions. And the AWD i-lock mode is for maximum traction ans as such 30-50 percent of the power is redistributed to the rear wheels. When the vehicle reaches 36 mph in AWD Lock mode, the system automatically switches to AWD Auto mode.In addition to its advance AWD system, the SX4's other standard safety features include an antilock braking system (ABS), six standard airbags and daytime running lights.Standard interior features include: power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers and air conditioning. (Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and cruise control are options.)The subcompact class is increasingly competitive, with the SX4 facing stronghold challenges from aforementioned Honda Fit, the box-like niche Scion xB and the Nissan Versa, among others. The SX4 has 54.0 cubic feet of cargo space, the Fit has 41.9; The SX4 has 39.2 inches of front seat head room, the Fit has 40.6 inches; The SX4 weighs 3,076 pounds, the most of any subcompact. The Fit's curb weight is 2,432 pounds. The SX4 has an overall length of 168.9 inches; the Honda Fitis 157.2 inches.The Suzuki's curb weight and other statistic-leading numbers all serve it well. Front and back seat passengers ride comfortably, and drivers are likely in for a surprise. The SX4 is the little car that does. It has a strong feel on the road, maneuvers with confidence and handles less-than-ideal road condition speed bumps to uneven payment with minor issues.The SX4's interior provides additional examples of Suzuki's superior effort to make its mark in the economy market.The cabin is designed with space-management savvy. The seats are positioned well, gauges are large and easy to read and the material sued in the seats, door paneling, ceiling and carpet is better than what might be expected.The SX4 is an entry level car, but it's still proud and can boast a little despite its unheralded status in a category that includes several auto industry publication's Car-of-the Year (Fit) and most talked about manufacturer (Scion).The Weekly Driver: 2007 Suzuki SX4Safety Features Dual front, rear and side curtain airbags.Fuel Mileage (estimates) 23 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).Warranty Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,00 miles; Powertrain, 7 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 3 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.Base Price $14,999.00
