<![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I consider this a winner - especially when I think about the Subaru Justy 4x4 I had back in the 80's (yes, some of us were alive and driving then).

For A to B transport, the SX4 will do the job. If it's like Suzuki's of old, like the Sidekick and Samurai, it'll have a leather heart and go on and on and on.

I'm toying with getting one myself. I just said "no" to an Audi TT Quattro Cabrio - too small, too expensive to live with; the SX4 just may fill the void.

Now if it could just get the 38 mpg the Subraru Justy 4x4 got. Maybe they'll bring the diesel version in next year...

bmwloco

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> It actually sounds like people are getting better MPG than what is posted on the net...most people reported about 25/30 for the AWD.

Although not as good of MPG as some cars like the Yaris or Fit, you have to compare this to a small crossover rather than a small economy car.

Saboth

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Nice Fiat!

sos10

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> This little beast is a damn fine compromise for the asking price. And hoons looking for a challenge will figure out the gear ratios and forced induction. There is a lot that can be done here, just needs a following to work it out.

DoctorNine makes tires squeal in terror

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> A basic WRX starts at nearly double the cost of the SX4 fully loaded. These cars are not comparable, don't be retarded. If you have $30,000 to blow on a car you would not even look at the SX4. 143 hp compared to 230 to 330 hp not even close. Also please stop comparing the fuel mileage to that of a non AWD car. Apples to apples please. I would have to say the milage is much better than 85% of all cars available right now, and it is still AWD.

jjbaby

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @skaspy: "The Gas mileage is stellar and you can't beat the cost."

Really, 26 City and 34 Highway is stellar? And that's for the sedan. The AWD is less.

I'd have to argue with that being great. Now 34 city and 40 Hwy then yeah. But I hardly call anything <30 MPG Stellar. A CooperS used can be had for the same price. And that's a kick in the pants to drive. Granted it's not AWD.....Yet.

frank_rizzo

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> so all the dykes in vermont will have a new car culture based on this, not the subie?

oldskoolparts

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Matt, I may be in market soon. Your review along with reader comments had peaked my interest in this car. Thanks, look forward to the rest...

RoninianHoon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I got to drive this vehicle on a downpour day in the backroads of Vermont a few weeks ago. Maybe my WRX spoiled me but it still felt like I was in an offroad go kart going around the turns. When I tried to gun it out of a turn on the dirt roads, it got mighty squirrelly. That being said, the Gas mileage is stellar and you can't beat the cost. Litreally, it is the cheapest AWD you can get. But driving it around the backroads of VT, I'd rather be rexing!

skaspy

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @AshWipe: And why does every Herpes ad show the people in/near water? They're looking at it, rowing on it, it's always water.
@Matt--Great review. Perhaps you're like me --and Billy Connolly--as Scots, we have 3 skin colors--blue in winter, blinding white in spring, and red in summer. That's it.

NovaloadMissesPolar

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I own a 2007 SX4 Sport. I live at the top of a mountain and never once went out of control, and it got me home every time (I had 10 feet of snow in my front yard this winter here in Utah), the AWD system is wonderful. I get 27 mpg mixed driving during the winter (AWD mode) and 29 mpg mixed in summer (2wd mode). My only complaint is that I want a 6th gear for the 30 mile commute to and from work. This car is fun to drive, cheap to buy, a timing chain so no belts to replace and a great warranty. You can't compare this to other small cars without AWD, this car has the best MPG when compared to any other AWD car out there. And a Suzuki will run forever...

jjbaby

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @GiltProto: These are not "obstacles", they're challenges. Witness:

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @flightofthesuperbees: 4 minutes of farting chipmunks. That made my day!

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> PS to Matt: Enjoyable review... And shapley calves...

Charles_Barrett - Now with Variable-Valve Timing

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> "...shifter looks like it's been taken out of the bargain bin at a Boy's Town sex shop..."

So vigorous shifting lets one practice one's handjob skills...?

Charles_Barrett - Now with Variable-Valve Timing

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I didn't know Wes was back in action, and Wert you lost weight... Matt two words, spray tan...

RoninianHoon

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I saw this car two years ago at the Chicago auto show and loved it. I don't lead an outdoor lifestyle, but this car's size combined with four wheel drive and quirky design style make it a pretty cool urban car, especially in a place like Chicago. It was very comfortable to sit in as well. Except for as few others, like the Volvo C30 and the Audi R8, it was my favorite car at the show, and the sticker was like 14K.

mattmacklind

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> oooh, nice fancy colorful Fire XC tires.

thomas124

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Matt Hardigree: You spelled fonetik wrong.

beercheck

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @AshWipe:
Read my mind....

M0L0TOV

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Given the "turnabout" pictured in the gallery while loading the car, I expect part II will includes video of you showing the Norwegian Audi 100 Hoons HOW WE DO!!

Part III would be acceptable as well for extra practice time...

om Bronx de Mowgli

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Feds: I like your style. It's not like suzuki doesn't have turbo experience, It just needs a 'busa (turbo).

markov - type gna(R)

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Elhigh: Most ads aren't about the product. I deal with reality and numbers for a living, but I'm sure someone here could go on about how you typically want to associate the product with a positive image in the viewers' minds, rather than beat them over the head with logic and stats.

Similarly for the review...I think it's a matter of taste. I'm pretty much done with CnD or MT style reviews that are basically stats interleaved with words. Cars are as much about feelings and lifestyle as they are quantifiable machines.

Probably more words than in necessary, but I like to defend the Jalop style of review, which both informative and a good read.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @ZZMarcus: Actually, the keyless start is one of the crappier things on this car and most modern Suzi's as the key fob is ginormous and there's no start button just a chintzy ignition dial. That being said, it comes standard with a lot of decent toys and a great warranty.

Matt Hardigree

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @GreatSunJester: It was decent, an intermediate fillup screwed up our tally though. If I had to guess I'd say mid 20's under spirited driving. Not amazing, but nothing to blink at.

Matt Hardigree

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Transfer case! Does this thing have a low range too? If so, cool.

Murph

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> It's not a heartening review that spends nearly as much time talking about the things you do once you're away from the car, as the things you do while you're in the car.

Any ad campaign that shows people doing all kinds of things that have nothing to do with the car is suspect. That's an ad about people, not cars.

Elhigh

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> You know, this car stacks up pretty well against the 88-89 323 GTX... Speaking of future classics from the oughts.

I'd say it is 1 turbo away from super-greatness.

Feds

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Can't help it, I love it. They have an impressive amount of standard kit (isn't keyless start standard?) and eventually will have nav standard. Like thirty feet of vertical headroom. Also, pretty Giugiaro styling as well, instead of the chintzy Scion stuff.

Wish the mileage was better. And are they a little girly as well?

ZZMarcus

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> What real-world gas mileage did you pull for this trip?

GreatSunJester

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @lascauxcaveman: it's phonetic spelling day at Jalopnik!

Matt Hardigree

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Matt Hardigree: Your calves are so bright, Jane's gotta wear shades.

DannyBN

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Southern Illinois has great rock climbing (among the best in the eastern US), but ditto I didn't know there was anything near Chicago.

The Name's Ash78, Housewares

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Matt Hardigree:
You have nice cavs and Ben has nice assess.

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I looked in to buying this. Test drove the 2wd version (sx4 sport). Not a bad car but the engine seemed a little anemic for a rating of 143 ponies. Just felt kinda dead. This was the 2wd sedan version. I think the SX4 is heaver than others in its class. Also the gas millage for it well, ....sucks! 26 City and 34 Highway.

frank_rizzo

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> The best part of that car is the ability to maneuver around those stupid circular planters they put in the middle of intersections in residential areas. Oh sure, it might slow down the drag racers a little bit, but isn't that the most stupid place to put an obstacle in a road - actually an obstacle for two roads at one time. I am so happy I moved out to the suburbs. It will be a cold day in hell before I return to the city. Yes, I have some anger issues.

GiltProto

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I think you meant "hard pressed" to find another new vehicle for this price yada yada...

But the Tetris bon mot more than makes up for it, oh worthy scribe. Funny, that usage has never occurred to me, even though I live it every day, being the husband/father/small car guy that I am.

lascauxcaveman

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Bauhaus: That's what I meant.

Matt Hardigree

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Mountain climbing? Chicago? You must live in a parallel-universe Chicago where there's actually terrain. In my universe it's just boring flat from here to Ohio.

Too bad you couldn't test an '09 with the new standard nav unit. The SX4 is just a few things short of greatness: a little more torque, an extra ratio on both the stick and slushbox, and heated seats would make it a perfect little car.

Trivia: the SX4 is the closest thing to a Fiat you can buy in the US. It was co-developed with Fiat to be sold as the Fiat Sedici (4 by 4, get it?). Unlike most Fiats, it should be reliable enough thanks to Suzuki mechanicals.

Brian E

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Matt Hardigree:
Pfft. That's just another way of saying "shapely."

anaxomander

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Matt Hardigree: No, dude. LeBron James is a very athletic Cav. The things on your leg? Those are calves.

Bauhaus

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @Mad_Science: Everyone mentions the whiteness of my legs, but no one mentions that I have very athletic cavs.

Matt Hardigree

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Nice hotpants dude.

Not bad vehicle though, I like to see cars priced under $20k
and have AWD.

@MazdaEric: makes me think of Stuff White People Like

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> It's our duty to point anyone considering a crossover SUV in the direction of this review.

Seriously though, Matt: get some UV lamps or something.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]>

+ Watch video

flightofthesuperbees

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> ha ha - white people joke - good one.

FThorn

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @AshWipe: Makes me think I have to go to the Pharmacy after work....

Mazda Eric has his own radio show

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> these SX4s aren't too bad considering the insanely low price tag. I was checking out one that was priced even lower (around 14k with plenty of nerdy features). what I liked most was the true differential-controlled AWD system (no Honda-esque "SH-AWD" pump system) -- and it's roots in rallying, afterall, I am a subaru guy. pretty nice car... it's basically a GM minus the "revolution."

asaturn

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> @combat chuck: the original was so bright that it broke a few servers. We actually darkened it a shade.

Matt Hardigree

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Funny thing is that the same lifestyle images you mention are also used to sell Herpes meds. Really makes you think.

The Name's Ash78, Housewares

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> I can't see the review from the glare off Matt's legs.

Kidding aside, I've been eyeing this car for a while, so I'll be looking forward to parts II & III. Thanks!

combat chuck

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One]]> Sweet Bike :)

Mazda Eric has his own radio show

]]>