Suzuki SX4 AWD? anyone own one?

I'm considering one for the next car. My integra is starting to get more expensive then what its worth, needs an automatic transmission, shocks, tires, abs motor, etc. So thats about $2k in parts for a car worth about that much.

I'm looking around for used cars, prefer awd, not buying a subaru, their gas mileage isn't great. I like suzuki's, they seem like an underdog, but I've heard they are a good car. The SX4 comes in a 6 speed AWD, I'm guessing the awd system, like most is on demand. So front wheel drive normally until wheels slip, then power goes to rear or something along those lines.

I'd like to know how the ride is, how quiet they are, etc.

We have a 2010 SX4.

DEFINITELY get the manual. The CVT is a bit of a dog, it's really has to work at high way speeds.

I don't know if its my CVT or just the SX4 in general, but we have never gotten above 25 mpg. And my wife drives like a granny.

It's very roomy though. The seats don't fold flat, but they drop down with one touch which is very nice. The interior is plain but well built and has held nicely to a few months of my wife putting her feet on the passenger side dashboard on road trips.

The AWD comes in 3 flavors. Off, on demand, and locked (but only below 25 mph I believe). The on demand is pretty good though. I used it on some treacherous roads and made it through with a little slip 'n slide.

So it's an alright car, but not a great car. The MPG has really disappointed me.

they have interested me... glad to hear a first hand account

they do look good. I can't figure out why but they are one of the very few cars available now that just seem to hit the mark for me.

problem with getting a 6 speed for me, is that the wife doesn't drive a stick, she can't master the clutch then change gears part. I have also not driven one full time, I'm sure I'd get the hang of it in time, but when I have driven one, I think about what gear I'm in, when to push clutch, etc.

Driving a srtick is a skill like anything else, it takes some practice, but most people can become proficient in short order. After which it becomes second nature to shift and know by feel, sound, and speed what gear you are in or need to be in, and then there is often a Tach to help with that decision as well. If you really want a stick and don't get into too much stop and go traffic than I think you will find it is a much more enjoyable expeience to drive a small sporty car with a standard trans.

My WRX gets 25mpg, for what it's worth.

My wife refuses to drive a manual. I refuse to purchase another car with an automatic transmission..

problem.

huge-O-chavez wrote: My wife refuses to drive a manual. I refuse to purchase another car with an automatic transmission.. problem.

Time to find a new wife.

Solution.

The SX is based on a Euro FIAT. Nice car, drives good and for what it is offers a lot.

Just a comment about the CVT - and not a highly educated one, but after driving one (freestyle) I can say that it doesn't feel fast at all, and definitely sounds like the engine is working hard, but it's not really that slow. In all actuality, it's a perception difference between a conventional auto and a CVT. Don't have any numbers though and never driven Suzuki's version, so I could be off base.

tuna55 wrote: Just a comment about the CVT - and not a highly educated one, but after driving one (freestyle) I can say that it doesn't feel fast at all, and definitely sounds like the engine is working hard, but it's not really that slow. In all actuality, it's a perception difference between a conventional auto and a CVT. Don't have any numbers though and never driven Suzuki's version, so I could be off base.

Totally true. My mother in law has an Altima 3.5 v6 with the CVT, and it doesn't feel fast at all. But paying attention to the speedometer, the thing is a beast. Well, the speedometer and the wheel spin/torque steer. 0-60 in 5.9 is quite respectable.

I'm not really sold on the CVT's myself, years ago when honda first introduced them in the HX civic that had lots of problems, and got rid of them the following year. Though they are back now, supposedly the bugs are worked out but I dunno.

For the SX4, biggest thing for me is legroom, my integra had just enough with the seat all the way back and folded back a couple of notches as well. I installed del sol seats that dropped me 2 inches, kept me from rubbing the ceiling with my head like I was before the seats. I'm 6'4", so headroom/legroom are the biggest determining factor.

i think one of the versions comes with KYB performance shocks. somebody already did a thread on these......

It was CO-developed by fiat and suzuki. It wasnt a pre-existing car that suzuki just put a badge on.

Ive seen a local one with color-matching rims that looks great.

But everything else ive heard about them has been underwhelming.

So is this the 6 speed version?

Vigo wrote: It was CO-developed by fiat and suzuki. It wasnt a pre-existing car that suzuki just put a badge on.

Where'd you get that info?

I'm pretty sure it's built on the Swift platform. I don't think Fiat has anything to do with the car.

It's a good looking car and a strong value, but I too have heard/read underwhelming things about it.

Are we really talking about this car??

Just does nothing for me.

I was looking at the SX4. I found the interior rather tight. About the same leg room up front as a neon, but much less in back if you have a taller driver.

Zomby woof wrote:

Vigo wrote: It was CO-developed by fiat and suzuki. It wasnt a pre-existing car that suzuki just put a badge on.

Where'd you get that info? I'm pretty sure it's built on the Swift platform. I don't think Fiat has anything to do with the car.

Correct. It is a stretched Swift platform that was developed by Suzuki. If Fiat is selling one, it is merely a rebadged SX4.

miatame wrote: Are we really talking about this car?? Just does nothing for me.

I agree.... but these do:

miatame wrote: Are we really talking about this car?? Just does nothing for me.

Sure it's no M3, but as an econobox it's pretty neat. Small hatchbacks with AWD are pretty uncommon - add a manual transmission and what else do you have to choose from? There's a Subaru and the Suzuki .. and, uh...

Can the ECU be hacked to allow AWD at any speed?

Also, is "locked" referring to AWD being locked on, or to the center diff not diff'ing?

If it were available as a 2 door, they'd have a real winner.