2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover AWD
The 2009 SUZUKI SX4 CROSSOVER AWD charters a new course to low price transportation.
The five-door Suzuki SX4 Crossover is America’s most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle The SX4 AWD with technology package has a blueprint, which has plenty of room inside and equipped with many upscale features.
My SX4 Crossover all-wheel drive had an advanced three-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD™) system and a fully integrated navigation system.
The SX4 Crossover is backed by an excellent warranty, which is a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible power train limited warranty.
Driving Experience
The SX4 engine’s construction is state of the art with aluminum cylinder block and head, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, a forged steel crankshaft, aluminum pistons on drop-forged connecting rods, a high 10.5:1 compression ratio, a resin intake manifold and variable induction system Suzuki-developed 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine powers the SX4 Crossover, producing 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque and providing a great driving experience. My test vehicle had a five-speed manual transmission, which shifted effortlessly through all 5 gears. The SX4 AWD has decent gas mileage with 21 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway.
The SX4 has a uni-body with reinforced suspension mounts that allows for excellent handling on the highway.
The SX4 AWD system makes you feel like you are in command while driving on snow pact roads and is a fun vehicle to drive! The Sx4 has hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering, and the McPherson struts in front.
Safety
The safety features on the SX4 are as follows: standard ESP with traction control, daytime running lights, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system and electronic brake-force distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. Passive safety starts with a reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb impact energy. Six airbags are standard, including driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags and front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners integrate force limiters.
The SX4 Crossover also is equipped with ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors and the LATCH system (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children).
Inside
My SX4 AWD came equipped with a fully integrated navigation system. The navigation system is removable and is called TRIP™ (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play). The SX4’s navigation system is manufactured by Garmin and 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 has a 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.
My navigation had the upgraded Suzuki TRIP™ system that included Bluetooth® hands-free calling technology and a number of available MSN Direct®-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, news reports, stock quotes, local event finder and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town.
The interior is very functional and the seats had excellent support. The seat controls allow for adjustments to make your driving experience comfortable.
The interior can seat 5 adults comfortably for long road trips with plenty of front and rear legroom and shoulder room. The SX4 has wide door openings that allow easy access.
The rear seat easily holds three passengers for short or long road trips. The rear seats also fold forward in a 60/40 split to expand the cargo area. Luggage room is quite large and can hold 10 cu.-ft. By folding the rear seats (not flat) the cargo space increases to 54 cu.-ft. Storage compartments are located throughout the cabin and all the doors feature large pockets and cup holders.
The center stack has large, controls that are highlighted by aluminum-colored trim. The gauges that seem to float, as they are backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting.
The Sx4 list of standard features is impressive and include power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 XM Satellite Radio®-ready audio system, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, fender flares, and roof rails.
My SX4 AWD with the technology packages adds cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering-wheel-integrated audio controls and an upgraded navigation system.
Outside
The SX4 Crossover unique styling is functional and fresh for a small crossover. You will love it or hate it’s styling. I had my test drive vehicle for over a week and every day the styling grew on me!
Summary
Is it a bird? Is it a Plane? No, it is not even an SUV! The SX4 is the lowest priced vehicle available with all-wheel drive in its class!
My SX4 Crossover AWD with technology had a MSRP with destination charges of $17,223.00. You should take a test drive before you consider some of the other vehicles, which aren’t in its class. The Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda Fit, and Scion xB all are the closest vehicles in its class and they are all pricier by thousands of dollars!