2008 Suzuki Sport SX4 Touring

Sometimes you really do get what you pay for. In this Suzuki's case, you get a wheezy small car made worse for its optional power-sucking...


Sometimes you really do get what you pay for. In this Suzuki's case, you get a wheezy small car made worse for its optional power-sucking slushbox. Thing is, you're better off paying even less and getting the manual transmission; working the gears yourself would at least impart the impression it's zippier than it is.

On the handling front, though, the combination of wider 17-inch-wheels with the standard sport suspension with KYB shocks makes the SX4 a relatively impressive handler. There is a surprising amount of stick and minimal body roll when you hurl it into a turn, and you are perfectly comfortable during normal driving conditions, too.

Styling is sleek, with a honeycomb grille and stretched headlight housings dressing up its face. Those optional wheels also give it a sportier look. The cabin, however, is littered with hard plastics that look to be of relatively low quality. One particularly cheap detail we found: The center arm rest that felt and looked like an afterthought. © 2008 AutoWeek.com, Inc. All rights reserved.