CNNmoney.com named the 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover one of the Ten Great First Cars. Two reasons for the ranking are likely to be: the quality of car you get for such a low price, and the great mileage you get while driving. Recently in my driving demonstration, I got 22 mpg in the city and over 30 mpg on the highway. Surprisingly this was the exact mileage recommended by the manufacturer. The price was less than $16,000, which explains the recent standing acclaim for one of the best first car buys.
The Suzuki offers accessories that most cars under $20,000 don’t include, plus streamlined features and great fuel economy.
The Electronic Program and Traction Control Sensors are standard on the SX4. These two systems constantly monitor the throttle and steering wheel angle to help determine your intended path. This helps the engine to reduce torque by providing front wheel slip control and braking force.
For me, the car’s best features were inside. The touch screen GPS navigation system is standard in the SX4, making it affordable for just about any driver. Real time traffic information and play is feature-packed for convenient, hassle-free driving. The color-touch-screen display, preloaded 2-D and 3-D maps, turn-by-turn voice directions, automatic routing, route planner location, and other real time features make your driving even more fun and convenient.
Best Value Features:
2.0L DOHC 18 Valve 1-4 Engine
143 hp at 5,800 rpm
136 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm
5-Speed manual transmission
Zero maintenance timing chain
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
Black-accented x-over body kit
4-Wheel disc brakes
The Government Safety Ratings gave the SX4 Crossover four-stars in driver and passenger frontal crash. Rollover is four-star as is front seat and rear seat side crashes.
Suzuki offers four other models: XLT, Grand Vitara, SX4 Sports, and the Equator. Of all the models I liked the SX4 the best.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .
