Since its introduction in 2007, the SX4 has made Suzuki popular on the road alongside models from other brands like Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Kia.  And with the release of its 2011 model, the SX4 further boosts Suzuki’s reputation given its rally pedigree, good looks and respectable performance.

The SX4 Crossover is powered by a 1.6-liter 16-valve DOHC engine and matted with four-speed gate-type automatic transmission. The SX4’s handling is good. It comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes. It also has the rev-happy and provides better power delivery that can propel the car up to a top speed of 170 kph, while still submitting 10.5 km per liter of consumption with mixed city and highway use—perhaps, Suzuki should seriously consider coming up with a diesel version of the SX4—one that could clash with its Korean and other Japanese rivals.

Space is not a problem with the SX4. I once put two large bags in front and the area wasn’t cramped at all. There was even room to spare. Even the rear seat can be folded down to provide even more cargo space. Friends who rode with me during one of my trips giggled like little kids when they found that both the legroom and the seat angle were adjustable. There are storage spaces for hand-held items of various sizes.

Another great feature available on the center dash is the eight-speaker audio system with CD and MP3 capability. Music lovers can enjoy and plug their iPod into the auxiliary port. But if you decide to get the Technology version, a communicative steering wrapped in leather, audio controls are part of the addition.

The redesigned cockpit, new instrument panel with fuel consumption gauge, clock and fuel range, and sporty gear selector just blew me away! And on my long drive, I never worried about the heat. The air con made me and my passengers feel like we were in the middle of an arctic storm even if it was so hot outside.

The suspension was superb in that I never experienced fatigue the entire day. It felt like we were riding a midsized SUV. One can also count on the SX4’s solid stopping power (when a stray animal cuts across your path while driving at high speed, for instance) courtesy of the 16-inch alloy rims with 205/60 tires combined with the four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, and its electronic brake force distribution (EBD) feature.

Truth be told, though grouped in the list of affordable cars, the price of the SX4 Crossover of P899,000 makes it a tad more pricey than others in its class. But with all the features that come with it, the price is worth it.

Specifications

Vehicle: 2011 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

Type: Multi-Purpose Vehicle

Engine: 1.6-liter DOHC 16V

Maximum power: 110 hp at 5,600 rpm

Maximum torque: 150 Nm at 3,800 rpm

Transmission: Four-speed A/T

Dimensions

Length: 4,135 mm

Width: 1,755 mm

Height: 1,605 mm

Wheelbase: 2,500 mm

Wheel size and type: 16-inch alloy

Tire size: 205/60 R16

Price as tested P899,000.00