The Suzuki SX4 Crossover - An Obscure but Wise Choice

By Jim Hamel

Jim Hamel

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I am now the editor for one of High Gear Media's newest and most exciting sites called "InsiderCarReviews.com." I road test brand new vehicles each... More

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2008 Suzuki SX4 4-door Sedan Man Convenience Pkg Side Exterior View

Price: starting at $16,099

In what is possibly the least known automotive bargain on the face of the Earth, the Suzuki SX4 is the least expensive car with AWD or navigation for sale today. And contrary to its sole  competition (the hunchbacked monster known as the Subaru Impreza) it is also pretty easy on the eyes.

The 2010 Suzuki is updated with a bit more power and all new transmission choices - a slick shifting 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The dashboard and seating fabrics have also undergone a pleasingly tactile upgrade. A word to the wise? Avoid the automatic with the singleness of purpose found only in a Friar from the Dark Ages valiantly attempting to avoid the Black Plague. Suzuki 4-cylinders thrive on revs and there is no better way to access the power than with the manual transmission.

Powerslides around snowy mountain back roads are kept in easy check behind the wheel of the SX4. This vehicle may be cheap to buy but the platform has served Suzukis WRC Rally Car Racing very well affording them quite a few wins.

Another bonus? All Suzuki models come with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty that beats the one at Hyundai since you can pass it on to the next owner. Just because winter is coming doesn't mean you can't have a really cool and fun to drive set of wheels.