2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Recent improvements in automotive quality and value are best illustrated in the variety of safe, fun, practical and economical entry-level sedans that are now available, and the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan, new in 2008, is among those.

Priced at under $16,000 with the optional Touring Package, this front-wheel drive four-door sedan is a perfect first car for a new driver or young family.

The SX4 Sport is powered by a two-liter, four-cylinder engine putting out 143 horsepower with 136 pound-feet of torque, sufficient to take the car to sixty mph in under ten seconds and quite competent for freeway merging. A manual five-speed transmission is standard, with an optional four-speed automatic.

The Sport's handling is excellent, and it can competently execute accident-evasion maneuvers at freeway speeds. Though the ride is a little stiffer than typical sedans, it is vary capable in tight cornering, justifying the 'Sport' in its name.

In addition to the safe handling capability, the SX4 also comes standard with six air bags, tire pressure monitor, and LATCH child-seat anchors. The optional Touring package is a no-brainer at $1500, since it adds antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction and anti-skid control.

Carrying a little extra weight relative to its competition, the Suzuki only manages 21 mpg city and 28 highway, but the car handles confidently in traffic and on wet pavement.

Exterior design is simple, with an aerodynamic look emphasized by curving headlamp clusters on either side of the simple blacked-out grilles. With a distinct cab-forward appearance and high roof line, visibility is excellent and the cabin is light and airy inside.

Unlike some other sporty sedans in this price range, the Suzuki avoids gimmicks in its gauge layout, going for a simple center speedometer flanked by tach and tell-tale gauges in a single cluster in front of the driver. Similarly, convenience controls consist of large simple knobs in the center stack, with the audio on the same level as the steering wheel and HVAC controls below them.

The cloth upholstery comes in a small neat woven pattern which complements the nicely designed interior trim and should be practical and durable.

Even with the reasonable price, the SX4 manages to include a variety of accessories that give it almost a luxury feeling. Included as standard are a complete audio system with convenient MP3 plug, automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors and fog lamps. The convenience package included in the optional Touring package adds cruise control, and steering wheel audio and cruise controls. The Touring Package also adds a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport pedals for a little performance style.

With the high greenhouse, interior headroom is more than adequate for tall passengers, and leg room is fine for all but the tallest rear passengers, but the rear seat is only wide enough for two adults. Trunk space is over 14 cubic feet, equal to most mid-size sedans, but the rear seats are fixed to add to body rigidity, so snow boards will have to be carried on a roof rack.

For the price, this safe and stylish car puts the fun back in functional and is a much better choice, especially for the younger driver, than a comparably priced used SUV or older sedan.