They went backwards with the SX4 I test drove today and I don't like.
Pro:
Disc brakes all around
Floor clearence
Con:
Looks like an small ver. of the Outback
smaller inside
smaller engine
Gen. inside plastic cheap look
The salesperson was trying hard to tell me that my Aerio was smaller I took him inside my and he apologize he was told that this model was bigger. He's 6'2 and had plenty of space in the back while in the SX4 he was only able to seat in the middle seat. And he claimed his legs went to sleep. I'm not crazy about the new SX4 I do like the clearence makes for better off roading but that's all
I'm interested in the new SX4. As compared to the Suzuki Aerio SX...
Pros
1. taller vehicle/higher seating position
2. flexible 4WD system -- in 2WD mode, HOPEFULLY fuel economy will be better
3. available keyless START system
4. price/value versus competitors
5. standard 4 wheel discs, ABS w/ electronic brake-force distribution & side curtain airbags
6. optional stability control w/ traction control
Cons
1. shorter vehicle/less cargo room
2. smaller fuel tank (reduced from Aerio's 13.2 gal to only 11 gal)
3. smaller engine/heavier vehicle
I don't care much for cars that weigh more with less power. Think about it in five years that car is going to be a mull. Yeah I also like the clearence but if you ever 4x4 before you'd know that a heavier car is key but it goes hand and hand with POWER. What were they thinking?? I remember going to the auto show in NY when the Aerio showed it's face for the first time that hairs on my back went up even then they prided the Aerio was going to be a cross over Sports car then they re. it with a 2.0 engine after a couple of years up to 2.5 now their going back down WTF give us a 2.5 or something with turbo!?
While it's likely that the SX4 will "replace" the Aerio in Suzuki's lineup (pretty much has replaced the 5 door, which is gone from the lineup for 07), the cars are in no way related. They share virtually no components and are totally unconnected with the GM/Daewoo partnership that the Aerio is built from (which, by most accounts is a good thing). It's pretty much the only REAL Suzuki built auto in their entry car lineup. In short, it's not entirely fair to compare the two. It's far closer to a slightly beefed up AWD version of the overseas Swift (which I'd LOVE to see here in the states) than the Aerio.
As for engine size and performance, that could be a bit of an issue on the short term. The current model is designed more to look good, fill a SUV need (without the SUV size & price) and deliver good fuel economy in the process. On the long term? Suzuki is spending a bundle on designing performance adaptables for this car in hopes to compete with Subaru in the WRC. Word on the street is that there will be dealer available add ons (turbo or superchargers, etc) available for the SX4 within a year's time.
The base model is more a matter of getting their feet wet than a final product. Suzuki engineers have already admitted that factory direct performance models will be available before long. Probably 08 or 09, along with the addition of a Sedan version and a strictly FWD model.
I think we need to have a little patience to see how this all pans out.
I just bought my wife an 07 sx4 yesterday...she's very pleased with it as it is close to het previous car in configuration. I didn't find it underpowered at all even though I drive a turbocharged saab myself.It felt pretty well balanced although in a few weeks time I mimgt have a different opinion.
lack of an SX4 forum....
