2008 Suzuki SX4

For the most part, the SX4’s exterior shape is a simple, classic hatchback. The styling is clean, and the proportions are properly tight. The beltline doesn’t cut upward aft of the C-pillar, as it does on the Pontiac Vibe, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, and so forth. Nor has Suzuki attempted anything wacky with the grille in a bid for distinctiveness (maybe with the next refresh). Or anything edgy for that matter. The basic shape is rounded, which gives the car a cuteness other manufacturers have sought to avoid.

The most notable aspect of the styling is the huge greenhouse—this car has very large windows, including one fairly large window per side in the A-pillar. Such a window is rare in a hatch, but used to be common in minivans.

Inside, the styling is, if anything, even more clean and conventional. The instruments are in the conventional location, and aren’t multi-tiered. The center console makes do without any bizarre contours or square yards of faux metal trim. There’s just enough bright trimrings and such to liven up the place.

The interior materials are definitely those of an economy car. They don’t look or feel shoddy or cheap, just, well, “inexpensive.” Especially considering the low price, the SX4 feels solidly constructed. It’s an honest machine.

Given that Suzuki’s roots are in very small cars, most of them too small for the U.S. market, it should come as no surprise that the SX4 is considerably smaller than most hatches these days. But then small hatches like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa are among today’s hottest market segments.

As with many other small hatches, but to an ever greater extent, the SX4 offers enough room for four adults within a short, 98-inch wheelbase by extending the cabin upward. With a height of 63 inches, the SX4 is unusually tall even compared to other small hatches. This comes through in the driving position. I drive a Mazda Protege5, which has a higher driving position than most compacts. But the SX4’s seating position is a few inches higher still. You sit far above the instrument panel and beltline (base of the side windows). The windshield is very large. Though there are two sets of A-pillars, the second set is very thin, so visibility isn’t much affected. If you like an airy interior, or you simply like to be able to see out of a car extraordinarily well, you’ll love the SX4. Like to perch your arm on the window sill? Easily done here. If, on the other hand, you only feel secure when a lot of car is visible around you, you might feel vulnerable in this one.

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