Used 2013 Suzuki SX4

*Important Note: Please be aware that Suzuki has filed for bankruptcy protection and is shutting down its car business in the U.S.

The versatile 2013 Suzuki SX4 comes in three distinct flavors. The SX4 Crossover is a 5-door hatchback equipped with Suzuki’s 3-Mode Intelligent All-Wheel-drive (i-AWD). The Sportback shares the Crossover’s same body and interior, but is fitted with front-wheel drive, a sport suspension and a lower profile. Finally, there is the Sedan, available in LE and Sport trim, with the security of a trunk but the same sporty setup as the Sportback. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine, the SX4 isn’t terribly fast, nor does it offer best-in-class fuel economy. What the SX4 does offer is a lot of content for a very low price. In particular, the SX4 Crossover represents a tremendous bargain, costing thousands less than a comparably-equipped AWD Subaru Impreza.

Because of their small sizes, all 2013 Suzuki SX4s are easy to maneuver and park. The Sport Sedan and the SportBack offer relatively sporty handling, but these are not tarmac burners. With its standard all-wheel-drive, the Crossover feels capable in wet and snowy conditions. Its 3-Mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD) system has three settings: One sends all the power to the front wheels and is said to improve fuel economy, another automatically delivers power to the rear wheels when traction is lost, and the third is a lock mode that sends consistent power to the front and rear wheels for use in especially slippery conditions.

The SX4 in Crossover and SportBack offers a flexible interior with 60/40 split-folding rear seats that also tumble forward. With the rear seats folded, there is a bigger-than-expected 43 cubic feet of cargo space. Up front, a tilt steering wheel is standard across the lineup. All SX4 models can seat up to five passengers, but keep in mind these are small cars, so the rear seats are not exactly spacious for adults. Steering-wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control are available on higher trims of the Sedan and Crossover, and standard on the SportBack.

Though aging, the SX4 Crossover still looks relatively modern, boasting a short, wedge-like profile with plenty of windows. The front-drive-only SX4 SportBack is about an inch shorter than the Crossover and has slightly less ground clearance. You might know it as the economy car tapped by the U.S. version of "Top Gear" for its Star in a Reasonably-Priced-Car segment. The SX4 Sedan remains quite bland with little to distinguish itself, but the Sport version has a, well, sportier appearance.

3-MODE INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE
The SX4 Crossover’s 3-Mode i-AWD gives the best of all worlds, allowing the vehicle to operate in FWD, in on-demand AWD or in permanently-engaged AWD.

NAVIGATION
Suzuki’s new navigation radio is relatively inexpensive, and features Bluetooth for audio and phone as well as voice control, SIRIUS/XM NavTraffic and iPod control via its USB port.

Standard equipment on all SX4 models includes a rear heater duct, air conditioning with pollen filter, halogen headlights, tilt steering wheel, 8 airbags, 12-volt power outlet, dual front vanity mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo with USB port, rear defroster and power windows, locks and mirrors.

A navigation unit, carbon-fiber door-sill trim and SIRIUS/XM satellite radio are among the relatively short list of interior upgrades available on the 2013 Suzuki SX4. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional on the Crossover and SportBack versions. A roof rack is available across the board, and Crossover versions can be fitted with a ski/snowboard holder or cargo box. The Sport version of the Sedan has a sport-tuned suspension, spoilers and larger wheels and tires.

All 2013 Suzuki SX4 models are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 150 horsepower when connected to a 6-speed manual transmission or 148 for vehicles with the continuously-variable automatic transmission.

2.0-liter inline-4
150 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
148 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (automatic)
140 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
Crossover: 22 /30 mpg (manual transmission), 23/29 mpg (automatic)
SportBack: 22/30 mpg (manual), 23/30 mpg (automatic)
Sedan: 23/33 mpg (manual), 25/32 mpg (automatic)
Sport: 23/32 mpg (manual), 23/30 mpg (automatic)