2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport Sedan

OJAI, Calif.

Since most U.S. consumers still prefer sedans to hatchbacks, Suzuki is adding a sedan to its entry-level SX4 line for the 2008 model year. Unlike the SX4 hatchback, which is all-wheel-drive, the SX4 sedan sends power to the front wheels only. When it goes on sale on October 1, the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan will carry a base MSRP of $15,395, including destination.

The "Sport" in the SX4 sedan's name is no mistake, as the sedan has been tuned to deliver sportier handling than the hatchback. The reworked suspension drops the ride height 10mm, and a rear structural brace improves rigidity by 15 percent, says Suzuki. Regrettably, that brace also prevents the sedan's rear seats from folding, though with a deep 14.3-cubic-foot trunk at their disposal, potential buyers might not care. The other significant change is that the SX4 sedan wears lower-profile 205/50R17 tires compared to the 205/60R16s on the hatchback.

For power, the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan uses the same 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine as the hatchback. It's rated for 143 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, and available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki's internal estimates have fuel economy at 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the manual and 23/31 with the automatic.

Although the automatic provides slightly better mileage, the crisp-shifting manual gearbox was our preference during our drive along California's Central Coast, as it makes better use of the engine's power reserves. Handling is stable, but it's a stretch to call it sporty, given the body roll inherent in a small car with a tall profile.

However, the SX4's tall profile makes way for an elevated easy-in, easy-out seating position and enough headroom to accommodate 7-footers. Suzuki has also outfitted its sedan with a high level of standard equipment, including antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, air-conditioning, a CD stereo, full power accessories and keyless entry.

Adding the Convenience Package ($500) provides automatic climate control, cruise control, heated outside mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with secondary audio controls. For another $1,000 you can get the Premium Package, which offers stability and traction control, keyless startup and an upgraded nine-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD changer.