|  The 2007 Suzuki SX4 takes over for the Suzuki Aerio SX as the most affordable all-wheel-drive car sold in the U.S. It derives from an established overseas model, the Swift, and boasts a generous list of standard safety features. The SX4 is the Grand Vitara’s ‘little brother’ and it’s platform is a joint venture development with Fiat.
The Suzuki SX4 offers an available, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that sends power to the rear wheels as needed with no additional input necessary from the driver. Called the Three-Mode Switchable AWD system, it features a selector switch on the center console that allows the driver to select from three modes: 2WD, AUTO (AWD High) and LOCK (AWD Lock).
The Suzuki SX4 uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 142 horsepower, your choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, and 16-inch wheels. Common standard safety features include four-wheel disc antilock brakes and six airbags including side-impact and side-curtain bags. Inside, all SX4s get power windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and a stereo with CD and MP3 capability. An optional Convenience Package can be purchased for the base SX4, offering cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated radio controls.
The Suzuki SX4 interior improves somewhat over that of the Aerio, with more variation in the color pallet. The backseat is more than workable for an adult, both in headroom and legroom. The backseat is split, 60/40, and can be both folded flat and tumbled forward to free cargo space. Even with the backseat raised, the cargo volume is a respectable 9.5 cubic feet — 22 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The well-equipped SX4 is configured as a five-door compact hatchback fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD). The i-AWD system operates in three modes via a console-mounted switch – 2WD mode for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement; AWD Auto mode, which controls the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels in the range of 0-50 percent depending on available traction; and AWD Lock mode designed to facilitate escape in case of snow or mud with the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels in the range of 30-50 percent. When the vehicle reaches 36 mph in AWD Lock mode the system automatically switches to AWD Auto mode
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