Hairspace galore
Park an SX4 alongside any other compact sedan, and it will surpass them all in overall height. If you're sporting a very thick afro, or you're simply a very tall person, this is the compact car for you. The seats are bolted high, so you sit straight and climb into the car instead of crouching down in it. You'll feel as high as soccer moms driving around in minivans.

In back, it's the same story; there's more legroom than it seems, because of the vertical seating position. The bench seat nicely accommodates three across, thanks to a squishy center cushion. And Suzuki has addressed one of our two complaints about the 2008 model by adding a fold-down rear seatback.

Our other complaint remains: because of its shape of its greenhouse, the SX4 is stuck with massive Y-shaped front pillars, which hamper visibility quite a bit. We feel like a horse with blinders while we're driving.

The SX4 carries on its mission of battling the best of the compact segment.

The sound system includes a 6-CD changer that reads MP3 files, but the quality of the sound that comes out of the 8 speakers could be better. We actually have to set the bass to the '-2' setting. The radio antenna's reception is also average.

Competition
The Suzuki SX4 starts out at $17,395 and comes nicely equipped with A/C, power windows and locks, ABS brakes and 6 airbags. The Sport trim adds 17-inch wheels, lower-body aero add-ons, an upgraded sound system, heated seats, climate control as well as keyless entry and start, and our test car totals $20,445 with the automatic tranny.

Here's a look at other compact sedans with an automatic and a similar of equipment:
Chevrolet Cobalt LT with options, $20,240
Pontiac G5 SE 1SA with options, $20,640
Ford Focus SE with options, $19,849
Honda Civic Sport, $22,780
Hyundai Elantra GLS, $20,595
Kia Spectra LX Premium, $20,225
Mazda3 GT, $22,045
Mitsubishi Lancer SE, $21,198
Nissan Sentra 2.0 S with options, $20,848
Subaru Impreza 2.5i, $22,095
Toyota Corolla LE, $20,170
Volkswagen City Jetta with options, $21,370

Conclusion
For about 20 grand, the SX4 Sport sedan is a nicely-equipped, roomy and comfortable car. It may look eccentric compared to its compact-sedan rivals, but that's not a bad thing if you're tired of seeing Mazda3s, Civics and Corollas everywhere you go.

If you can overlook the SX4's shortcomings, notably the coarse engine note and fat front pillars, the Suzuki has a lot going for it.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert