IN THE mid-1990s, an unassuming little car topped the sales chart for Suzuki. The 1-litre Swift sedan was surprisingly roomy, economical and relatively inexpensive (at around $65,000 back then, it was cheaper than a Nissan March hatchback).
Today, Suzuki looks poised to repeat the Swift sedan's unprecedented success, with the SX4 sedan.
Unlike the simple Swift, which had a three-cylinder engine, no power steering, no powered windows, no climate control air-con, and even no anti-lock brakes, the SX4 is pretty decently equipped.
It has most of the amenities which you have come to expect of a new mainstream car, and even some 'premium' products.
For instance, it has a host of factory-fitted features, like leather-bound steering with hi-fi controls. And like all new models from Suzuki today, it has a stylish and minimalistic centre console, which houses a flush panel for the sound system and air-con.
And thanks to reduced car taxes and lower COE rates, the new Suzie costs less than the antiquated Swift sedan despite being a far better car.
Styling-wise, the SX4 sedan does not look the least incongruous (like hatchbacks-turned-notchbacks tend to look). It appears like it has been designed from scratch, instead of having a tail hurriedly bolted on.
In fact, its raised boot section is one of the prettiest notch rears you will find on the road today, complete with contemporary lamp arrangements. Plus there is sizeable stowage - flat, wide and decently deep.
On the whole, the SX4 sedan comes across as a smart and modern-looking car, with fresh accents that set it apart from the four-door masses.
Inside, it is as accommodating as the SX4 hatch, with its high ceiling, and above par leg-room all round. Although not a big car, it has enough shoulder- and hip-room for three in the back.
From that perspective, the compact four-door has more to offer the budget-conscious buyer than most other models here, such as the South-east Asian and Korean-made choices.
It is even a match for cars like the Nissan Latio and Mazda3 from a price-performance point of view.
Beyond styling and its space packaging, the Suzuki offers a satisfactory driving experience. The car is adequately insulated, sprung pliantly and is fairly responsive in the local context.
It is torquey enough for tooling around in city traffic, often without having to be extended over 3,000rpm. Which is a good thing, because when the tacho crosses 3,500rpm, engine noise does become a little intrusive.
As in the hatch, the SX4's transmission displays unburstable elasticity and smooth shifts. If you were to fault it, the only niggle you might raise is that it is merely a four-speeder.
On the safety front, it comes with ABS plus electronic brake force distribution and twin airbags.
Perhaps the most impressive attribute of the Suzie is its zippiness. Although not a sprinter, the car keeps up with traffic uncomplainingly, even when ferrying five. Plus, its compactness and concise steering make it easy to park.
To sum up, this car qualifies as the best little sedan we've tried in a long while. For something with four doors, a boot and a price tag under $60,000, nothing matches this Japanese gem.
