I was watching TV last night and saw this commercial. I don't know anything about Suzuki cars but I didn't get the comparison. The SX4 is a crossover and the MPG isn't close. Can't speak for the handling. Are they going after the MINI customer because their sales are still decent or do they want a MINI-like image and following. Just made me go hmmm.

 

You notice they are comparing to a Just A Cooper which only has 118 horsepower. Pretty stupid add. I had to rent a couple Suzuki's on business trips, pretty awful cars and SUV's. No comparison what so ever to any MINI.

 

I want to learn more about this one.
I saw one months ago zooming through NJ
(I had to go there on a trip I don't live there)
and thought WOW what is that.

See, the story is, we waited for the clubman to arrive.
Because the miniusa site showed the clubman, with
5 seatbelts. Then, I find out they used the euro clubman
on the website. The USA version is 4 seatbelts.

So, then I'm telling my wife, well, wait for the crossman.
Surely, it will be having 5 seatbelts. Now, it has 4 seatbelts it
looks like.

My point being don't slam this thing to hard
I'm pretty sure I'm getting one for my wife next year or so.

The rav4 is ugly and drinks gas. The CRV drinks gas, is overpriced,
and I swore to never buy another new honda. So that leaves
this thing. The mpg is okish not great at all. It sits up high
(wife likes) but is small and 4 cyl, which I like.

And it's like $17k fully loaded I forget exactly.
If the mpg was maybe 6 more I would say perfect.

Too bad mini won't make something with 5 seatbelts for the USA

 

buzzy little car. It's lots of fun for sure, but it's not as much fun as a Mini. I drove one, and a hopped up little turbo version as well. Anyway, the thought of a 4x4 for under $16k, or whatever it is, is cool. Want to know more?

http://www.suzukiauto.com/sx4_crossover/specs/

Matt

 

I didn't start this post to bash the car. I'm just trying to understand why they chose to compare it to a MINI. If you spend ad dollars trying to attract a segment of the new car buying population, seems to me you would want to compare to a more similar vehicle? Why not the Vibe/Matrix?

 

Because the MINI is "cute", distinctive, and popular!

It's a decent marketing plan - asscociate yourself with
something that is very successful and desirable.

I'll even use that video to my wife,
"see, its as good as a mini"

She wants an X5. We don't have it. Not likely to get it.
So I've got to find something in the price range that
makes everybody happy.

 

I hate to say it I love the suzuki :_

 

Is AWD worth the extra money but more importantly the decrease in
mpg?
Is AWD something that is to be avoided in general due to costs of maintanence or something?

(for example a guy here that has a subaru said its great but if you
pop a tire you have to replace all 4 at one time. Is that true?
what is pop a tire? a nail hole or a blowout?)

We won't be racing it. We won't be off roading it.
We get less than 5 days of incliment weather in NC.
The worst I can see is having to go to PA at christmas,
and the weather is bad.

Pros?
Cons?

THANKS

 

For what it is the Suzuki looks like a fun ride. Man with that 4wd they showed it could go though a puddle of water in the street, man what ability. On a twisty road that justa Cooper will kicks it's butt. Give me the Cooper.

 

where did you drive the turbo one?!?! I didn't think it was available in the states

In WRC regalia, SX4 is becoming competitive against euro Focus, Impreza, and C4. once the season is over, I think they will have it sorted out very well. The iggy was very competitive in Jr WRC. And Suzuki can put out a fast hatch in the Swift.

 

Heres a nice little video comparing suzuki and mini. Its not the sx4 but its a better comparison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMtpPMq_n20

 

man, that filming style was making me nauseous. Could only watch about 15 seconds of it.

 

don't include much pay per article, but I do get to drive some fun cars! I drove it around Monterrey and for a few laps at Laguna Seca. Wasn't a production car, but a modded car with a turbo kit, carbon fiber hood, and suspension modded for the street.

Matt

 

I don't have a problem with other manufacturers "taking aim" at Mini with their advertising or target audience. Hey, if it inspires Mini to produce an AWD version, even better!

I had a Suzuki Swift GTi back in 1990-ish, and it was fun to drive along with being economical, despite nearly being a clone of a Geo Metro.

 

I just saw the ad...freaked me out hearing MINIs even mentioned on national TV!!!! I expect more MINI wannabes to surface in the years to come...I hope some of them succeed beyond mere hype.

 

I'd take one in this trim

 

You all are right...mpgs on this thing suck!! They "overlooked" mentioning this in the ads.

 

My mother-in law drives an SX-4. Its a decent car, and like someone said earlier.... 4wd for that price is awesome.
However.... the car is almost zero fun to drive. Its pure transportation.

 

a car mean differrent things to differnt people...

 

True, no problem...but they sure seem eager to go head-to-head with MINI. Are they sure they want to go there??

 

This is very true and that is why I don't drive a car... I drive a MINI.

 

a true factory works car. Toni Gardemeister just got a manufacturer's point for Suzuki in the WRC Corisca rally. Not too shabby for the SX4's debut in WRC.

if suzuki ever woke up and smelled the coffee and sold the detuned version in the states., the SX4's competition would be Evo's, STi's, etc. One would need Jan's stroker to play. Now, the smiles per mile will probably be higher in the Mini. Especially over the base SX4.

 

Suzuki bikes yea, Suzuki cars nay. had them as rentals, they suck--buzzy, cheap, slow, blah, zzz.

personally I think the new Volvo hatch (C30?) is closer to what the MINI represents. very sharp and stylish little cars.

 

and now the Genesis is here, and I drove an accord competitor that was unbelievably competent with a better warranty. If they're serious, they are in a sweet spot to improve quickly. They have lots of small fuel efficient platforms to work on.

Matt

 

I know it's a bit off-topic but I have been forward info and reviews of the Genesis to my parents. They went from 2 cars to one a few years ago. My mother gave up her elderly but beloved Camry and they kept my fathers newer Civic. She has been desiring something with a little more luxury and ease of entry and exit for her and their friends arthritic/bionic hips. I think the Genesis looks like an amazing car for the price. If I were in the market for a luxury sedan-on-a-budget it would certainly be a contender.