One of the most economical SUV's is the Suzuki SX4 mini SUV. This is a crossover vehicle whose target market are those who want the practicality of an SUV combined with the fuel efficiency and budget price of a small car. Although a growing market segment, currently its competition isn't that large so Suzuki should be able to find some willing customers. Probably its closest rival would be the Hyundai ix35, however the Suzuki comfortably beats the Hyundai on price.
For 2010 the Suzuki SX4 has undergone some quite major changes. There's a new engine, new transmission and some cosmetic alterations.
The new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine is an improvement in all areas over the previous one. It boasts better fuel economy, fewer emissions, greater power and torque, and a greater level of refinement. Combined fuel consumption for the all wheel drive auto SX4 has dropped from 9.5 l/100km to 8.0l/100km making this one of the most economical SUV's. The new engine features variable intake valve timing, one of the reasons why it has been able to increase power while at the same time use less fuel. A brand new CVT transmission also aided the car's fuel efficiency considerably. The AWD Suzuki SX4 has a carbon output of 178 g/km and has 112 kW of power and 190 Nm of torque.
The Suzuki SX4 is neither going to win any styling awards nor is it ugly. Its just an inoffensive looking little car that people will not give a second glance to. However I do think its shape will date quite quickly. The interior is more of the same - nothing to inspire you but at the same time no obvious complaints. Everything you'd expect from a car of its class is present and seems to work fine.
Safety has been stepped up for the most recent version of the SX4 although a little disappointingly the car was only awarded a 4 star NCAP safety rating, not 5. The 2010 SX4 has stability and traction control as standard, and apart from the most basic model, has 6 airbags.
On the road the SX4 AWD drives very well. It has 3 modes - front wheel drive, AWD variable split, and lock. AWD variable split is good for slippery or loose surfaces and directs the drive to the appropriate wheels via a multi plate clutch. Lock mode ensures that up to half the available torque is directed to the rear wheels at all times. The economical SUV also has very good steering - light yet precise. The suspension feels comfortable on roads and copes well with standard off road driving but starts to struggle a bit with more challenging offroading. This is no surprise for a car of this type and is certainly not a reason not to buy it. You wouldn't expect LandCruiser type performance from a budget crossover SUV.
In conclusion the Suzuki SX4 does exactly what it promises - provide SUV functionality and practicality in an affordable and fuel efficient small car. Although not an outstanding performer in any one area, the SX4 is very capable in all aspects and is a successful compromise between a traditional SUV and budget motoring. Its high fuel mileage is amazing for an offroader and makes it one of the most economical SUV's.