If you were to tell someone that you just got a brand new Suzuki SX4, you might get a response along the lines of, “Gee, I didn’t know you rode a motorcycle.  Gas prices must be getting to you, huh?”  For whatever reason, while Suzuki has become synonymous with motorcycles, and has great street cred in that arena, the same can’t be said of sedans or SUVs.

Which brings us to the SX4.  Which is a sedan.  A compact four-door.  While not sharing the mind space with the likes of Focus or Cobalt, Corolla or Civic, there is one aspect that will undoubtedly draw attention to this car: the EPA Fuel Economy Estimates.  They’re 23 city/31 hwy, and my real-life experience behind the wheel proved the point.

What’s more, this vehicle, which features a 2.0-liter four that produces 143 hp (while not exactly exhilarating, it isn’t anemic), is fairly comprehensive in its standard configuration, offering everything from ABS with electronic brake distribution to four-speaker audio with MP3 capability and steering wheel mounted controls.  Even floor mats, the sort of thing that you’re nicked a couple hundred bucks if you get them at a dealer, are included.  Safety ratings are good, with double four-star for frontal crash; five-star for front seat side crash and four for the rear; four for rollover.  That’s lots of stars.  But you won’t necessarily feel like one when driving it.

Perhaps the anonymity is predicated on a comparative dearth of dealers for Suzuki cars, as well as a design that is sufficient but not striking, better than some, less than the benchmark.  It’s sort of there.  “You bought a what?”

Which brings us back to motorcycles.  The company does a stand-out job there.  Its Hayabusa is legendary (check out: http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/100701.html ) .  Can you name a legendary Suzuki sedan or SUV.  Having read this far, can you remember the name of the sedan in question?  When you looked at the accompanying photograph, did you know what it was?

The opportunity is there.  The SX4 is competitive in the growing market for small, fuel-efficient vehicles.  But it needs to be something more, something special, not something that makes you feel like you’re in the witness protection program when you’re driving it.

Vehicle As Driven

Engine: 2.0-liter, DOHC I-4; aluminum block and head

Horsepower: 143 @ 5,800 rpm

Torque: 136 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 98.4 in.

Overall length: 177.6 in.

Height: 60.8 in.

Width: 60.8 in.

Curb Weight: 2,745 lb.

MSRP: $16,370