Suzuki adds a hot hatch to SX4 lineup

Suzuki will embrace the hot-hatch craze by adding a more street-worthy version of its SX4 compact car.

Also, the entire SX4 lineup will get a more powerful engine and upgraded transmissions.

The basics: The key to boosting the street image of the SX4 SportBack will be increased power from the redesigned 2.0-liter engine--up 7 hp to 150 hp. Also, the manual transmission goes from five gears to six. The automatic gearbox moves from a four-speed to a continuously variable transmission. The CVT version includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to change the gear ratio instantly, similar to the Honda Fit.

The SX4 SportBack has a lower ride height and an aero kit that includes chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler and side skirts. While the existing SX4 crossover version is sold with all-wheel drive, the SportBack will be front-drive only, says Steven Younan, director of product planning and pricing at American Suzuki.

Notable features: The SportBack will be offered in one trim level. But the package will include standard 17-inch wheels; integrated navigation; power windows, mirrors and locks; tilt steering wheel; trip computer; split folding rear seats; rear passenger floor vents; and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 jack and XM satellite radio compatibility. Suzuki has cleaned up its once-chaotic center console array, and the car has a new instrument panel design.

For the street-racer crowd, Suzuki has paired with Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., to create a cat-back exhaust and cold-air intake that add about 10 hp. Expect a turbo kit to come soon as well. Road Race also has designed new springs and sway bars for better handling. Suzuki is working on making those pieces available to dealers through their accessories department.

What Suzuki says: Younan sees the SX4 SportBack competing against the VW Rabbit and Mazda3. "The SportBack is more about sporty while the crossover is more about snow," Younan says.

Compromises and shortcomings: The six-speed gearbox is a bit notchy. The interior graining, fitments and color values are a few years behind the segment leaders, and the exterior styling is a bit conservative. A standard navigation system is a nice touch, but its pop-up installation seems tacked-on stylistically.

The market: Suzuki expects the SportBack to represent about 15 percent of SX4 sales. Suzuki didn't have pricing yet.

The skinny: Suzuki is late to the scene, and with such a small percentage of total sales, don't expect much marketing support. The car is a solid competitor in a now-crowded segment.

Wheelbase: 98.4 in.

Length: 162.8 in.

Engine: 2.0-liter, inline-4

Horsepower: 150 @ 6,200 rpm

Torque, lbs.-ft.: 140 @ 3,500 rpm

EPA mpg: Not yet rated

Base price: Not yet priced

On sale: Fall 2009

By Mark Rechtin- Automotive News