Suzuki SX4 a spunky, all-season vehicle

Sometimes there's a silver lining in a forecast that calls for snow. A recent storm came at a time when we were driving a 2008 Suzuki SX4, a car the Japanese automaker touts as America's most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Instead of heading out for the traditional bread and milk run before the storm hit, the SX4 gave us an excuse to make the trip during the snowfall. It was a chance to test the all-wheel drive and traction control system when the roads were slippery and empty.

Suzuki calls its SX4 a crossover. It's the vehicle's height that really distinguishes it from a station wagon. That translates into amazing headroom and wonderful visibility all around. The only drawback is the thick A-pillar (windshield frame) that Suzuki has mitigated somewhat with a fixed glass panel.

Several years ago, we drove the SX4's predecessor, the now-phased-out Aerio. This new model features remarkable improvements in ride and handling. Manufacturers annually tout their new models as bigger, more powerful, more economical, better-handling and more refined, but the changes are generally modest. Not this time.

The SX4 has the feel of a much bigger vehicle thanks to its 16-inch wheels. It makes a driver feel confident and secure. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was a bit buzzy, but the five-speed manual transmission was properly geared for the task, especially third gear which has a wide reach.

The SX4 proved its mettle and earned a place in my heart with an emergency maneuver on Route 495. A pickup truck ahead of us swerved into the median in a cloud of tire smoke and dirt, revealing a large bale of something, likely insulation, sitting in front of us in the middle of the lane. We stood on the brakes, swung the wheel left, then right, a proper avoidance maneuver. From the way the SX4 responded, the moves were clearly well within the range of its capabilities.

My description of the ride would be "on the stiff side," and a bit busy around town. On the highway, it wasn't fazed by diagonal expansion grids or potholes.

The storage space behind the rear seat will take a week's groceries or easily accommodate luggage and gear for a weekend getaway. Fold down either or both sides of the rear seat and cargo space increases significantly.

Interior fit and finish is satisfactory, though the lack of an auxiliary plug for MP3 players and the like is notable, especially considering the SX4 is generally well equipped. The top-tier Touring package adds stability and traction control, with SmartPass keyless entry and starting.

Seating comfort was adequate, though taller drivers would prefer additional legroom and rear seat passengers would prefer shorter folks in the front seats to maximize the minimal legroom. The instruments were intuitive and easy to reach and use.

All told, the SX4 makes a strong case for itself as a can-do, all-season vehicle.