Both the SX4 and 2008 represent two manners
of doing broadly what's (confusingly printed) on the tin. While most crossovers
are simple front-wheel-drive affairs, the SX4's all-wheel drivetrain shifts it
closer to the SUV end of the spectrum. Further muddying the waters is the 2008,
which features a front-wheel-drive setup with aspirations of terrain tackling
courtesy of a trick ESP system.
But if your adventurous side is bickering
with the part that needs to get some shopping done, which is the best way to go
about it?
Exteriors
In aesthetic terms, the two represent a
veritable chalk-and-cheese approach to crossover wrappings. While such
crossover requisites as black-plastic cladding on the lower portion of the
bodywork (interspersed with some matte metal-effect accents) and roof rails are
present and accounted for, the SX4 lacks the chunky, cheeky look of its
predecessor that's dated particularly well.
Admittedly, the two-tone, 17-inch alloys
upon which it rolls are fetching and the LED daytime-running lamps lend a bit
more visual presence. The overall stance also has a pleasingly purposeful air
that hints more at function than fashion.
While
many of its rivals go for sportiness, the 2008 offers a slightly different
proposition, focusing on refinement and a premium feel
The Peugeot is the polar opposite: its
smooth-skinned styling and chrome garnishes incline more to the fashion-conscious
town-bound crowd.
While it may not exude the SX4's
purposeful, no-nonsense appearance, it's one of the best-looking cars of its
ilk. The plastic cladding is subtly applied and such features as the gracefully
sloping front, replete with Peugeot's signature grille and sweeping LED-topped headlamps,
not to mention a steeply raked roof culminating in a cute rump, lend the 2008 a
good degree of visual flair.
The
Suzuki SX4 marries a compliant ride with decent body control
Interiors
There are a couple of common threads
running through the cabins, while each car also sports model-unique features.
Like its exterior, the SX4's cabin is more
functional than stylish, being ergonomically sound and impressively spacious
all-round.
By contrast, the 2008's cockpit exudes a
real sense of theatre. From the swooping, tiered dash to the aeronautically
styled handbrake and cabin lights that include wavy LED-infused claw marks in
the roof lining, there's plenty going on... including a driving position that's
ergonomically hit-and-miss in terms of both comfort and instrument visibility.
Once
you’re inside, the Peugeot 2008 starts to shine as it has one of the nicest,
user-friendly cabins in its class
Although not quite as spacious as the SX4,
the 2008's deep glazing and brighter cabin appointments lend the cabin an airy
feel that belies its smaller dimensions.
While the SX4's cabin is dark-trimmed, it
is bigger than that of the 2008, especially aft where, thanks to a high
roofline and thin front seatbacks, there's excellent leg- and headroom for
occupants aft. Material quality in both cars is generally good, with hard but
well-fitted plastics interspersed with slush-moulded panels to lend their
facias an upmarket feel.
In terms of practicality, there's little to
separate the pair. The SX4's boot is marginally smaller, but features a
removable floor panel under which more valuable oddments can be hidden.
Although both cars serve up a respectable 1,024 dm3 of utility space, the
Peugeot's party trick is a rear bench that folds completely flat - which is
great for loading and accommodating unwieldy goods.
