You may want to check out the all-new 2007 Suzuki SX4, a crossover that is set to hit showroom floors during the third quarter of 2006. A replacement for the Aerio, the SX4, a five-door hatchback, has a station-wagon like style with has a waistline that starts low and gets higher as it continues down the side of the car. There's a fashionable wedge shape design to it. The front end of the car has a resemblance to other members of the Suzuki family.

Priced between $15,000 and $18,000, the styling gives the SX4 a look that's different from the other cars it competes with, such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and ChevyAveo, which could mean better sales. But the other big advantage is that it has standard all-wheel drive. None of the other competitors in the field can say that, and for Pittsburghers, that may be all they need to know. Suzuki is fully aware of this advantage, and that's why the number "4" is included in the car's name.

The "intelligent all-wheel drive" system can be operated in three seatings using a console-mounted switch: 2WD for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement; AWD Auto mode, which controls the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels in the range of 0 to 50 percent depending on available traction; and AWD Lock mode designed to help escape from snow or mud with the drive power distribution ratio to the rear wheels in the range of 30 to 50 percent. When the car reaches 36 miles per hour in AWD Lock mode, the system automatically switches to AWD Auto mode.

The SX4 is powered by a 143 horsepower, 2.0 liter four cylinder engine backed by a either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Fuel economy estimates are 24 mpg city and 30 highway. Standard safety features include an electronic stability program that includes traction control, anti-lock brakes, side curtain air bags, side impact air bags, driver and front passenger side impact air bags and front seat air bags.