The commercial: Suzuki SX4 vs the Mini Cooper

March 25, 11:41 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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Have you seen the commercial about the Suzuki SX4 being compared to
a Mini Cooper? The Suzuki is shown motoring around with a red cape
flying off its hatch and lighting bolts on the front doors. At the end of
the commercial, the car and cape go by and you see a couple of pieces
of trash flying about. Is Suzuki doing some trash talking especially when
they say “Mightier that the Mini?”

How do the two vehicles compare? Well, in the commercial Suzuki
claims that the SX4 has 25 more horsepower, it is available with all-wheel
drive, and that it costs thousands less than the Mini. Additionally, Suzuki
says that it provides America’s # 1 warranty.

As in many comparisons, Japanese vehicles offer more options and
frequently more vehicle for a given dollar amount than its European
competitors. And in the case of the SX4, it is again true! However,
regarding such things as style, character, exclusivity, and emotional
appeal, certain drivers will still choose the more expensive Mini
Cooper. After all, the Mini has its cult following and this can be
seen in the numbers.

Year-to-date Mini sales are about double the SX4’s at 4,908. This
actually represents a sales decline of 16.5% from the first two months
of 2008 (all the auto manufacturers have experienced sales declines).
However, Suzuki says that the sales of the SX4 are down 42% during
the first two months of 2008.

Tiff Needell from StreeFire.net tested a Suzuki Swift Sport against a
Mini Cooper. With its 6-speed transmission, the Mini actually clipped
the Suzuki at the track!

Make no mistake, the Suzuki SX4 is a fine car for the money. However,
although it represents itself as offering more, the SX4 is being compared
to the Mini for one reason – Suzuki wants to capture what the Mini Cooper
has. Suzuki is acknowledging that the Mini Cooper is a great car!

Commercials can say one thing, but drivers have the last say!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.