The Suzuki Aerio departs for 2008 with hardly a mention. Not that it was a deserving of a fond farewell. Truth be told, there wasn’t a lot of fondness for the sub-compact vehicle that had a very difficult time competing with some heavy hitting rivals.

Buy an Aerio when the choices are the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra and Ford Focus? That wasn’t happening too much, which is why the Aerio had no name recognition and now finds itself in the Suzuki graveyard right next to its predecessor, the Esteem, which departed in 2002.

And while not directly replacing the Aerio, the Japanese manufacturer decided to slip the SX4 Sport into its lineup in 2008.

Suzuki unveiled the SX4 a year ago and received positive feedback as the most affordable all-wheel drive vehicle sold in the United States. Like its Japanese equivalent, the Swift, the SX4 comes with a 100,000-mile, seven-year transferable warranty on the car's engine and transmission. It also has 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and plus a sizable list of standard safety features.

The introduction of the SX4 was another indication Suzuki has become a more credible auto manufacturer. Creeping up on the competition, Suzuki made initial progress last year with improved versions of the Grand Vitara and the XL7 sport utility vehicle.

Although Suzuki is a bit player in the U.S., it's a big-time player that ranks among the heavyweights in Japan where its popularity is based primarily on its ability to construct small, desirable cars

A year ago, the SX4 came in a standard sedan model, but the hatchback was the more popular version. This year’s Sport model is Suzuki’s way of promoting a firmly tuned suspension that rest on 17-inch wheels and does provide a sportier driving experience.

What isn’t different about all the SX4 models is the engine, a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with 143 horsepower. If it sounds like a car that lags a bit, good guess; it’s been clocked at only 11.3 seconds going from 0-60 mph.

Yet there are obvious traits that offset the somewhat sluggish pickup. The SX4 possesses a tall cabin that provides considerable head room. Front passengers receive average leg room, while in the back seat head clearance and leg room isn’t as significant. Trunk space is sufficient in all three models.

The 5-speed manual transmission shifts easily and makes the SX4 Sport fun to drive around town. At $15,270, the sticker price is another obvious plus.

What isn’t so cool is the gas mileage, which runs a bit low (22-30 mpg) for a sub-compact. Another negative is the rear seats do not fold up and the interior material is on the cheap side and looks it, too.

Ride quality is better than average for the class. The SX4 provides a firm stability, corners adequately and offers solid braking power. Like many sub-compacts, it can be on the noisy side.

Fast Facts:  Suzuki SX4, 2008

Power — 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 143 horsepower

Mileage Estimates — 22 (city) 30 mpg (highway)                                           

Standard features — anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, power windows, doors, mirrors; keyless entry, 6-disc, CD/MP3 player with upgraded sound system, rear window defroster, tire pressure monitor, leather-wrapped steering wheel, center console.