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A little bigger than the still-thriving foor-door Sidekick, Suzuki's new Sidekick Sport is a welcome addition to the growing realm of "mini" sport-utilities. Other newcomers include the Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and Suzuki's two-seat X-90. I drove a Sidekick Sport JLX with dual air bags, an automatic, and a two-range transfer case. Its price was a dollar under $20,000. The comfort level in these "minis" is decidedly lower than in established SUVs (like an Explorer or Grand Cherokee). On a zero-degree morning, cold air incessantly seeped through the door seals of the Sidekick Sport. The heater fan was noisy, even at its lowest setting. I'm still trying to figure out how to program the stereo. The Sport feels more like your first VW Bu than your next Lexus. But in the basics--ride and handling--I was more satisfied. Even in 4WD (high range), it cornered with little skidding, and didn't lunge like such a tall box might. Low-range 4WD engaged easily, for maximum muscle off-road or in deep snow. The 120-horse engine is adequate for urban and highway passing, and 25 percent more powerful than the four-door Sidekick's. Other pluses: a full steel frame and 45 cubic feet of rear cargo space. A minus, I feel, are the always-on daytime running lights. They keep you from idling surreptitiously at night, or sneaking up the driveway at 4 a.m. 1996 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX
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