Our long-term 2009 Suzuki SX4 hatchback deserves credit for its steering wheel design. Not only is this an attractive, three-spoke wheel, it's comfortable to grip at 9-and-3. This is due both to its leathery wrap and the stitching used to join the sections of leather (or leather-like material). 
Too often, cars in this price range have rough stitching that scratches against my thumbs. But both the thread and the method of the stitchwork in the SX4 have resulted in a seam that feels smooth to the touch.
It's a small thing, I know, but it really made the SX4 more pleasant to drive during my recent 2,000-mile road trip.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 16,725 miles
bodyblue says:
11:43 AM, 10/15/09
What a nice looking interior. Simple, handsome and looks to be well put together. I like this little rig. Make mine a FWD please.
subaru123 says:
12:44 PM, 10/15/09
This is a perfect wheel. It's "leather" wrapped, comfortable to grip at 9&3, has steering wheel controls and most importantly 3 spokes. A similar wheel can be found in one of my cars.
@hansverner
If you read this I would just like to say I wasn't boasting about how much money I have or anything like that on the FX post. Not everyone in NJ lives in a mansion and neither do I. No I'm not rich because if I was do you really think I would have a Tribeca and Prius? No I would have an Escalade ESV and Lexus HS250. Sorry if I came off as the stereotypical rich NJ person but I am not. BTW have you ever heard of Camden, NJ? If not you should research it because it is the exact opposite of the NJ stereotype.
redliner says:
12:51 PM, 10/15/09
Toyota sources many of its steering wheels, including those for the Scion brand from the same supplier as Suzuki. The only diffrence is the design of the centerpiece and logo insets.
@Subaru123
Wrong thread??
subaru123 says:
01:09 PM, 10/15/09
@ redliner
From the FX thread linked below. I know this is a different thread. I just thought that what I posted should be read by hansverner based on his/her response on the previous thread.
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2009/10/2009-infiniti-fx50-a-rare-breed.html#comment
yellowmiata says:
01:56 PM, 10/15/09
Ummm - I find it odd that there is a little feud rolling around through different threads. Petty-much?
I like this report - knowing that a steering wheel feels good is the kind of information a long-term blog should be about. These are the kind of things we can't experience just test driving a car. Good observation and keep 'em coming!
Kevin
cobryson says:
02:41 PM, 10/15/09
Subaru123, let me put it simply: You're trying too hard. Not every post requires a comment from you comparing the subject at hand to your Tribeca. Also, you don't need to give quite so much weight to what people say or type in comments, as they do the same for you. So, relax a little, comment when you have a relevant addition to the conversation, and I think we'll all appreciate it more. (I also remember when you spammed the boards with your own 'caption contest' website, so perhaps I'm a little swayed in my thoughts...)
kimosen says:
03:26 PM, 10/15/09
Amusingly, that steering wheel bears a striking resemblance to the often-panned GM "parts bin" wheel.
06scooby says:
04:57 PM, 10/15/09
I must say the steering wheel controls and leather (or pleather) wrapping is a nice touch at the price point this car serves.
altimadude00 says:
06:55 PM, 10/15/09
I'd also like to say that the seat material nicely breaks up the monotony of black in this car. Unlike other manufacturers that think sitting in a monotone black hole is luxurious, a smattering of color is always welcoming. That said, I think the chrome blades on the center stack should be brushed, not polished.
thehamsterman says:
11:36 PM, 10/15/09
two things:
does it have little knobbies at 9 and 3 for your hands to go above the spokes?
do those controls on the steering wheel light up at night with the gauges?
biturbomunkie says:
12:27 AM, 10/16/09
that steering wheel looks awfully similar to the ones found on imprezas and forresters - even the button placements are the same (slightly different shape, though).
i didn't know subaru and suzuki shared parts.
willin58 says:
07:11 AM, 10/16/09
kimosen: Right on, it IS the same wheel, that's why. The only things seperating it are the logo insert and the style of the buttons. It is the same as my Aura wheel, right down to the stitching and the 9 and 3 part where the wheel rim gets fatter.
Case in point: Cobalt SS wheel - http://chevycobalt.org/wp-content/gallery/chevycobaltinterior/chevrolet_08cobaltsscoupe_steeringwheel_Large.jpg
willin58 says:
07:11 AM, 10/16/09
kimosen: Right on, it IS the same wheel, that's why. The only things seperating it are the logo insert and the style of the buttons. It is the same as my Aura wheel, right down to the stitching and the 9 and 3 part where the wheel rim gets fatter.
Case in point: Cobalt SS wheel - http://chevycobalt.org/wp-content/gallery/chevycobaltinterior/chevrolet_08cobaltsscoupe_steeringwheel_Large.jpg
willin58 says:
07:12 AM, 10/16/09
Man, I hate this new site.
thejohnp says:
08:38 AM, 10/16/09
Looks pretty similar to the steering wheel in my ist gen Mazda6 too.
eriches says:
10:14 AM, 10/16/09
@ thehamsterman: That would be a "no" to both questions. The lack of nighttime illumination was a pain until I memorized the location for stereo volume, and cruise "set" and "cancel." -- Erin
stingray454 says:
12:53 PM, 10/19/09
" kimosen says:
03:26 PM, 10/15/09
Amusingly, that steering wheel bears a striking resemblance to the often-panned GM "parts bin" wheel. "
Yep, and this wheel in the Corvette is panned as awful and hideous. Granted, the Corvette *should* have a different wheel, but regardless this is a clear demonstration of subjective bias here at Edmunds.