You shouldn't judge new cars just by looking at photos. Even if the photographer is a true professional, a photo won't convey the real impression. Our acquaintance with the Suzuki SX4 sedan also started with photos. From the monitor, we saw something devoid of proportions, raising a single question: why? Why ruin a decent hatchback by attaching some kind of trunk to it? The disappointment was boundless. Imagine our surprise when we saw the car in person. In the parking lot in front of the showroom stood a completely different car.

And it, by the way, is not bad at all. Yes, the roof height is unusually tall for a sedan. Yes, the wide front pillars with small windows look unusual for such a body. But overall, it doesn't harm the sedan. And the trunk, which in photos seemed like a product of garage creativity, doesn't look foreign in reality. And the successfully raked rear pillar even adds dynamism to the appearance.

The interior, of course, has completely migrated from the hatchback. Everything is familiar: neat but hard plastic, a modest center console with simple and convenient buttons. The rear seats, as before, are raised relative to the front ones — so that rear passengers can see the road better. However, with such glazing, you can't complain about visibility, even sitting on the floor. There's also enough space in the SX4, although on the rear sofa with the front seats pushed back, you won't really sprawl out. But the trunk! Of course, there are cars with more spacious compartments, but there aren't many, and the SX4 can confidently be counted among them. The only inconvenience is that the trunk lid with a volume of 515 liters opens only with the key or a handle from the cabin. There's no button on the lid itself.

As before, the car is offered on our market with a single engine. However, the inline four-cylinder with a displacement of 1.6 liters and 107 hp is quite suitable for this sedan. You can't call it a "lighter," but driving even with an automatic doesn't resemble a turtle race. In any case, we managed to achieve the claimed 12 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 170 km/h. But the main thing is fuel consumption. Six liters per hundred at 120 km/h outside the city is a very decent indicator.

But the wind sensitivity was alarming. Even with a light side wind, the car is noticeably pushed, and you constantly have to correct the steering. Even the adaptive electric power steering doesn't help. With increasing speed, it, of course, becomes heavier, and handling improves, but there's no clear center in the steering, there's not enough feedback, and even a light gust of wind can move the SX4 to the adjacent lane. Tested in practice. On open sections, you need to be prepared for such behavior.

You also need to be prepared for the fact that sound insulation is not the car's strong point. Usually, sedans are quieter than hatchbacks, because noise from the rear wheel arches is dampened in the trunk. But not in this case. Already at 100 km/h, a rear passenger can't hear the conversation between the driver and front passenger. However, Suzukis have never been known for sound insulation.

Betting on Europe

When designing the SX4, the Japanese were aiming not at their own market or America. Their goal was Europe. The car's dimensions were adjusted to European standards; initially, it was supposed to be smaller. The famous design studio under the leadership of Giugiaro worked on the appearance. In addition, an agreement was signed with Fiat to produce the same model under the Italian brand — it received the name Sedici. And to establish themselves in Europe thoroughly, production of both cars was set up in Hungary.

Driving

The car can provide driving pleasure, but it can't be called ideal either in handling or dynamics.

Interior

Spacious and functional. Visibility is pleasing — both from the driver's seat and for rear passengers. The trunk deserves special praise.

Comfort

It matches the class; the only complaint is sound insulation.

Safety

Standard equipment includes two airbags and ABS.

Price

Attractive for the middle class, for which the car is intended.

Pros and Cons

  • + Comfortable suspension, effective brakes, spacious and convenient interior.
  • — Sluggish acceleration, poor sound insulation, vague steering.

Specifications

Make and model — Suzuki SX4 sedan
Dimensions — 4490/1545/1730 mm
Engine — gasoline, inline, 1568 cm³, 107 hp/5600 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 4-speed
Dynamics — max 170 km/h; 12.3 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Chevrolet Lacetti, Opel Astra

Our Opinion

Contrary to concerns, the Suzuki SX4 sedan turned out to be a well-built car. Not without drawbacks, but who doesn't have them. It's only disappointing that it's offered on our market with a single engine. At least you can choose between manual and automatic.