Suzuki SX4: prices and specifications

An unusual C-class hatchback, the Suzuki SX4 looks almost indistinguishable from a regular hatchback, but its high seating position and increased ground clearance bring it closer to the crossover class. Thanks to its high ground clearance, the option of all-wheel drive, and unpainted bumpers, the car is not afraid of off-road conditions. The first Suzuki SX4 appeared in 2006. In Ukraine, it is offered with a single 1.6-liter petrol engine and two gearboxes: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. The standard drive is front-wheel drive.

History

The Suzuki SX4 is a joint project between Italian Fiat and Japanese Suzuki. It has been produced since 2006 in sedan and hatchback body styles. There are front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

First generation (2006 – 2013)

The design of the Suzuki SX4 was developed by the Italian studio "ItalDesign." The car is based on the Suzuki Aerio, also known as the Fiat Liana.

The SX4 was first shown to the public in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. Initially, the car was intended only for the European market, but today it is sold in other countries around the world, such as India, Australia, Japan, South Africa, South America, and North America. Assembly plants are established in Japan, India (Manesar), and Hungary (Esztergom). Initially, it was planned to sell 60 thousand SX4 cars in a ratio of 2/3 Suzuki and 1/3 Fiat under the Fiat Sedici brand.

Engines used:

1.6 L diesel DDIS engine with 120 hp (not sold here);

1.5 L petrol, similar to the engine of the Swift car;

1.6 L (without VVT-i) with 102 hp (sold only in India);

1.6 L VVT used in the Grand Vitara and develops 107 hp;

Initially, the SX4 was a five-door hatchback, sold on the market under the name SX4 Crossover. Later, a sedan called the SX4 Sport appeared, presented in 2007 at the New York Auto Show. Today, the sedan is sold in Japan and India, as well as some countries of the former Eastern Bloc.

In the USA, the SX4 began selling in 2006 as the smallest Suzuki crossover (AWD) in the family. The configuration for the North American market differs from the European one in such nuances as all-wheel drive and a different 2-liter petrol engine with 143 hp. Front-wheel drive SX4s were supplied to Canada, Israel, Turkey, and China. For Canada, the all-wheel drive version was supplied only on order.

At the end of 2009, the car was changed, altering the shape of the front part and bumpers, adding cross slats, changing the appearance and radiator grille, and changing the fog lights.

Second generation (2013…)

In the spring of 2013, at the Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki presented the new generation SX4; in Europe, the car received the new name Suzuki SX4 S-Cross.

In the new car, the length is 4,300 mm, the width is 1,765 mm, and the height is 1,575 mm; the wheelbase has increased to 2,600 mm.

The car is equipped with either a naturally aspirated petrol engine 1.6 L with 117 hp or a turbodiesel engine 1.6 L with 120 hp. The buyer can choose either front or all-wheel drive. All engine variants can be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT, regardless of whether it is all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Production of the new Suzuki SX4 is established at the Hungarian Suzuki plant.

Exterior

Interior

In the latest generation of the SX4, the interior has changed in appearance, becoming more modern and higher quality. In expensive trim levels, there are virtually all the options that the most discerning buyer could wish for. The plastic trim looks better and feels much nicer than in the first generation.

The seat upholstery materials correspond to the car's price range. The SX4 is comfortable and convenient both for short trips and long journeys. The interior dimensions allow four tall passengers to sit comfortably. For travel enthusiasts, a pleasant surprise will be the trunk volume of 430 liters. The rear seat backrest folds down and allows it to be increased even more.

Even particularly tall drivers (over 1.9 m) will not complain about the Suzuki SX4 seats. Mostly, they are praised for their moderate firmness and good lateral support.

The same can be said about the rear bench. In the back, there is plenty of space for passengers. It is not only convenient and comfortable, but there is also quite decent legroom. The rear seats are located somewhat higher, which provides an excellent view for rear passengers as well.

Engine and transmission

Unfortunately, in Ukraine, the choice of power units is limited. Only one petrol engine with a volume of 1.6 L and a power of 117 hp is available.

The transmission is a 5-speed manual or a CVT. With any type of transmission, the drive can be either front or all-wheel drive.

Safety

In the base version, the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross has a set of active safety systems: ABS, EBD, ESP, BAS, 7 airbags (SRS), and electric power steering.

The crash test according to EURO NCAP technology, the Suzuki SX4 New, passed predictably well and earned the maximum five stars. The car received 14.3 points out of 16 possible for safety in a frontal impact, 8 out of 8 possible in a side impact, and 7.6 for a side impact against a pole. This is one of the most dangerous collisions.

For parents, the test results will seem optimistic; with safety for children in the Suzuki SX4, everything is in order. The child safety function in special seats received 10.2 points.

Features

Being behind the wheel of the new Suzuki SX4, you can immediately feel the difference compared to the car of the previous generation. The car has become larger and more solid. There is a feeling of monolithicity of the body; it seems more rigid. Despite the fact that the Suzuki SX4 is a crossover, the body rolls within optimal limits and does not scare the driver and passengers. The only thing that may confuse those wishing to "fly" over dirt roads is the large front overhang and not very large ground clearance. There are no complaints about the cabin noise insulation; the Suzuki SX4 corresponds to its status. You can talk without raising your voice at speeds up to 130-140 km/h.

Popularity in Ukraine

It cannot be said that Ukrainians are buying up the new SX4 like hotcakes. Nevertheless, thanks to a good level of equipment and an interesting price, the Japanese brand managed to quickly win an army of Suzuki SX4 S-Cross fans in Ukraine.

According to our sales rating, the SX4 is included in the TOP-20 best-selling crossovers in Ukraine.

Our verdict

The Suzuki SX4 is quite a worthy family car. A good choice for a buyer who spends most of their time in the city but occasionally goes out into nature. The cost of operation does not ruin the family budget and is quite moderate. Reliability, despite the Hungarian assembly, is at a decent level. The quality control technologies brought to Europe from Japan have an effect.