Suzuki SX4 is a distinctive five-door hatchback that blends the characteristics of sporty compacts exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara, to create an exciting small car alternative.
The resulting 'sport X-over' combines responsive driving dynamics, 4x4 capability, high levels of practicality and styling that suggests a freestyle approach to life.
The UK line-up offers two engine options - one diesel and one petrol. The revised 120PS 1.6 litre VVT petrol engine is available in either SZ3 or SZ4 2WD (front-wheel drive) format or as a 4x4 SZ5 model with selectable/automatic four-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre DDiS will be available in SZ4 trim from April 2010, together with the SZ5 4X4 petrol.
Following Swift and Grand Vitara, SX4 was Suzuki's third global strategic model. It also formed the basis for its World Rally Championship challenger during 2007/8.
Suzuki SX4 is the result of a joint development agreement between Suzuki and Fiat Auto, in which Suzuki was responsible for project management from concept to mass production. Suzuki SX4 models sold in Europe are built at Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary.
Expressive, confident exterior
The Suzuki SX4 is styled to look good in any setting. Fusing the dynamism of SUVs with the elegance of passenger cars gives poise and presence beyond the model's compact size. The 2010 model features a redesigned front bumper and grill together with new design 16-inch alloy wheels for SZ4 and SZ5 models. A low, rising waistline and large, triangular glazing forward of the front doors give the vehicle a strong, sporty wedge shape expressing dynamic performance, while the pronounced wheelarches and wide front and rear track broadcast stability and good traction. The design suggests a potential that is not found in conventional hatchbacks and that is pure Suzuki in nature: exciting, multi-dimensional and visually appealing.
Three model grades are available: SZ3; SZ4 and SZ5 which is available for the 4x4 petrol model. All models have a bold SUV appearance with wheel arch extensions, side protection mouldings (not SZ3 model), side under protection mouldings and front and rear skid plates.
Bold and refined interior
The "X-over" design continues inside the vehicle, with curving wraparound forms and trim materials and fabrics that have high visual and tactile quality. Circular motifs and a flowing centre panel - also used to critical acclaim in other Suzuki models - express the car's dynamic performance and add to its active lifestyle appeal.
The two-tone interior is predominantly black, highlighted with metallic-coloured accents and wedge-shaped motifs, for a look that is both bold and refined. The instrument panel's ergonomic design ensures the key meters and controls are intuitive and simple to use. A new style, LED back lit three-dial cluster provides important information at a glance and neatly echoes the metallic, circular motifs of the side air outlets and other controls. Important driver information on average and instantaneous fuel consumption as well as driving fuel range and outside temperature have now been relocated from the top centre of the dashboard to directly ahead of the driver in the instrument cluster.
The lower centre dashboard panel has also been revised for the 2010 model and incorporates a new display; housing the audio, air conditioning and other controls. On SZ4 and SZ5 models the large dials of the fully automatic air conditioning have ring lights, which make them easier to see and use, while adding to the overall refined quality. Steering wheel audio controls are now illuminated for added convenience.
Balance of form and function
The Suzuki SX4 comfortably accommodates up to five people and their luggage needs, while retaining a sleek and stylish look. The 4WD models have exterior length-width-height dimensions of 4,150mm x 1,755mm x 1,620mm (2WD models:1,605mm) These efficient proportions and a minimum turning circle of 10.6 metres make Suzuki SX4 easy to navigate around narrow urban streets and easier to park in spaces that would be out-of-bounds to large SUVs.
The spacious interior offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, even for rear seat passengers. Space is not the only factor in ensuring plenty of on-board comfort: the shape and position of the seats are designed to support a natural posture, a key factor in comfortable long-distance travel. Additionally, ideal seat heights, large door openings, and high ground clearance make access easy for all on board. The rear seats are set slightly higher, which means even those in the back get a good all-round view.
The rear seats divide 60:40, which means long items can be carried while still seating one or two rear passengers. They can also be tumbled forward to create an almost fully flat load floor, increasing boot capacity from 270 to 625 litres (VDA measurement).
A number of handy storage compartments are provided throughout the cabin, including large pockets on all doors with bottle holders.
On board refinement and comfort is enhanced in the latest model with the fitment of cushioned armrests in the doors; additional sound insulation throughout the cabin together with new design carpets; all helping lower NVH levels.
On the outside; a larger engine under shield cover together with improved transmission damping and increased rigidity of body parts have also been incorporated.
Specification
Suzuki SX4 is well equipped as standard with the SZ3 model offering six airbags; remote central locking with deadlocks, air conditioning, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, four electric windows, driver information display and illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls.
The SZ4 model adds fog lamps; 16-inch alloy wheels, side body protection and heated door mirrors. Petrol engine SZ4 models have an even higher specification with keyless entry and start; dashboard centre speaker and automatic air conditioning.
On sale in April, the top of the range SZ5 model adds i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive), MP3 / WMA compatible six CD changer and rear privacy glass.