Price: From R216 500
We love the spunky little SX4 which, in its latest guise, is a sensible buy too: it boasts lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions versus its predecessor (they are 20 and 19,5% lower respectively). Significantly, it is also available with an intelligent all-wheel drive system and an efficient Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. The former can be engaged at the press of a switch, for loads of grip and traction over tricky road surfaces. We also love the commanding driving position; you sit up relatively high and all-round visibility is excellent.
Suzuki’s launch ambassador for its re-emergence on the South African market is the all-new SX4, the new crossover that spearheads Suzuki Auto South Africa’s model line-up for 2008.The SX4’s name is easy enough to understand, the “S” stands for Sporty and the “X” for the crossover design, while the “4” designation is somewhat out of place in the local market because it is supposed to denote four-wheel drive – not available in South Africa but in other regions where the SX4 is sold.
While the overall design indicates that much of the SX4’s styling is hatch-derived, there are indications of SUV-inspired cues such as the raised seating position and the increased ground clearance that make the SX4 another addition to a competitive segment that includes the likes of the CrossPolo, Fiat Panda Climbing 4X4 and Nissan’s Qashqai.
The most distinctive features include the bold Suzuki logo on the front grille, wraparound headlamps, rising waistline and 16-inch wheels, while the wheel arch mouldings, side skirts and roof rails are finished in black for a sense of “purpose”.
The SX4 is powered by a 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 107 kW at 5 800 r/min, while the peak torque of 184 N.m is reached at 3 500 r/min. Emphasis was placed on achieving a flat torque curve in the low-to-mid rev range to improve performance characteristics in everyday conditions. The 2,0-litre powerplant is mated with a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki claims the manual derivative is capable of a zero to 100km/h sprint of 9,4 seconds and is capable of delivering a claimed fuel consumption of 8,4-litres per 100 km.
The SX4 benefits from an entirely new chassis, with a stiff body, rigid suspension mounds, wide front and rear tracks and large section tyres, while the on-road prowess is improved by the MacPherson strut-based front suspension and rear torsion beam rear suspension. For added assurance, the SX4 is equipped with an all-disc braking system featuring ABS, EBD and brake assist.
The interior features numerous storage compartments for the “active” family, including front and rear drink-holders and door bottle holders as well as a front passenger under-seat tray. The cabin is predominantly furnished in black upholstery with metallic trim for contrast and to create an “upmarket” look and feel. Suzuki claims the SX4 was developed to accommodate a family of five (or four adults) with ease and offers generous leg, head and shoulder room. The rear seats are slightly higher than those in the front for an improved field of vision and heightened levels of comfort. The 60/40 split rear seat configuration allows for the maximum luggage capacity to increase from 270 with the seats up to a maximum of 625 dm3 with the rear seats folded.
Standard features include power steering, electric windows and mirrors, an MP3-compatible CD tuner, cruise control, automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and a keyless start function. The safety package consists of front and rear crumple zones to complement the high-strength passenger safety cell as primary features, while secondary features includes six airbags (front, side and curtain airbags), seatbelt pretensioners and Isofix child seat mountings – a combination that has contributed to the SX4’s four-star rating in the Euro-NCAP crash test.
Pricing:
SX4 2,0 Manual R163 900
SX4 2,0 Auto R176 900
Pricing includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan and a three-year/100 000 km factory warranty.
In addition, the Suzuki Complete package includes roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty as well as the fitment of an Atech Netstar Sleuth tracking device (activated at time of purchase and subject to a monthly subscription fee).
A Suzuki Special Report will appear in the July 2008 issue of CAR, on sale June 23.
