PDA

View Full Version : Road Test: Suzuki SX4 (2006-)



mikeyb
03-16-2006, 08:13 AM
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-wood-f-a.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>INTRODUCTION</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
There are a few supermini-based lookalike 4x4s around - the Volkswagen Polo Dune and the Citroen C3 XTR, or the late Rover Streetwise - but none of these actually have four-wheel drive.

Suzuki's SX4, however, not only looks the part, but comes with the option of a switchable three-mode torque-on-demand 4x4 system. It's not an all-out off-roader, but with its raised ground clearance and underbody protection, it could make a useful vehicle for country-dwellers who don't want a large, thirsty SUV. Think of it as the modern-day equivalent of the Subaru Justy, a long-time favourite of veterinary nurses, horse-owners and farmers' wives.

Or if you do just want the chunky bumpers and mini-station wagon styling, there are the Streetwise-style front-wheel drive-only versions; GLX versions of these can be dressed up with roof rails for full work-ready effect.

Models on offer in the UK from launch (April 2006) come with the 1.6-litre (107bhp) petrol engine: GL or GLX two-wheel drive versions, or the 4GRIP four-wheel drive. Models with the Fiat-supplied 1.9-litre (120bhp) diesel engine follow later in the year.

The Fiat connection goes a little further, too; the SX4 has a Fiat-branded sister model, the Sedici (reviewed separately), and both cars are built at Suzuki's factory in Hungary. Developed together, the SX4 and Sedici are based on the latest Suzuki Swift supermini, and they will also have a rally-going relative - the SX4 WRC car, proving the Suzuki four-wheel drive technology's worth when it gets slippery.

Prices: TBC, but around £10,000-£14,000

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-wood-r3q-a.jpg
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=text11></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>RELIABILITY AND QUALITY RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/3.5_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The interior is a little cheap-feeling, with some uneven edges to the plastics and nasty nylon upholstery, but mechanically, this should prove to be a very tough little car.

Suzuki's off-roaders - from the old SJ-series jeeps to the large Grand Vitara - go on for years and tend to be durable, though its passenger cars score no better than average in most reliability surveys. A plus point is that Suzuki's dealerships are mostly small family-owned franchises where staff can build one-to-one relationships with their customers and Suzuki owners report generally good levels of service and low repair and maintenance costs.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-eng-det.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>IMAGE RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/3_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Suzuki's passenger cars have previously appealed mainly to conservative pensioners, but the latest Swift has broken through to a much younger audience; the SX4 could well follow suit, especially once the SX4 WRC car gets going next season.

It's sportier than a Streetwise or Ford Fusion - though the Fiat Sedici is prettier - and has a certain utilitarian chic with its roof rails, chunky bumpers and near-station wagon rear end. It looks ready to be loaded up with hay bales, horse feed and muddy wellies, dogs or orphaned lambs.

We're less sure about its appeal to urbanites, however.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-city-s-a.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-r3q-a.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- RATING TABLE -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>DRIVING RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/3_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Though it shares much of its underpinnings and body structure with the Swift, somehow the SX4 lacks much of that model's verve.

It has a wide track and thus relatively low centre of gravity, despite its high ground clearance, but although it is stable, predictable and confidence-inspiring in its handling, it rarely feels overly sporty.

The gearbox (five-speed in manual models, six-speed with the diesel engine) is not as slick as it should be and the clutch is sometimes awkward when starting from a standstill.

The driving position is good, however, with the driver sitting higher than in most superminis, and all-round visibility is generally fine, though the thick A-pillars by the windscreen can obscure vision at junctions (a common problem with many new cars these days).

The four-wheel drive system's dead simple, though; there's a fuel-saving front-wheel drive only mode for normal road-driving conditions, or the Auto torque-on-demand mode, where up to 50% of the drive is sent to the rear axle if the front wheels start to lose grip. The driver can also 'lock' the system with a split of up to 42% of the power to the rear wheels, at speeds of up to 37mph, allowing for a quick getaway in slippery conditions and extra traction. Accelerating up to 37mph, the system then automatically reverts to the on-demand Auto mode. All the driver has to do is press a button by the handbrake lever.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-close-s-a.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-close-s-a.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-close-s-a.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>PERFORMANCE RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/4_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Suzuki expects most of the SX4s sold in the UK to have the 1.6-litre (107bhp/107 lb ft) petrol engine with variable valve timing and it's reasonably lively if not a full-on hot hatch unit. Acceleration 0-60mph comes up in 10.8 seconds (2WD) or 11.2 seconds (4WD), and it's more than powerful enough for nipping around country lanes, though it gets a bit loud on the motorway - the five gears of the manual transmission are relatively closely-spaced and it's revving high at motorway speeds (a four-speed auto 'box is optional, though we haven't tried this yet).

The diesel's loud, too, but is a little more relaxed at high speed thanks to an overdrive-style sixth gear. This 120bhp engine, familiar from the Fiat range, produces acceleration 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds (2WD) or 11.2 seconds (4WD) - a similar take-off to the petrol version, but with stronger pull mid-range to help with overtaking or climbing steep hills.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-cabin.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>SAFETY AND SECURITY RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/4_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Euro NCAP crash test programme rates the SX4 at four stars overall - not that great these days when even the tiny Peugeot 1007 MPV rates five, but denoting a decent standard of crash protection. Child protection and pedestrian are rated at a good three stars, though, better results than for many larger rivals.

ABS anti-lock brakes are standard, in line with the latest Euro regulations, and you also get front and side curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, three rear three-point seatbelts and Isofix child seat mounting points. Good marks for security devices, too: all UK models have deadlocks with free-wheeling key cylinders and childproof locks on the rear doors, plus an immobiliser and visible VIN for easy identification.


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-f3q-st.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>RUNNING COSTS RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/4_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Fuel economy isn't fantastic, but it's good for engines this size: the 1.6 returns 41mpg in 2WD form or 39.8mpg in 4WD models, and the diesel delivers 44.8mpg (2WD) or 42.8mpg (4WD).

Carbon dioxide output from the 1.6 is 165g/km (2WD) or 170 g/km (4WD), and the diesel, which has a particulate filter, returns 166g/km or 174 g/km.

That means that there's not a lot of savings to be made in terms of fuel consumption or tax by opting for the diesel - you're going to have to cover thousands of miles to make up for the extra this engine costs to buy in the first place, which is why Suzuki anticipates most of its UK customers will opt for the petrol. It's a shame the excellent, super-economical Fiat 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine's not an option.

Servicing and repair costs are generally low at Suzuki dealers, and insurance costs aren't too high (all those sensible older Suzuki owners lead to a low risk assessment). Residual values stay quite strong, too, for some Suzuki models, as they are well-respected for their durability and have a faithful following on the second-hand market. Four-wheel drive Suzukis are particularly popular with used buyers, especially in rural areas.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-i-seats.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=260 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=text11>COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: </TD><TD width=70>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/generic/3_rate.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Apart from those noisy engines and some intrusive wind and road noise at speed, the SX4 is generally comfortable; the ride is bouncy, but forgiving, and the spacious cabin allows for good legroom and headroom front and rear, even if it is a bit narrow - driver and front passenger can elbow each other if they're not careful.

Though just 4140mm long and 1755mm wide, it can seat five comfortably, and there's plenty of space for adults in the back; the high-set seats, raised ground clearance and large doors make for easy access in and out. The boot is deep and square, giving up to 270 litres with the rear seat in place and 625 litres with them folded. The seats split 50:50 as well as fold, though they do not go completely flat. No clever tumbling/sliding tricks, either.

Specification levels for the UK are GL and GLX. Entry-level GL models (2WD only) have less by way of body side-cladding and no alloy wheels, wheel arch extensions, underbody protection or front and rear skid plates. They do have most passenger car comforts, though, with front electric windows, remote central locking, electric door mirrors, air conditioning, a CD player, three cupholders, driver's seat height adjustment and a storage tray under the passenger seat.

GLX versions add front fog lamps and roof rails, with the GLX 4Grip 4WD versions having the above-mentioned exterior trimmings.



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/S/suzuki/sx4/03-large/06-sx4-driveswitch.jpg
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
by: Farah AlKhalisi


source:http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/S/suzuki/sx4-06-/index-comequipt.html