Suzuki SX4 Sedan Car Review

FamilyCar Rating Styling Performance Value EcoFriendly Safety Overall Rating Model Reviewed SX4 Sedan S 2.0 Petrol Manual Pricing SX4 S manual $23,990 SX4 S auto $25,990 What we liked Great visibility, big boot space What we didn’t Overall a bit sedate

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Suzuki has just launched their new SX4 line up. Only a keen eye could spot the new from the old, as the exterior changes are limited to the front grille and alloy wheels. Under the bonnet it’s a different story with, a more powerful 2.0 engine that delivers better fuel efficiency and fewer emissions. The other good news for buyers is that all models have ESP as standard.

The SX4 range features 2WD and 4WD hatches as well as a 2WD sedan. While they share many common features, the hatch and the sedan are quite different cars. The hatch sits higher up than the sedan and has definite off road capability due to the higher clearance and 4WD functionality. While the hatch feels quite at home rolling around in the mud, the sedan is best left to dropping the kids at school and hitting the highway in the holidays. The sedan is only available with one specification level, thankfully it’s the one with plenty of goodies, but you can choose a manual or auto transmission. The car reviewed is a manual.

Driver’s View

I’d have to say that the manual SX4 is quite fun to drive. It’s small and zippy while still offering plenty of space for the family lifestyle. There’s plenty of glass, which makes it easy to see when you are parking and changing lanes. The large rear windows also make it easier for the kids to see out of the back seat, something that one of my daughters pointed out to me. The sedan comes standard with some nice goodies including an 8 speaker audio system with single CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control and audio controls located on the steering wheel. The 6 speed manual is easy to drive with a light clutch and light gear box. If you’re looking for a testosterone filled drive with grunt and gurgle to boot, this is not the car for you.

Safety

The SX4 has achieved a 4 star ANCAP safety rating (out of 5). All models have as standard ABS, ESP, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist and Traction Control. There are also six airbags including front passenger and driver front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags.

Storage

This is where the SX4 steps up and has a swing. There are door pockets throughout with decent sized bottle holders. There are also two cup holders in the centre and one in the rear. The glove box is a good size, there is an extra storage nook in the centre dash and there’s a storage pocket on the back of the passenger seat. There’s also a nifty little tray hidden under the passenger seat where you can store a phone, iPod and wallet. Then we hit the boot. For a small car, there is plenty of boot space. All of my friends who had a look said “wow that’s a big boot”. And if you need even more space for those IKEA flat packs, you can fold down one or both of the rear seats.

Family Friendly

This is a good car for a small family. It’s got all the safety features, its easy to see out of and easy to drive. Its got great head space in both the front and the rear and the leg and shoulder space is not too bad in the bag either. There are plenty of great storage options and the boot will swallow almost anything fed into it. My girls were big fans, mainly because they could see out of the rear windows with ease.

EcoFriendly

The manual consumes 7.3 litres/100kms, which is an improvement over the previous model and the same as the Toyota Corolla sedan (manual petrol). The CO2 emissions are also less than the previous model (now 170gms/km) and is also the same as the Corolla.

Overall View

The Suzuki SX4 sedan is a very honest car. What you see is what you get. It drives well, but nothing to write home about. It’s very functional, but not exciting. It’s good value for money, but not a bargain. But when to comes to boot space and storage the SX4 punches above its weight.

If you are considering this car you may also like to test drive the Kia Cerato, Toyota Corolla, or Ford Focus. 

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	6 airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Dynamic Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	7
CD player:	CD player with 8 speakers
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed manual
Engine:	2.0 litre
Fuel type:	Petrol
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	7.3 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	170gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	6.5/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP safety rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms
Price:	$23,990*

*Manufacturer's RRP. Excludes dealer delivery and statutory government costs.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your Suzuki dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: March 2010

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye