Suzuki has changed dramatically over the last few years, from a manufacturer of rather quirky small cars and niche off-roaders to one that has a much more mainstream presence and is really challenging some of the major players. Perhaps the start of this process was the Swift, it has gone on to sell more than a million examples across the world and been one of the company’s biggest successes. In the UK it accounts for some 30-35% of total sales for the company.
The latest new model from Suzuki though is the revised SX4, that, in various guises is launched over the next few months. The changes may not, to the casual observer, look that different, but under the skin Suzuki has put a lot of work into improving the SX4. Higher quality materials inside the car, extensive sound proofing and damping of mechanical components and changes to the staple 1.6-litre petrol engine. The changes have resulted in a smoother, more refined drive and one which, at its price, really does challenge some of the bigger players in the supermini market.
Engine options start with the new 1.6 litre petrol unit that develops 120 PS producing decent performance and on my drive a creditable 44mpg. Other engine options include a 1.6 litre Peugeot sourced diesel that is carried over almost unchanged from the previous model and there is the potential of a new 2.0 litre diesel. There is a standard 5-speed manual transmission with an automatic offered with the petrol models and 4x4 only available petrol engine models too. Three trim levels are SZ3, 4 and 5 with all-wheel-drive only offered on the SZ5.
Inside the car is a mix of silver grey and black with chrome highlights on the dash. All the materials have a quality feel and lack the ‘plastic’ look found in some rather more mainstream competitors. The SZ4 mid-range version that I was driving is priced at £12,255 and represents terrific value for money and certainly the interior belies the affordable price tag in terms of quality. Standard fare on this model includes power windows, door mirrors, keyless entry/exit and start, automatic air con’, steering wheel audio controls, front fogs, alloy wheels and remote locking.
Interior space for both passengers and luggage is good and if you want 4-wheel-drive well you can only get this on the highest trim SZ5 versions. That said they still offer very good value and the all-wheel-drive system is a clever one that offers three modes. Permanent front wheel drive only, automatic 4-wheel-drive whenever the system senses a one of the wheels is losing traction or permanent four-wheel-drive for the worst conditions.
The company are evaluating whether to bring in a new 2.0 litre diesel engine to the SX4 range. This diesel will offer 4x4 if introduced although on cost-v-sales basis this could be a non-starter. I hope it isn’t as although the petrol engines are fine, with good economy, I just feel many opting for the all-wheel-drive SX4 would perhaps look away if there wasn’t the option of a diesel.
The SX4 isn’t an off-roader in the true sense but would certainly acquit itself well across fields or muddy tracks, but I suspect its biggest plus would be for those living in rural areas. The recent snows and even just wet country roads sees the all-wheel-drive SX4 at its best.
