He was one of the first to test the restyled version of the Suzuki SX4 2018. Journalist Alexander Kataev rode such a crossover on the roads of Italy and expressed his opinion about the interior of the updated model.
The driver's seat is neat and boringly average - no zest, no fancy, not the slightest risk. And it would be completely bland if not for the appearance of a multimedia system with a touch screen from the Vitara model. Quick feedback on short touches, Russification, good graphics and navigator skills of the navigation system...
True, it is not always possible to successfully “scroll” the volume scale. And the dark “gloss” that frames it, getting dirty, will frankly please only fingerprint specialists: a whole lot of random fingerprints are collected during the day of the test.
It's comfortable behind the wheel, not a single serious complaint. But I want a more inventive setting. Gray plastics in the cabin have become softer and more pleasant to the touch
In terms of interior design, the SX4 remains the most ordinary crossover. The back seat is quite free, thanks to the recesses for the knees in the backs of the front seats. The cargo compartment volume is not outstanding: it varies from 430 to 1,269 liters.
Alexey Batushenko from the AvtoVzglyad publication took a ride on the updated Suzuki SX4 2018 crossover. The journalist tested the car both in the city and on the highway, as well as on dirt roads and off-road.
Under the hood of the SX4 new tested by the AutoVzglyad portal was a 140-horsepower gasoline turbo engine, known from other cars of the brand. These horses, as it turned out, are quite enough to vigorously “burn” in city traffic - thanks to the relatively light weight of the compact car.
And if you move the “twist” between the front seats, which controls the transmission modes, to the sport position, then the SX4 can even stir up something driver’s in the driver’s soul: the six-speed “automatic” seems to be infused with the spirit of a backyard amateur racer, cranking the “in” at every traffic light "ringing" engine of an elderly Togliatti "nine".
No joke: not every modern city passenger car has a gearbox in “sport mode” that holds the gear almost up to 5000 engine revolutions, allowing the driver to nimble in traffic - thanks for this, by the way, to the compact dimensions of the car.
Traveling out of town now also does not cause worries about the well-being of the “underbelly” of this vehicle. 180 newfound millimeters of ground clearance, a not particularly long wheelbase and short body overhangs allow the updated Suzuki SX4 to feel completely free not only in the slush of city highways, but also on classically broken spring dirt roads.
Without fanaticism, of course, this is not a lifted UAZ. But you no longer feel the shock and awe of seeing a small rut while driving an SX4.
Journalist Oleg Kalaushin, working for the 5Koleso portal, conducted a test drive of the updated Suzuki CX4 2017 with all-wheel drive. His opinion on the driving performance of the new product can be found below.
On the move, the car is practically no different from its predecessor. As before, the suspension pleases with good settings: it’s not too soft and doesn’t shake your soul out on bumps. Noise insulation, if you drive around the city on tires without studs, is also at an acceptable level. And the dynamics of a car with a turbocharged engine leaves a pleasant impression.
The box also knows its business well, in any case, one cannot dare to accuse it of being slow-witted or hard-working. All-wheel drive, as before, can either be set by default, or the rear axle connection can be left to the electronics.
The only thing we can complain about is the not very clear steering wheel, which, however, was also typical for the previous model. His feedback is not at the highest level, which is not always liked by everyone. Although if you don’t be particularly puzzled by this, then in general the Suzuki SX4 car was and remains a fairly high-quality product, and now also noticeable.
The updated Suzuki SX4 new with a 1.4-liter turbo engine producing 140 hp was tested by CarExpert. and all-wheel drive. Journalist Sergei Dyakonov took a ride in such a car.
The car has comfortable, moderately hard front seats, with long and wide cushions and a wide range of adjustments. Not only the driver's seat, but also the passenger seat is height adjustable. Between the front seats there is a convenient armrest box with a built-in USB connector. The seating position is high, but there is enough headroom and the interior is spacious.
The steering column is adjustable for tilt and reach over a wide range. The Suzuki SX4 has excellent visibility, large mirrors, headrests on the rear seats go down, there are parking sensors in the front and rear and a rear view camera. The aerodynamics of the body are such that the side windows remain clean in the rain.
There is enough space in the back to comfortably accommodate two passengers, the seat backs are adjustable for tilt, and there is a comfortable armrest with two cup holders. The luggage compartment is not record-breaking in volume, but it is comfortable, and the loading height is low. The floor is height adjustable, in the upper position there is a convenient niche under it for small items, and even lower there is a place for storage. If you fold the backs of the rear seats, a flat platform is formed.
Now it's time to evaluate the car on the move. Already from the first meters of the journey you understand that the new power unit for the Suzuki SX4, as they say, is just what the doctor ordered. The effect of turbo lag is practically not felt. The engine pulls well from the very bottom, the “automatic” is efficient - it changes gears exactly at the moment it is necessary and at the same time smoothly.
In general, yes, it turned out to be quite a “hot paprika”. At the same time, the car is quite comfortable on the go; after restyling, the sound insulation has improved significantly. And very economical, average fuel consumption is 7 - 7.5 liters per 100 km, while it does not particularly depend on driving style, active piloting will not empty the wallet of the owner of this car.
Even fans of the brand most often describe this appearance with adjectives: “calm”, “restrained”, “corporate”. But in everything else, the SX4 is one of the strongest players in the class.
They have breakfast with piranhas, snack on anacondas, and invite their neighbors to the black caiman as the main course. Who are these monsters that strike fear throughout the Amazon? The cutest-looking creatures Pteronura brasiliensis, relatives of our otters, only slimmer and tanned. The situation is similar with the hero of our story - behind the vegetarian appearance of the “sexy”, as the young ladies call him, hides a carnivorous predator. So carnivorous that it will not let go of anyone who wanders or swims into its territory. Even the related Vitara, with which it shares hardware and is close in size and price. It was precisely because of the fear of internal cannibalism that Suzuki tried to separate the models as much as possible into different corners of the ring, depriving the SX4 of a fair share of its originality. But the Japanese can be understood - the brand traditionally relies on full-fledged crossovers, which are now more popular than ever. That is why the Vitara was not only resurrected from the ashes, but also provided with many options for individualization. And the “four” were reoriented to a much more conservative audience. Or they were completely taken out of the markets out of harm’s way. So we're still lucky.
“We don’t keep what we have...” Turns out the SX-4 had a design. True, this became clear after the facelift, during which the crossover seemed to have been replaced with a heavy radiator grille from the Chinese Buick. It’s hard to believe that any designer would include this work in their portfolio or resume. The artist Vasya Lozhkin immediately comes to mind with his eternal “I don’t know how to draw, but I really love it.”
However, appearance has never been the strong point of the brand from Shizuoka Prefecture. Yes, over the 62-year history of Suzuki there have been SJ/Jimny (1976), the same Vitara (1988) and Grand Vitara (2005). But, as can be seen from the chronology, these stylistic successes were more of a Brownian character. It’s another matter when the task is to please everyone at once. There is no time for beauty here; we need universality, averageness, even a certain impersonality. Hence the hodgepodge of elements from Qashqai, Tiguan, Kuga, etc. Even the Mitsubishi ASX, against the backdrop of the hero of our story, looks like a manifesto of individuality and corporate style, and the Juke and Captur are downright trendsetters.
But the homespun truth is that cars with a Gothic S on the radiator grille are chosen for completely different qualities - for their pragmatism (strong, but light or compact, but roomy), for their emphasized utilitarianism. Yes, yes, in our time, when a car is primarily a continuation of the individuality of its owner, there is a whole layer of buyers who do not like to stand out on the road. Their show-offs are concentrated in a completely different area and they buy “wheels” not with their hearts, but in a completely different place. Surrounded by catalogs and tax tables, with a calculator in hand and the reflection of configurators in the eyes. In their coordinate system there is no place for design delights, a trail of legend, a halo of victories, etc. In the first place are purely philistine-mercantile qualities such as the “price/quality” ratio, “dimensions/capacity”. And their choice is not the winner in one or two categories, but a model without obvious flaws and weaknesses, which has scored the most points for consumer characteristics.
And with this our hero is completely fine. Only a snob can criticize “sexy.” Especially for driving habits. On asphalt, the SX4 most closely resembles not even its predecessor, but the Swift. Equally clear reactions, obedient steering, slight roll in corners and indifference to average lousy bumps. That is, the main property of the Swift has been preserved - a suspension that is perfectly balanced in terms of rigidity and density.
The choice of engine is also pleasing. No, the long-awaited (and long-promised) diesel 1.6 DDiS (120 hp) never reached the middle of the Dnieper. But in tandem with the veteran M16A (1600 cc, 117 hp), which will celebrate its majority this year, the Japanese have added the latest “turbo-four”. K14C Boosterjet (1400 cc, 140 hp), familiar to us from the Vitara S. Aluminum block, direct fuel injection, an IHI turbine that forces air into the cylinders with an excess pressure of up to 1.2 bar - even on paper everything looks promising. And in life it’s even better. The motor spins - praise be to downshifting - like a Husqvarna chainsaw, while using gasoline no more than a Zipp lighter. And the best part is that the Boosterjet was born to work hand in hand with the 6-speed automatic transmission. If you want, roll steadily in city traffic - Aisin’s automatic machine clicks through the gears quite adequately. You need to speed up or “justly reason with the insolence of the presumptuous youth” - in sport mode the electronics will drop down a gear or two plus sharpen the sensitivity of the gas pedal.
Our tests were partially carried out on the Chaika, as part of the qualifying cycle of the Auto Roku competition. And it turned out that snow and ice on the racing trajectory are the same native element of the “four” as the Amazon estuaries for otters, from which our story began. And even in complete off-road conditions, the SX4 is its own king. During filming, we decided to experiment by inviting freelancers, whose eyes were not so blurred, instead of the on-duty photographer. And, in search of new angles, we discovered the most amazing feature of “sexy” - his all-round passionarity. The very first exit from the beaten path here provoked an instant surge of suicidal victimization, as if the SX4 in a past life was at least a Gelendvagen. Thanks to the AllGrip AWD plug-in all-wheel drive system (with new pre-settings Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock), the crossover confidently cut through even the icy concrete slabs of the Obolon dam. Conceptually, AllGrip is similar to the somewhat “deformed” xDrive mechatronics. An electronically controlled clutch in the rear wheel drive is capable of transmitting up to half the torque to the rear axle in emergency situations. Working in tandem with traction control and ABS systems, when suspended diagonally, it simulates inter-wheel locks, braking the slipping wheels and literally pushing the “sexy” through bumps. And with forced locking (Lock mode), the torque between the axles is distributed in equal proportions, provided that the speed does not exceed 60 km/h. By the way, remembering the frequent overheating of the clutch in Kizashi sedans, here the Japanese have provided a more efficient heat removal system.
The only thing the SX4 doesn’t like is broken asphalt, which we see more and more of as we get closer to spring. It seems like the suspension travel allows you not to bow to every crater, but the contact is hard. Moreover, the current state of Kyiv roads is called “I’m driving through potholes, I can’t get out of the potholes.” I remember that the previous version was less scrupulous in these matters. But this is perhaps the only “running” quality in which the neophyte loses to its predecessor.
Inside, at first glance, there are no special changes. It is especially difficult to find them in the basic versions. Which, however, is no wonder - despite the simplicity and old-fashionedness, the dashboard, steering wheel, and seats are quite modern in terms of ergonomics. And the readability of the simple instrumentation is at the highest, Volkswagen level. The only thing that is puzzling is the blue color of the scale illumination, which is in disharmony with the carrot-colored illumination of the symbols of buttons, keys and steering wheel paddles.
The main interior differences of the restyled version: fashionable black gloss that gives the interior a premium touch, higher quality upholstery materials and tactilely pleasant plastic dashboard. But it smells, as Nikolai Fomenko would say, of “Chinese rice.” The infrastructure component of the dashboard is a multimedia complex screen with support for Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink interfaces, again borrowed from the Vitara. Alas, this did not save the sound of the music: it remained very mediocre as it was. And the 7-inch touch display itself comes from the late 2000s. Agree, it’s a strange proximity to the newfangled Start/Stop engine button.
But the rear is more spacious than any of its classmates. Including thanks to the high-mounted front seats - now those sitting in the gallery have somewhere to stick their socks. Plus there are two levels of backrest adjustment. With my 1.9 meters, I am positioned “behind myself” with a small margin. Another thing that causes criticism is the sofa itself: it is uncomplicated in shaping and has poor grip in turns. The only hope is the folding armrest, which, like the tilt-adjustable backrest, is a feature of the GLX configuration.
The rear seat backs, which can be folded with a slight hand movement, increase the useful volume from 430 liters (for Vitara - 375 liters) to 1269 liters, allowing you to transport not only a lot of things, but also large ones. For example, 160 cm skis. Oh, if only the rookery turned out to be level, and therefore suitable for sleeping... And yet the trunk will please even the most inveterate skeptic. Not to mention the children, the “Plyushkins” and Uzhgorod smugglers. A wide opening, a low loading height, a 12-volt socket, side niches for small items, a lampshade - everything for people, as if Skoda specialists had worked here. Under the main floor there is an additional one, allowing you to hide small things like a warning triangle, winter mittens, etc. out of sight. Interestingly, the space between the shelves is exactly like the Renault Sandero Stepway and Lada XRay - 10 cm, that is, ideal for smuggling cigarettes . The spare tire is neatly fitted with an insert with a gentleman's tire fitter's kit. In short, the SX4 wins on points even in the most secret areas. Eh. he wouldn't have had such a decadent appearance. However, such averageness is also a trend, a kind of sign of the postmodern era, when there is so much of everything in the world that everything is similar to everything.
To distinguish the cars ourselves, we asked to install the ALL GRIP nameplate on the all-wheel drive Suzuki SX4 4WD. And jokes aside, it’s the only way you’ll recognize a car with all driving wheels.
The ground clearance of both SX4s is 180 mm. Although some manufacturers offer increased ground clearance specifically for all-wheel drive modifications of their crossovers. And this sometimes becomes a decisive factor when choosing the type of drive. Although such cars usually cost more.
In the case of the Suzuki SX4, the ground clearance of the mono- and all-wheel drive versions is the same - 180 mm. But with the 4WD version it’s easier to drive onto the curb without slipping. After all, while the front wheels are pulling the car onto the ledge, the rear wheels are pushing it.
Price issue
One of the key points is the cost of the car in mono- and all-wheel drive versions. The new SX4, regardless of the type of drive and gearbox, is offered in two trim levels: GL and GLX. In the 2WD version with a 1.6-liter (117 hp) engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, the car can be purchased for UAH 467,000. And this is the minimum price for the model as a whole. And the same car, but with ALL GRIP all-wheel drive (4WD), costs UAH 509,000.
The naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine with distributed injection develops 117 hp. and 156 Nm. With such performance of the power unit, the crossover demonstrates a calm character. But it is for such a machine that a choice of configurations, drives, and gearboxes is offered. In addition, its cost is minimal.
In our case, it is enough to pay an additional 42,000 UAH for all-wheel drive, but cars of other brands with all-wheel drive can only be offered in more expensive versions and with more powerful engines, which entails an even greater increase in cost.
An example of this is the all-wheel drive Suzuki SX4 4WD with a more modern 1.4-liter and powerful (140 hp) turbocharged engine, which works exclusively with an automatic transmission. And one of our cars is just like that. It will cost 690,000 UAH, but it clearly demonstrates the differences in equipment.
A more modern powerful (140 hp) and high-torque (220 Nm) 1.4 Booster Jet engine with turbocharging and direct injection is installed on the Suzuki SX4 only with an automatic transmission and in all-wheel drive. The dynamics of such a car are the best, and the speed is the highest.
Only this car is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, rear view camera and navigation. And if these options are important to you, then the choice will be clear. And then you also get the most dynamic and fastest of the new SX4s.
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On the trip computer screen of a car with all-wheel drive there is an additional display that shows the enabled mode and recommendations.
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Difference in movement
For the 1.6-liter car, both types of drive and transmission are offered: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. With the same transmission, a front-wheel drive car accelerates to hundreds 1 second earlier and travels 5 km/h faster. At the same time, its engine also consumes less fuel - by 0.2 liters with a manual transmission and by 0.3 liters with an automatic transmission.
After all, a car with an automatic transmission is 85 kg heavier. It's like you're carrying another adult with you all the time. However, the surcharge at the gas station for it is not so significant. In addition, this directly depends on driving style and fuel quality. But we appreciated the advantages that a car with all-wheel drive provides while driving the aforementioned 140-horsepower turbocharged Suzuki SX4 4WD.
According to factory data, it should consume gasoline at the level of a 1.6-liter all-wheel drive car with automatic transmission and slightly more than a front-wheel drive car (see table). But in fact, the fuel consumption of both cars turned out to be equal and amounted to 7.5-8.0 liters per 100 km during the test drive.
The Suzuki SX4 has two cup holders in the tunnels between the front seats.
For dynamic driving, the naturally aspirated engine has to be constantly revved to a loud howl; the gearbox sometimes shifts downwards roughly, and the ride becomes less smooth and uncomfortable. While a car with a 1.4-liter turbo engine starts without a pause, it picks up speed noticeably easier even at low and medium speeds. At the same time, the engine is practically inaudible, but it provides sufficient traction.
But they do not interfere with placing the driving mode switch next to it in the all-wheel drive version.
In fact, in Auto mode, to save fuel, only the drive to the front wheels works, but as soon as they start to slip, the rear wheels turn on, receiving half the traction.
Torque is distributed similarly when the switch is in Snow or Sport position. But the ESP stabilization system already comes into operation earlier or later (in accordance with the selected mode). In winter mode, equal distribution of traction along the axles can be locked with the Lock button. And such blocking lasts at speeds up to 60 km/h.
But we managed without it even on a steep slope. We admit that we had calculated in advance the path of retreat, or rather the descent to the very bottom, but everything turned out to be much simpler. Having only slightly turned the front wheels on the ground, the compact crossover easily drives onto a flat surface. With a single drive, we would have no chance in this situation. And during normal driving, you won’t even notice the difference between the drives. Although in fact, even on smooth, clean roads there is a difference. Especially if you turn on Sport mode. In it, the Suzuki SX4 becomes all-wheel drive with every turn of the steering wheel. This has a positive effect on the dynamics of the car. The corresponding mood is created by sharper engine reactions to the gas pedal, since the gearbox keeps the engine at higher speeds. And all because the box starts shifting up later and down earlier.
You don't have to leave the city to find a steep slope. A similar situation may arise when going on a picnic or to the beach. If we were in such a situation on a front-wheel drive crossover, there would be problems, but with all-wheel drive we drove out effortlessly.
Thanks to the moderately stiff suspension, the car does not tip over. But during sharp maneuvers, it is worth remembering that in a front-wheel drive car, many drivers reflexively perform the correct actions, since its behavior is more predictable than that of an all-wheel drive car, especially with torque floating along the axles. After all, even the position of the steered wheels can determine how the car behaves: like a front-wheel drive one or, having received most of the traction on the rear wheels, like a rear-wheel drive one...
But still…
The advantages of a crossover, or SUV, over passenger cars, first of all, are increased ground clearance. But all-wheel drive on such a city car is a useful thing, but not at all necessary. With it, the car is more expensive to purchase, subsequent repairs and maintenance, and also consumes more fuel.
While a crossover with only front drive wheels still allows you to drive through damaged sections of roads more safely, park near curbs and climb them. Although it is still easier to do this in a car with all-wheel drive. There is less chance of the front wheels slipping, since while they are pulling the car onto the ledge, the rear wheels are pushing it.
4WD time
In winter you feel the benefits of all-wheel drive best. It is much easier to drive out of a snow-covered parking space, drive along an unplowed road, and accelerate on a slippery surface. You should also choose such a car if you at least sometimes travel to rough terrain or live in conditions where all-wheel drive is simply necessary: outside the city, where the roads are not cleaned, or where you have to climb a hill to get to your house.
In addition, if you want to purchase a car with more complete (or maximum) equipment and/or with the most powerful engine (this applies not only to the Suzuki SX4, but also to cars of other brands), then such a car will most likely be all-wheel drive.
| 1.6 2WD | 1.4 4WD | |
| Body type | Station wagon | |
| Doors/seats | 5/5 | |
| Dimensions, L/W/H, mm | 4300/1785/1585 | |
| Base, mm | 2600 | |
| Ground clearance, mm | 180 | |
| Curb/full weight, kg | 1190/1720 | 1260/1730 |
| Trunk volume, l | 430/1269 | |
| Tank volume, l | 47 | |
| engine's type | petrol with distribution vpr. | petrol with unimportant vpr. turbo |
| Disp. and quo cyl./cl. on cylinder | R4/2 | |
| Volume, cm cubic. | 1586 | 1373 |
| Power, kW (hp)/rpm | 86(117)/6000 | 103(140)/5500 |
| Max. cr. torque, Nm/rpm | 156/4400 | 220/1500-4000 |
| type of drive | front | auto connect full |
| KP | 6-st. auto | |
| Max. speed, km/h | 170 | 200 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 12,4 | 10,2 |
| Expenses highway-city, l/100 km | 5,1-7,6 | 5,3-7,9 |
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
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It is simply impossible not to notice the update of the Suzuki SX4. Just look at the convex “toothy” chrome radiator grille. But the main change lies behind it: a petrol 1.4-liter turbo engine with 140 hp.
In the meantime, until you have tested it in action, you will probably notice that the compact crossover seems to have matured. And the front end of the new Suzuki SX4 played a key role in this perception. Its most striking element is the large and prominent chrome grille with a palisade of vertical slats.
The updated model is distinguished by a larger chrome radiator grille with powerful vertical slats, an expressive and embossed unpainted plastic trim on the front bumper, as well as a different form of head optics.
During the update, they did not change the interior. The materials here are already mature, there are no comments on ergonomics. The wide insert on the dashboard is made of soft plastic.
It's not easy to find upgrades inside the cabin. Except that the parking sensor mute button is now the first one, not the last one in the row. But this option is not available in the entry-level equipment.
You can buy a car with either a manual transmission (quite a suitable option for those who practice off-road excursions) or with an automatic transmission, and you can also choose a car with ALL GRIP all-wheel drive (4WD).
Vigorous
If you want to get the new 1.4-liter 140-horsepower Booster Jet turbo engine, then it will be exclusively a crossover with a 6-speed automatic transmission and in the most expensive GLX version.
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A keyless engine starting system, 2-zone climate control, Hands free function, and an armrest for the second row are provided only in the more expensive GLX package.
Just like in our photos. We became acquainted with the perky character of this unit while carrying out. It was he who opened the turbo era for Suzuki in our country. And the new SX4 picked up the baton.
Before the update, the 1.4-liter turbo engine produced 140 hp. not offered for SX4. Now it is installed on the model in the most expensive configuration and only paired with a 6-speed automatic.
Paddle shifters are available in all cars with automatic transmission, starting with the entry-level equipment.
The engine doesn't seem to care that the new Suzuki SX4 is larger and heavier. In any case, both cars accelerate to hundreds in the same way - in 10.2 seconds. But the turbo engine responds so quickly to the gas pedal and accelerates the crossover with such ease that it’s hard to believe in these numbers. And not only for me...
Evgeniy Sokur, driving a Vitara S, decided the same thing, and therefore armed himself with instruments and went to the Chaika circuit. True, he also seated the passenger in the right seat. And now we have a witness of that, even with two people in the cabin.
The front seat cushions are not very long, and the seating position, even in the lowest position, remains high, which improves visibility. And these seats hold up well when cornering.
All SX4s feature two-stage heated front seats.
We decided not to carry out such measurements on the new Suzuki SX4, since the roads are covered with snow and ice. But this is a great opportunity to evaluate the performance of the ALL GRIP all-wheel drive (4WD).
In general, the Auto mode is sufficient almost everywhere. In order to save fuel, the car uses front wheel drive, but as soon as they start to slip, the rear wheels turn on, receiving half the traction.
In the second row, people of average height fit easily, without cramping their legs and head.
Having got out of the city and relatively smooth roads, just in case, I turn the switch to the Snow position. Now you don’t have to wait for the front wheels to slip in a slippery rut or bury them in a snowdrift, since 30% of the traction goes back by default.
And if necessary, the proportion of torque distribution becomes equal. It can be locked by pressing the Lock button and held at speeds up to 60 km/h.
The all-wheel drive system can operate according to several programs. And they are selected by a convenient switch near the gear lever between the front seats.
To some extent, the locking duplicates the “snow” settings, and you rarely move off-road from asphalt anyway. Therefore, I use the Sport mode much more often. It significantly increases the activity of the new Suzuki SX4.
In this case, the car also becomes all-wheel drive, since the rear axle accounts for 10% of the torque. But behind the wheel you feel more how the power unit’s reactions to the gas pedal become more intense. After all, the box begins to keep the engine at higher speeds.
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This 7-inch touch screen with a navigation system and rear view camera is available only for a 140-horsepower car. It features clear graphics and high-quality images. However, it may be inconvenient for the passenger to adjust the volume using the touch slider on the driver's side. And it’s easier for the latter to do this with the buttons on the steering wheel.
It is always in the zone of maximum torque of 220 Nm, which is available in a wide range from 1500 to 4000 rpm. Therefore, the engine is noticeably more active and spins easier to the top.
And in response to a slight addition of gas, the car immediately breaks into battle. And due to that very tenth of traction on the rear wheels, the car moves forward quite smartly even on a slippery road.
True, when you start to get carried away with such driving, then fuel consumption quickly exceeds 10 liters per 100 km. The car likes dense traffic jams even less. Here, as if out of boredom, she begins to consume fuel, and the trip computer already shows more than 11 liters. But as a result, the total fuel consumption ended up being 9.5 liters. And this is noticeably more than was promised.
If you get involved in active driving or, conversely, sit for a long time in traffic jams, then fuel consumption easily exceeds 10 liters per 100 km.
When cornering, the compact crossover rides like a car - very confidently. The moderately stiff suspension holds the car well and prevents it from falling over. But even on the remains of asphalt, the car does not bounce or sway harshly. The chassis bounces so elastically and quietly over uneven surfaces that the car remains just as comfortable on patched and cracked roads.
Universal
Perhaps such a ride does not quite fit with the outwardly matured SX4. But with a 140-horsepower engine, this car is a real beast with an explosive character that is very pleasant to drive.
When folding the rear row backrests, there is no step, but the floor has a rise. There are hooks on the walls of the compartment, and in the niches on the right and left there are small troughs for things or bottles.
Despite the fact that the new Suzuki SX4 now looks even more like a small SUV, it retains all the advantages of a city car. Thanks to its compact size, the car does not take up much space, and four adults can be quite comfortable in the cabin, and their things can easily fit in the trunk.
Everything you need on the road, but is not often in demand, can be hidden in a spacious niche under the trunk floor. All cars have stowage even lower.
The high seating position improves visibility, and the high ground clearance adds confidence on our roads and near high edges. The lively engine allows you to confidently change lanes and maneuver, and the energy-intensive suspension allows you to drive boldly and quickly on our roads.
Suzuki new SX4 2013
The model debuted under the name Suzuki new SX4 and was sold in Ukraine in parallel with the classic SX4.
Summary of "Autocenter"
| Body and comfort | |
| + After the update, the front of the car became more expressive. Boarding and disembarking are convenient. Compact dimensions and good ground clearance make it easy to use the car in an urban environment and on broken roads. The body kit made of unpainted plastic not only gives the crossover a brutal look, but also protects the paintwork of the body in the lower part. The suspension works quite comfortably and quietly. | − The front seats never received adjustable lumbar support. If the new SX4 is a simpler GL version (without a 7-inch monitor), then inside you won’t feel like you’re driving an updated car. |
| Powertrain and dynamics | |
| + A choice of engines has appeared. After the update, a more powerful 140-horsepower turbo engine was also installed on the model. With it, the updated Suzuki SX4 is so playful that it becomes more dynamic than indicated in its characteristics. | − The appetite of such an engine is greater than stated. It is especially voracious in taffy situations, but even during active driving the fuel consumption is considerable. |
| Finance and equipment | |
| + The safety system of all trim levels includes 7 airbags, ESP stabilization system, Isofix child seat mounts, electric windows on all doors and mirrors (heated), audio system and cruise control (also available) on the steering wheel, CD receiver with MP3 and a USB connector. Even at the entry-level GL equipment level, the updated Suzuki SX4 can be selected with either front-wheel drive or ALL GRIP all-wheel drive (4WD). The all-wheel drive modification can be purchased with any of the two proposed transmissions. | − With a more powerful 140-horsepower engine, the model is available only with an automatic transmission and in one – the most expensive – configuration. |
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Suzuki SX4 |
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Total information |
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| Body type | station wagon | |
| Doors/seats | 5/5 | |
| Dimensions L/W/H, mm | 4300/1785/1585 | |
| Base, mm | 2600 | |
| Front/rear track, mm | 1535/1505 | |
| Ground clearance, mm | 180 | |
| Curb/full weight, kg | 1260/1730 | |
| Trunk volume, l | 430/1269 | |
| Tank volume, l | 47 | |
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Engine |
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| Type | petrol with unimportant vpr. turbo | |
| Disp. and number of cylinders/cl. on cylinder | R4/4 | |
| Volume, cm cubic. | 1373 | |
| Power, kW (hp)/rpm | 103(140)/5500 | |
| Max. cr. torque, Nm/rpm | 220/1500-4000 | |
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Transmission |
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| type of drive | auto connect full | |
| KP | 6-speed automatic | |
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Chassis |
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| Front/rear brakes | disk. fan/disk | |
| Suspension front/rear | independent/semi-dependent | |
| Amplifier | electro | |
| Tires | 215/60 R16 | |
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Performance indicators |
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| Maximum speed, km/h | 200 | |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s | 10,2 | |
| Consumption highway-city, l/100 km | 5,3-7,9 | |
| Warranty, years/km | 3/100 000 | |
| Cost of the tested car, UAH* | 660 000 | |
It seems that the compact crossover Suzuki SX4 was originally conceived not so much as a car, but as a magical generator of positive emotions
It's no secret that crossovers of different brands make different impressions on us. And this is probably good, because in a large palette it is easier to choose something suitable. Moreover, every manufacturer tries to create a certain image for their cars, a key to understanding the brand... And only with Suzuki everything is different. The company's models, with the possible exception of the unquestioned authority of the Jimny, leave mixed feelings in the soul of an unbiased observer. No matter how hard you try, a coherent image does not come out and the fragments of a seemingly assembled puzzle crumble before your eyes... It’s the same with SX4 - ambiguous and mysterious.
MAIN TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Length Width Height:4,300/1,785/1,585 mm
Engine capacity: 1,373 cm3
Acceleration to 100 km/h: 10.2 sec
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
SO EUROPE OR AMERICA?
It seems that Japanese designers once again wanted to please everyone at once. And first of all, taking into account market priorities, to the Europeans. They are sure, and I have repeatedly heard this from Japanese managers, that Europe loves an aggressive appearance. It turned out really aggressive, but with a Japanese accent. Something like a shark from Kinder Surprise - it looks evil, but for some reason it’s not scary. At the same time, the artists had a desire to make a nod to the New World - the vertical slits of the radiator grille look too American... In general, as Comrade Zhdanov would say, the design turned out to be extremely cosmopolitan. I don’t know if this is the effect the Japanese wanted to achieve, but the consumer will have to enjoy the current exterior until the next restyling, which will happen, God willing, in three years.
Huge air ducts and a low screen for the multimedia system.
Old ergonomic mistakes
The blue rims of the instruments probably hint at the celestial distances
GREEN BACK
By the way, about the exterior and image. One of my friends tried for a long time to find a car that would not position him in any way and would not tie him to a specific social group. The search turned out to be unexpectedly difficult... So, the Suzuki SX4 is good precisely because it does not create any background for the owner. The driver himself, and the people around him, quickly forget what he is driving, because this car is devoid of an ideological component. Again, many brand owners have nicknames of some sort. Each of them, depending on their mood, can be humiliated, cheered up or teased with something. Fans of Subaru, BMW or LADA - there are epithets for everyone. But there is no nickname for a Suzuki fan. Suzuki is a blank slate. Yes, the car is a little funny in appearance, yes, it is cheerful in character, but these features cannot be put into a short, succinct phrase, or made into a popular meme. Want to try? Let's try. The Suzuki SX4 is an inexpensive car that doesn't want to seem like a budget car, and yet manages to be so cute and funny that it constantly pleases the driver. Do you think such a verbal construction can become a meme?
The front overhang is long and low.
However, for an ordinary crossover this is quite tolerable
WHAT'S WRONG?
The Suzuki company has been quite successfully producing budget models in large quantities for many decades. But in each new one, oddly enough, the old innate ergonomic flaws are preserved. It would seem, what would be easier - to make a normal, inexpensive car? But, as you understand, it is important that the cheapness does not catch the eye, and this usually leads to various inconveniences, because beauty comes to the fore, and in the form in which premium brands understand it. And, in order not to be unfounded, let's walk around the cabin - using the example of its individual parts, I will try to explain what we are talking about. Let's look at the pockets in the doors. They have a “convenient” niche for a bottle. If we were talking about ergonomics, then the designers would definitely have positioned the bottle neck towards the driver, and not away from him. Is it difficult? After all, it’s easier to take it out, especially on the go. Let's take a look at the dashboard. Considering that the driver does not look spellbound at the speedometer, but only occasionally glances at it, this device should be in the most visible place (many believe that in the middle) and have the largest readable numbers. But the Suzuki SX4 has a screen in the middle on which fuel consumption is displayed in small print, while the speedometer is pushed to the side and reduced. Although, perhaps this is a thoughtful decision, and the Japanese believe that for thrifty drivers of budget cars, consumption is more important than speed?
Let's move on to the multimedia screen. Here, of course, all control functions are digitized. Even the radio volume. And instead of a clear and familiar regulator, you have to use a narrow strip of the touchscreen, which you still need to hit with your finger, which is not always possible the first time. Let's pay attention to the air ducts. They tried to make this essentially service detail as large and noticeable as possible: “Look, everyone, air is flowing through me!” At the same time, the drive mode switch washer was placed in the blind spot, although sometimes you have to use it while driving. Let's not forget to try out the automatic transmission lever. Reason, intuition, the party and the government would never have allowed the switching algorithm to be made in such a way that the driver would always miss the “drive”, but the Japanese managed to do it. Well, at the end of the ergonomics tour, try getting out of the car. Oops, oops, oops! That does not work? You pull the door handle, but it remains locked as it was? And all because you need to find a rather small button to deactivate the central locking and deal with the situation manually...
The characteristic Japanese slant
present even in the rear lights
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Why did I pay so much attention to ergonomics? Because it always seemed to me that if you produce a budget car, then you should still have the money that you saved on design, technology and materials. Can at least some of it be spent wisely? For example, one day I found myself on a test drive, where there were many of the most inexpensive Chinese cars. All of them were single-wheel drive, so I didn’t drive them, but I sat in all of them. Out of curiosity. So, everywhere the speedometers were at the very top of the front panel and with huge numbers. Yes, it looked cheap and not prestigious, but it was much more convenient than looking at some small icons while looking between the spokes of the steering wheel. God only knows whether we will live to see the time when the Japanese begin to focus on the Chinese, and not on the Germans? Why, in fact, take from the premium segment all the worst that it has?
POKEMON MAGIC
But the driving qualities of the SX4 leave the most pleasant impressions. However, not in the sense that would be implied in relation to a European or American car, where the term “pleasant” would mean certain efforts by the manufacturer to achieve this quality - Suzuki obviously did not try. Here is the simplest pendant - one of those that could be obtained by mixing all the Japanese pendants and choosing the average one. In other words, the manufacturer did not want to stand out, but only to integrate extremely harmoniously into the existing suspension trend, which is not accidental, since it has been Suzuki’s philosophy for many years. What's good about this approach? It is impossible to make claims against him. When you get into a Mercedes, you always find flaws in the chassis because you initially had a lot of expectations about its settings. Suzuki honestly delivers what it promises and is therefore impeccable. The only thing that is not clear is how Suzuki magically manages to build so much lightness and cloudless mood into its little car. This fact defies rational explanation, but behind the wheel of the SX4 you always feel a positive charge. Maybe the Japanese still have some secret Pokemon magic?
Simple transformation of the interior without a hatch
for long-length and reclining seats
WHO WILL WIN?
It's a shame that there's nothing particularly positive to say about the all-wheel drive system. The clutch is not very reliable and overheats quite quickly, so you won’t be able to practice powerful slipping off-road. It’s clear that you shouldn’t ride it on unsteady ground. But in the city this car is extremely pleasant - not too hard, not too rolly. A wonderful, average Japanese crossover with a strange expression on his face: either he was bitten by a shark, or he himself is a shark and is going to bite you... In any case, the image is original and far from the mainstream. So he will certainly have connoisseurs.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS SUZUKI SX4
Wheelbase:2 600 mm
Front/rear track:1 535/1 505 mm
Ground clearance:180 mm
Overhangs front/rear: 980/720
Trunk volume: 430/1,269 l
Curb weight: 1,235 kg
Gross weight: 1,730 kg
Transmission: 6AT
Drive type: Electronically connected
Engine type: Petrol turbo R4
Power:140@5500 hp@rpm
Cool. moment:220@ 1500-4000 Nm@rpm
Front suspension: MacPherson strut
Rear suspension: Semi-independent
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc
Tires: 215/60 R16
TECHNICAL DETAILS
The compact crossover Suzuki SX4 is built in a monocoque body with a transverse engine. The new Boosterjet 1.4 petrol turbo engine is borrowed from the Vitara model and, despite its small volume, has the highest power among Suzuki compact engines. The front suspension is MacPherson strut, the rear is elastokinematic beam. The drive is permanent to the front wheels, the rear wheels are connected using a multi-plate clutch.
Text by Dmitry Leontyev
Photos by Alexander Strakhov-Baranov
