Suzuki SX4 big on styling, efficiency

DRIVING a Suzuki is always a pleasure, and good value for money, good finish and reliability are just some of the attributes that add up to making these Japanese cars an attractive option if one is in the market for a new car.

This week we feature the Suzuki SX4 which lived up to the high standards the company has set itself.

The original Suzuki SX4 was one of the pioneers of the C-segment crossover market. Now, the latest iteration of this distinctive trend-setter establishes new standards that propel the attractive, sporty and inherently versatile SUV to even greater heights.

The SX4 has contemporary styling with high levels of comfort, practicality, efficiency and dynamics.

The vehicle has a useful 180mm of ground clearance (175mm on the GLX), while its overall dimensions have been increased significantly compared to the previous model. The newcomer is 165mm longer, with a 100mm increase in wheelbase, while the width has grown by 10mm. Inside, the expansive dashboard incorporates soft-padded surfaces that impart a feeling of roominess and tactile quality, with metallic highlights that contrast with the cabin's smart, charcoal keynote hue.

There is ample legroom for occupants, particularly at the rear, while the shape of the front seatbacks has been altered to benefit knee clearance.

Driver comfort is bolstered by a tilt and reach-adjustable steering wheel, while both front seats can be adjusted for height. A 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat ensures practicality.

The two-position reclining backrest for the rear seat on the GLX derivatives can be employed to boost passenger comfort, or to add a further 10l of cargo space to the class-leading 430l litre luggage compartment. When the backrest is folded flat, a massive 1269l of luggage space is available.

The SX4 features a refined and economical 1.6l four-cylinder engine, equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) and electronic fuel injection.

This lightweight mill produces 86kW of power at 6000rpm, along with 156Nm of torque at 4 400rpm. It is available with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or an efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The SX4 can be specified in front-wheel drive guise, or equipped with Suzuki's latest AllGrip four-wheel drive system on range-topping models. The system features four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock.

In two-wheel drive manual and CVT specification, the SX4 limits CO2emissions to just 137g/km, while it is credited with a fuel consumption figure of 5.8 l/100km, based on the EU combined cycle. The Suzuki SX4 has a three-year/100000km warranty, a three-year/90000km service plan and a three-year roadside assistance package. Services are at 15000km intervals.

Prices are:

1.6 GL 5MT R233246

1.6 GLX R259561

1.6 GLX CVT R279737

1.6 GLX 5MT Allgrip R280614

1.6 GLX CVT Allgrip R299912

The Suzuki SX4 is a car for the family which is worth every cent. It's going places! - Bobby Cheetham