The Suzuki SX4 (Review)

Written by Damian Murphy
Tuesday, 11 October 2011 10:44

Thank you Suzuki! I only say this because I have now had two different cars from their stable which I really liked, the Jimny and now the SX4. The SX4 came to me on the back of the Jimny which was a stellar little 4x4. The SX4 is pretty similar to the Jimny, only with a bucket load more style, a tad more space and a lot more power.

The SX4 is a stylish little 4x4 hatch that is perfect for the everyday driver. It is a cute car and has a modern design. Although space in the boot is limited and the SX4 appears small from the outside, there is oodles of space for all the passengers and the driver. I actually managed to fit myself and four friends into the SX4 on a short trip down to the Vaal Dam the weekend I had it. Although we had to pack light and buy our groceries when we got there, none of the five of us felt cramped or uncomfortable. I don’t know how easy or comfortable it would be to take the SX4 on a longer trip, but this is the perfect run-around car for the urban family. The fact that it is a 4x4 is a fantastic added bonus.

From a performance perspective, the SX4 doesn’t under deliver. It is a nippy little number that you can place your confidence in when overtaking, even on an uphill. The six speed manual gearbox is smooth and easy to change and delivers good power when needed. I actually believe whole heartedly that the Suzuki manual gearbox is 200 times better than the automatic one. The only Suzuki I haven’t liked had an automatic gearbox. The 2.0 litre engine delivers an impressive 112kW, which amounts to a lot in a small vehicle. It claims to have a top speed of over 180km/h, but having never pushed it beyond the legal 120km/h I cannot vouch for that. However, at 120km/h, this car is in its comfort zone.

The features of the SX4 would stretch off the page if I were to list them all, but some of the best include a good CD player, key-less entry and go, ABS and EBD with brake assist, air-conditioning and plenty of air-bags. I wasn’t impressed by the SX4’s mediocre fuel consumption or by the lack of boot space, but other than that, the SX4 was a real winner. At R220,900 it is a bargain too.

This is an AWD (All Wheel Drive) all around great car that I personally would consider buying.