2008 Suzuki SX4 AWD Hatch
July 29, 2008 by George Skentzos
Suzuki Australia has enhanced its popular SX4 line-up with the addition of a new AWD model.
The all-paw variant will mirror its two-wheel drive siblings for specifications – with the new SX4 AWD and SX4 AWD ‘S’ now available.
Available exclusively as a hatchback, the SX4 AWD features a 107kW 2.0-litre petrol engine dual airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, air conditioning and an MP3 compatible sound system with steering wheel mounted controls as standard.
“With a starting price of just $21,990, the addition of an entry level SX4 AWD will significantly strengthen the line-up and make all-wheel drive even more affordable to lifestyle hungry consumers,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.
Both models utilise Suzuki’s i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive) system which incorporates three switchable modes:
- 2WD – Only the front wheels provide the drive in this mode, which is the most economical setting.
- 4WD Auto – The standard mode for driving, almost all the torque is distributed to the front wheels. Torque going to the rear is automatically increased or decreased to match traction requirements.
- 4WD Lock – Lock mode provides ample torque to rear wheels from start up for effective escapes in low traction conditions such as sand, mud or snow. The system automatically switches over to, and remains in 4WD Auto at speeds over 60 km/h.
The system also incorporates an electronically controlled wet-type multi-plate clutch coupling which modulates the degree of magnetic clutch action to match traction needs.
Despite its seemingly sedate looks, an adaption of the SX4 AWD has gone on to great success at the WRC – which could also spawn a new hot variant from Suzuki.
Pricing
SX4 AWD 5-speed manual $21,990
SX4 AWD 4-speed automatic $23,990
SX4 AWD S 5-speed manual $24,990
SX4 AWD S 4-speed automatic $26,990
The new SX4 AWD will go on sale on August 1.
Print it: 
Also sold in europe with …wait for it ….a diesel. and sold with remodelled bits as a Fiat. Not a bad effort but nowhere near as good as Nissans Cashcow
The 4WD Lock is great, even better that it de-activates. I had a 4wd Corolla and on numerous occasions had trouble releasing it from the diff lock position. I think Suzuki are an underestimated manufacturer.
Atleast this offers something more interesting than a Corolla/Tiida/Viva…..
So whats new? Isn’t there a SX4 AWD variant already in Australia?
Yes ‘Baz’ and others that may not be aware, there is already an SX4 AWD and other SX4 variants in Australia, but this New AWD model is slightly cheaper giving the prospective new car buyer more (or less) options, depending on which way you look at it. Maybe not everyone looking for a new car wants MAGS, Fog Lights, extra Airbags, Cruise Control, Keyless Start, Climate Control, etc, etc; all the additional stuff that the manufacturers and local product planners force down our throats but will rarely use. Beside it’s always a opportunity for more things to go wrong if they had too.
Maybe some of us want AWD without having to take the extra ‘Fries’ and ‘Garnishing’ with it. That’s the problem with product planners in Australia; they don’t give us car-buying-public the opportunity to say what we want (or really need) and what we don’t. Personally I’d like to be able to order a Cheese-burger without the ‘Cheese’. This New ‘Base’ model SX4 AWD is a perfect example of what Suzuki Australia should have done earlier when they introduced this model. They obviously concluded that the ‘One Model’ only AWD car might have priced itself out of the market by loading it up with all the extra bits and pieces costing about $3000 more than what it could have just so we could have AWD, and not giving the public any other choice but to maybe look elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, the SX4 AWD is a great car and in a league of its own as this new ‘Base’ model has an advantage over similarly priced 2WD vehicles. In comparison it’s only $2000 more than the same spec. level SX4 2WD Hatch, or better still only $1000 more than a current base model Corolla. I know I’d rather fork out an extra $1000 and get AWD than shell out $3000 and get AWD along with the other load of junk. At least the SX4 AWD is a bit more versatile and interesting than the Corolla and others in this market segment. I know who’d be stuck when either one decides its time to go play in or visit the snow. And yes the SX4 and Corolla do compare in your standard features too; and as for built quality Suzuki is on par, if not exceeding Toyota’s.
In light of all of this the SX4 AWD ‘Base’ model has been available in Australia for quite some time now, just not through Suzuki Australia. Instead Suzuki Auto Co in Queensland which is a totally independent company from Suzuki Australia, (they take care of Suzuki Auto’s in Queensland and the Northern Rivers region of NSW) have had this ‘Base’ model SX4 AWD on sale from the beginning of the SX4 model introduction. I bet they sold more SX4 AWD’s than Suzuki Australia did.
Just goes to show how maybe some Company Product Planners are smarter than others, and a lot more thoughtful of their prospective new car buying customers. Well it seems that Suzuki Australia may have been reading my mind, as just the other day I was seriously considering going up to the Northern Rivers region to negotiate a deal on a ‘Base’ model SX4 AWD. Thanks Suzuki Australia for saving me the trip, and for leaving the ‘Cheese’ out of my Cheese-Burger.
Well I am a proud owner of a Suzuki SX4 AWD Adventure Hatch and I love it! At $21,990 drive away, the included Adventure Pack extras and a 5 year Warranty, it was the perfect match for what I needed. Like Rallyx, I don’t need the Fog Lights, extra Airbags, Keyless Start, Climate Control and all that additional stuff that I would never use. And like Rallyx says, and I totally agree with, ‘those extras are always a opportunity for more things to go wrong’.
I can say with all confidence – because I won one, that the SX4 AWD is a great car and definitely is in a league of its own. Suzuki have made the SX4 AWD a very fun and safe car to drive, the AWD and braking system means that this baby sticks to the road like ‘baby-do’ to a nappy in all conditions!!!
By all means, try before you buy, but once you experience the SX4 AWD you won’t be disappointed, it truly is a winner and I love it!
Just got a SX4 AWD and loving it. It’s such fun to drive and
I’m no spring chicken.