2007 Suzuki SX4 Road Test
August 21, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
2007 Suzuki SX4 Road Test
CarAdvice rating: 
Models Tested: 2007 Suzuki SX4 5-speed manual and four-speed auto
Recommended Retail Price: $24,390 (manual – $2,000 more for auto)
Back in mid 1994, Toyota released the original RAV4, a small compact city 4WD, that in reality, probably never went off-road. 13 years later, the RAV4 has doubled in size (so have the owners) and lost its appeal, but many buyers are still keen for a cool, small, and efficient 4WD. Say hello to the Suzuki SX4.
The SX4 is the third next generation model in Suzuki’s lineup; soon the Suzuki Splash will take that up to four. Now, you might be thinking, why should you trust a small 4WD from Suzuki, don’t they only make Swifts? No, and here is the truth, the SX4 is a merger between the insanely popular Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD, using the best of both cars, Suzuki has managed to build one of the best value for money cars available today.
The SX4 is a lifestyle car, you wouldn’t buy it unless you wanted the “I do something on the weekends” image, which is a well sought after thing these days. The SX4’s name comes from Sports X-over for all 4 seasons.
Perhaps a victim of its own success, every third car on the road these days seems to be a Suzuki Swift, thankfully this hasn’t happened (yet) with the SX4, which means, not only do you get a lot for very little, but it’s also rather unique and you can bet none of your friends own one.
Having picked up the SX4 with a five-speed manual transmission first, I headed back from Brisbane airport towards some winding roads around Mount Glorious. Gear changes can take a little while to get use to, the clutch has a rather unique feel to it, but it is quickly mastered.
The gear ratios are perfectly spaced out with first gear capable of reaching at least 30km/h; I almost applaud Suzuki for not putting a six-speed in this and ruining drivability for the sake of marketing.
Once my arguments with the gearbox were settled, I was in hot pursuit of a Japanese AWD turbo going up Mount Glorious, although you can argue it’s all driver dependent, the SX4 is extremely fun to drive, a big credit to Suzuki’s quest for sporty dynamics. Given the SX4 sits relatively high (ground clearance of 200mm), the handling is superb.
You can also credit the excellent driving dynamics to the SX4’s i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive) system. Using a small button located near the handbrake, the system allows you to pick between front-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive auto and four-wheel-drive lock settings.
Initially starting in 2WD, it took me some time to even realise I was not in 4WD mode, a credit to the cars well balanced chassis and smooth power delivery. I admit, I found it a little odd putting the SX4 in 2WD mode given the 4WD auto setting distributes torque according to need, with most of it going to the front for normal everyday driving.
Suzuki says the 2WD mode returns the best fuel economy figure (8.7L/100kms), and although this is true, for me, sacrificing a little more fuel for the extra safety and traction of a 4WD, is well worth it.
As for the 4WD lock mode, I’d imagine this will be the least used setting for the car in Australia. Only if you’re actually stuck in some mud or snow will you call on 4WD lock. The system puts the torque to the rear wheels (to begin with) to help you get out of those, sticky, situations. Once you reach 60 km/h it automatically disengages and reverts back to 4WD auto.
Put it in 4WD auto and rev the 2.0-litre engine to 3,500RPM for a spirited take off and you will be amazed just how fast the car screams off the line, with 107kW of power and 184Nm of torque, the engine might appear a little underpowered on paper, but it’s far from it – at least in a manual.
After my week with the manual variant, I got my hands on the auto, and my love for the SX4 started to dwindle. The four-speed auto gearbox, for lack of a better word, is rubbish, it makes the SX4 half the car it can be, with incredibly slow take-offs, no power to overtake on the highway and a highly unresponsive power delivery, you would be mad to pay an extra $2,000 for an inferior car!
Once again, I say this to all those interested in buying a small car, buy it in manual, yes the auto is easier to drive, but the power difference will change your mind and the manual will make you a better driver.
If you have never sat in a recent model Suzuki, have a quick glance inside the SX4 and you will be pleasantly surprised. Borrowing a lot of the interior from the Suzuki Swift, the SX4 is one of the most modern looking Japanese cars, inside and out.
Whilst designing the SX4, Suzuki realised one important fact early on, although capable of producing well built and reliable cars, the design team were a little, well, untalented. You only have to look at the Suzuki Jimny and Liana to find that out.
Thankfully, the design team decided to head to Italy for some help, and the result was a stylish, modern and good looking compact 4WD. Not bad for a company that started out making weaving looms!
From the front, the aggressive headlights give the SX4 a menacing stand, the sort of look Peter Costello gives John Howard in the men’s room (but with some dignity). The rear isn’t as flash, but passes my test.
It’s not as large as it looks from the photos. 1,755mm wide and with a wheelbase of exactly 2,500mm, the Suzuki SX4 is the perfect size for a young person on the move or a small family looking for a reliable and practical car.
When I say practical, I really do mean practical, with the rear seats in use, you still have 270 litres of cargo space, fold the rear seats and that increases to an enormous 625 litres.
Getting in and out of the SX4 is a little different to your traditional car, there is no key, so to speak, it’s completely keyless entry, in fact you don’t even need to use the remote to open the doors or to start the car, simply walk towards the car with the key in your pocket and press the button on the door and the door opens, sit inside and turn the plastic knob – the car turns on, fantastic for a quick get away without having to dig the key out of your pocket or handbag.
However, its not all good news, there is one excruciatingly annoying problem with the security system, as with most new cars, the first attempt opens the driver’s door and the second attempt opens the rest, this is generally a changeable feature, for the SX4, there is no way to change this, but it gets worse, if you open any door you effectively disable the remote system as you break the circuit!
What does that mean? I’ll give you an example, if you open the boot to put something inside, and then need to open the rear doors to, say, remove something, you actually have to close the boot before the remote will work again, same goes with any other door combination. As I said, excruciatingly annoying!
From the inside, the SX4 is cursed with a built in audio system (I’ll get to that in a second), but blessed with climate controlled air conditioning and metallic accents, a very modern interior indeed. A bit further up, there is an information display cell which shows the time, fuel consumption (km/L, L/100km and Average), and outside temperature.
Now, the audio system. Usually there is nothing wrong with a built in audio system, sure you can’t remove it and install a more powerful system, but generally they are good systems. But as far as SX4 goes (and this applies to the Swift as well), there is no auxiliary input. So that means no MP3 player, iPod or any other type of device can connect up, a very disappointing oversight on Suzuki’s part, might have been acceptable 5 years ago, but not anymore.
If we ignore that problem for a second, the actual stereo itself is quite remarkable for such a cheap car, with MP3 playback capability, speed sensing volume control and 8 speakers, you can tell this car is aimed for the younger crowd.
What really amazes me with the SX4 is not only the price, but the level of standard equipment: you get cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels, dual front and side airbags and ABS brakes all as standard! The SX4 has a 4 star safety Euro NCAP rating.
With a 45 litre fuel tank, and an official 8.7 L/100km fuel usage (manual), you can, apparently, get around 500 kms out of one tank, but drive it hard, like I did, and that figure gets closer to 12 L/100km for the manual, and the automatic (officially 9.5 L/100km) was past 13 L/100km.
Due to different distributors, Queenslanders have two choices when it comes to the SX4, the entry point GLX, which starts at $21,990 for the manual ($2,000 more for auto) and the Z series (model tested here) which starts at $24,390 for the manual ($2,000 more for auto).
The rest of the country only gets the higher end model. The difference being the GLX misses out on the 16″ alloys, side airbags, keyless start, cruise control and a few other things.
With Japanese reliability and refinement coupled with European design, for $24,390, the SX4 is a steal.
Alborz Fallah
Print it: 
I reckon this is a great car.
However, by the time you have added up the little annoyances, you finish up with enough reasons to not buy it.
It’s a smallish vehicle, with a 2 litre, which is fantastic, BUT it’s gutless.
Auto is available, BUT it’s a shocker.
The Stereo is good, BUT not removable. What happens when it dies after 4 years – what do you put in?
The keyless entry is fantastic, BUT it’s implementation is crap.
It won’t cost much to fill each time, BUT the tank is way too small at 45 litres
It’s AWD, BUT a pretend AWD.
So nearly perfect, Suzuki. Please fix in the update.
This is a great car, thanks for giving it an honest review, I really think the Aux input should be mandatory!
As for the doors not opening, that seems a little odd, maybe there was something to it?
I can’t believe how cheap this car is! And its not even Korean!
This must be the first Suzuki that actually looks good, the Swift is too girly and all their other ones are horrible.
P.S. loved the John Howard comparo.
Great review as always Alborz!
What is possibly most incredible is just how good the SX-4 Rally Car looks. Google it!
COOL REVIEW… Love it and the comparison with Howard and Costello great! Front looks like it all gels and front aggressively nicely proportioned for AWD, somewhat less at rear but overall nice as. Fancy stereo not being up there and base sort of fitting; yet rest of inside opposite with climate controlled air conditioning and metallic accents does lend itself to a very modern interior! Great ground clearance and power not short or minimal. Should sell well as priced real great too. Shame about auto box but.
very modern interior???
looks like the dash from a late swift GTI.
This doesnt look like a suzuki, and thats unfortunate for them. It looks like some czech or russian thing that suzuki has chucked a badge on.
Suzuki needs that 107kw in a swift!!!!
Agree about the dash somewhat, it is still good and could flow into the centre console better as looks ‘tad’ cheap? … but for the $$$ WHO CARES!!!
It doesn’t look like a Suzuki, I agree as it looks significantly miles better then all previous models in my opinion! Top looking vehicle. As for Czech or Russian, ummm do not think so as much better. It is very nice style and looks the part. The rear could of done with better tailights that look more at home and better layout of the red and white colour lense in them as configured odd a ‘tad’.
I’ve test driven this car. It’s good, just like Al says. But it is a gutless turd. One thing I didn’t like myself was how the rear hatch has a frame around it. Makes putting heavy things into the back difficult…. if the loading hatch was flat you could sit on the back and change out of your wetsuit or be able to rest something on it and slide them in the rest of the way.
With this design, you have to bend forward to pick up things as well.
I also experienced the door issue. With the dealer having to show me how to open the doors properly….. er, why should I be trained on how to open a door? Silly “feature”.
From what I’ve read, I think this isn’t actually a Suzuki branded car to begin with. I think Fiat and possibly another brand are the real people behind the design…. or the floor plan… I forget. But it’s not a true Suzuki.
Either way, it’s a god car but there are some major oversights.
Steve
Nissan have *similar* coming out soonish
Cheers
F-0
Hey F-O
I think it’s called the ‘Dualis’?
Matt
the dualis is noticeably bigger than the sx4
http://www.caradvice.com.au/28.....s-qashqai/
Yeah look,
anyone that says its a good looking car is wrong, in real life its quite boxy and cheap looking, and the 4wd system
is far from being subaruistic. I think that they Suzuki Swift with proper constant AWD, with a turboed engine would be a killer, it would slaugher the Polo GTi and the Mini, but if Suzuki thaught in such experimental terms, we probably would be paying a lot more for their cars, and hence I would not be able to afford my 07 Swift. I think that they wanna be known as a company that provides affordable cars that are simple to maintain and can outlast most of the europeans, and they are the leaders in this field..
I don’t get what all the fuss is about.
The Vitara is so much more car for not much more $$$$’s, and it’s much better looking too.
Agree with foggy.
Theres no way this is a 4 steering wheel car
IMO, its a reincarnation of a daihatsu Terios, or holden Cruze/suzuki Ignis
Ho hum – Would either of you be happy with any car??? I have a SX4 hatch manual and it’s great to drive. I agree the key can be a bit of a pain but I’m over that now.
I used the iAWD in the wet in Brisbane the other day and it handled quite well. Maybe not a real 4WD but hey how many of those gas gusslers that are “real 4WD” actually get put through their paces besides terrorising others on the road? I might be biased but I love my car!
Bought a Manual SX4 AWD Hatch about three months ago? 12,000 k’s on the clock now (yes, i drive a lot) I love this car, no issues so far, plenty of power, out-handles all other similarly priced cars i tried, and get this… they quote 8.7 litres to 100k’s, well I drive it pretty hard, and i’m averaging 8.1 litres to 100, with the air con on! Better than manufacturers figures! That’s never happened to me before, ever, with any car. And this is AWD (which i use, light duty off road dirt stuff/mud/sand… kangaroo island… I put an SX4 dirt offroad test on youtube i made. showing the benefits of AWD lock mode over 2WD.
I love the keyless entry/start, never have to fumble for a remote control again, i just forget about it. good ground clearance, all the weird draiins and ditches around the place where the council haven’t maintaned the roads don’t bottom out.
1) You can change the stereo, a $20 plate from the US/Japan or a lot more from suzuki australia lets you put two single din stereos in, or 1 and a pocket, or like I have, a Kenwood double din GPS.
2) Automatic subarus do NOT provide constant 4WD traction all around, they are a 90f/10r split until slippage occurs. The SX4 provides lockable 50/50 split, which does exessively well all things considered. My last car was a 3.5lt v6 Pajero, with low range, and I can go most places I did in that with the SX4. It’s much more capable than i expected. With some real offroad tyres it could do more, obvioulsy the lack of low range and a separate chassis mean it’s limited because if you stuff up and drop the car hard on a giant rock or whatever, the frame wouldn’t handle it. It’s not a 2000 kilo + truck, that’s for sure. But this means better handling than a big 4WD, and way better fuel ecconomy. With over 12000k’s on mine now i get 8.1 litres to 100, with the air con on, i’m very happy with it.
but if you don’t need the AWD, get a new corolla or something, they’re good cars.
As for the keyfob door issue, you just double click the button on the door or remote, all doors unlock. I always do that now if i have someone with me, or if i’m loading stuff in. I only single click if i’m just getting in the drivers door.
There is a good reason for this, security. It means that if you unlock the hatch, and you’re loading stuff in, no one else can come up and open the drivers door. it’s a good safety measure. If i stand near the drivers door, the passenger door button doesn’t work. The only button that works is mine (these are the unlock buttons) It’s well thought out.
The auto is slow.
:)
I have the manual.
I took delivery of my SX4 in late March and since then it really has been trouble free motoring.
For the price you’re paying, can you suggest a better equiped car? At the time I was pretty much settled on getting a new Civic, but when I had a look at the SX4 I changed my mind pretty quickly. Sure you can want for a bigger engine, more power
Easy to drive, gets going when you need it to, and has a pretty decent level of kit. Lets just say that it has as standard everything I’ll need in a car, and I don’t have to worry about adding extra gadgets.
Fuel wise, I’m averaging 8.2l/100km which, like Rowan said, is better than the figures quoted by Suzuki and I have to admit I’m no angel when it comes to driving conservatively.
If you prefer the Vitara, go with it, but to get few of the features of the SX4 in a Vitara, be prepared to part with a few more $$$’s.
At the end of the day, the SX4 is a fully capable, very well equiped and very reliable vehicle which has the added bonus of being fun and easy to drive and looks pretty good to boot.
I have had my auto SX4 for 2 months now and I think it is great.Parking is so easy. It took a little time getting used to the keyless start but now love it.I have quite a few people stop and ask about it and all comment how nice it looks.
Maureen R
I bought my SX4 GLX in August 07 & have put up 7,000kms.
It runs smoothly, drives well & hasn’t had any problems. The best fuel comsumption I’ve had was during a more than 3,000 km trip where it got to 11.2 km/litre. It dropped back to 11.3 when I reached 20 kms of windy hills west of Lismore & it has been on that ever since. I really enjoyed that. I put my foot down & pushed it hard through the corners & the car responded well.
Since that trip I’ve been doing mainly short suburban runs & I have a heavy foot. I also keep the car in the auto 4wd mode for the extra safety. I’ve tried every variety of fuel available, unleaded, ethanol, high octane, all with the same results.
The doors not opening is a bit of a pain but I’m adjusting to that. But the worst feature of this car hasn’t yet been mentioned here & that is the A-pillars beside the windscreen. Once coming round a tight corner I was about half a car’s length from a ute before I saw him. This style of front pillar has the potential for causing serious road accidents. The Toyota Tarago has the same vision problem.
Suzuki’s claims for horsepower & torque may be like their fuel consumption figures, a bit imaginative. This car does have a lot of potential & I’d like to get one of the WRC cars when they come out but I’m retiring age & still paying off a house. I hope they thrash the WRX’s. I’ve had a few Subbies (still own one) & I think their dealers & workshops suck.
I love this car it would be a great car for learners and i whish i had one. It’s fun to drive, practical, safe and reasonable on dirt roads………now thats my type of car. Theres only a few set backs for me, the fuel consumption (will be better when Suzuki realese the 2wd version), entering the vechile and there is no place to put your MP3 in the radio, but other than that i can cope!
The SX4 is a great choice for many reasons and Suzuki is known for great Japan made engine quality this is why the fuel consumpstion is slightly high because the engines are so tight and restricted, once they free up a little the fuel consumption levels drop so initial readings are commonly wrong during the first few 1000kms.
I’ve had my SX4 GLX since early December 07 and it is brilliant! I live on acreage with a 600m long, very steep gravel drive and was finding it increasingly difficult (and often impossible) to climb in any 2WD, particularly after rain. Long dry spells were also causing difficulties as the surface broke down to a heavy layer of dust. Funds were limited and I wasn’t inclined to spend over 30k on a ‘real’ 4WD. The SX4 handles our drive with ease in both wet and dry conditions and has proven to be an excellent choice, and all for under 25k on the road. It’s great to drive on normal roads too.
I hate it when reviewers get it wrong.. there are plenty of aftermarket fasias for the sx4 and any head unit can be fitted.
I have a kenwood ddx system fitted to mine!
Car is amazing on the road and the engine is good for the job too *we are in the UK*
Well worth buying!
hi there all you sx4 lovers,i have just got my sx4 1 month ago,my wife and i just came back from a 600 klm round trip with the rear full of 2 suit cases and other soft lugage,the fuel consumption on the round trip showed 7.5 litres per hundred klms,now this car is an auto with 700 klms on the speedo brand new just driven for 2 weeks around the city before we left on our small trip,this with the climate control on,did i mention it is the 2 wheel drive model s hatch,i love it ,would by the 4 wheel drive next if i can part with it that is.we have been back for 2 weeks and the fuel is still showing 8.5 from 2 weeks of town driveing .
We have just ordered a new 2008 SX4 AWD, and quite frankly cant wait. We are having delivery issues with but they have given us a loaner which is nice of them, so we currently have the 2007 model. Its a great little car to drive. We bought the AWD option to drive on a property that one of our parents have and cant wait to get it up there! It handles great and for the price that it is I think its an awesome option!! Sure its more of a baby AWD but for when you compare it to any other model on the market, you are saving 10k for something comparitive without any of the options that come as standard on the SX4… wouldnt get the auto, but the manual is a great buy!
I am bemused to learn that motoring writers feel the auto is underpowered – I drive one as a company vehicle – and find the pick up is smooth & effortless. Maybe they had the auto in 3 rather than drive!!!!
The build quality is fantastic – the AWD system is great without the extra fuel costs involved with a constant awd
and service costs of other makes leave this vehicle way out in front.
Am 100% happy with the drive/build quality & comfort levels this vehicle delivers for the price.
I think the Fiat Sedici version is way better than this Suzuki thing.
I have had my SX4 for over a year now and i love it! I just read an NRMA review where they absolutely rubbished it, but i love driving around…It’s a good driving experience and while i agree with some of the things (eg door locks), overall ita a great car. The biggest problem i have is that i do a lot of driving, eg like over an hour at a time, and sometimes i get a sore back. Whether it’s the shape of the seat or how i sit i don’t know, but generally it’s the only complaint i can make… SO DON’T RUBBISH IT!!!!!!!!!