- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
112kW, 190Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
New car review: Suzuki SX4 S
We sympathise with anyone in the market for a small car. Ford, Holden, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Subaru, Toyota and VW are just some of the contenders chasing the mainstream dollar, and buyers willing to spend a little more can entertain any number of prestige badges.
It's a big field to sort through and the fact most options are sufficiently competent to at least justify consideration doesn't make the choice any easier.
We shouldn't forget Suzuki and its SX4, either, which has shouldered the Japanese manufacturer's small-car and urban-SUV hopes since 2007. It recently had its value beefed up and received a host of minor style, trim and colour updates to keep it competitive until the arrival of its all-new successor (revealed at the recent Geneva motor show) late this year.
What do you get?
The cheapest 2WD model (called SX4) kicks off at $18,990 plus on-road costs, or $2000 more in CVT auto form. It's well equipped with standard air, Bluetooth, cruise control, trip computer, CD/MP3 sound system, leather-shod, multi-function steering wheel, six airbags and stability control.
We tested the top 2WD model, the SX4 S, which starts at $24,290 and adds climate control, touch-screen satellite navigation with voice control, keyless entry/start, 16-inch alloys and mandatory CVT. That's a good couple of grand less than similarly equipped small cars when you factor in the standard auto (which most buyers will) and much, much cheaper than most urban SUV alternatives. AWD models share the same two-pronged specification and range from $21,990 to $26,490.
One notable omission on S models is the now almost mandatory reversing camera. It also has no answer to the capped servicing and five-year warranties offered by some rivals, while its four-star ANCAP rating is underwhelming when most cars these days manage five.
What's inside?
The SX4's tall, SUV-esque body and consequently lofty seat height endow it with easy access and good vision. The front seats, with their plush cushioning and flipaway armrests, are nicely pampering, if not the most supportive for press-on driving.
There's room for improvement elsewhere. The steering only adjusts for tilt and, while the cabin is tidily assembled and ergonomically correct with its clear instruments and simple switchgear, there's nothing in the design or the quality of the plastics to lift it beyond bland professionalism.
The Suzuki's functionality doesn't hit the heights, either. There's good foot and head space in the back, but taller folk will test the legroom, while the 253-litre boot is also noticeably more compact than most small cars and much, much smaller than the urban SUVs it also competes against. Folding the back seats adds useful real estate but also an intrusive step that snags longer items.
Under the bonnet
All SX4s are powered by a 112kW 2.0-litre petrol four. It's a respectably willing performer but – in CVT versions such as our test car – you do get that familiar buzz when you push it as the engine holds set revs and the transmission spools the car up to speed in one linear sweep.
Progress is less frenetic in relaxed urban driving, where there is enough low-rev flexibility and response to, by and large, avoid the whole high-rev banana. Its open-road demeanour is also generally quiet and unfussed, punctuated by the odd CVT flare-up when overtaking or the going gets steep.
2WD SX4s register a 7.6L/100km official fuel-economy rating, which isn't standard-setting for a small car in 2013. Our test average of 8.5L/100km in combined urban/highway driving was similarly hard to get excited about.
On the road
The SX4 is well suited to low-wattage driving. It rides with quiet, supple grace, and the above-average cushioning translates well to craggy rural blacktop and even unsurfaced roads. With its respectably low levels of tyre noise and comfy seats, it's easy on the senses.
It's not quite as much in its element tearing up corners, where the tall body rolls noticeably and sustained, really significant bumps upset its balance and composure. But there's also absolutely nothing untoward about how it drives – it's usefully agile, steers transparently and remains utterly predictable when the grip starts run out.
Verdict
The SX4 is pretty much the same comfortable, decent driving and tidily built small car/quasi SUV it has always been, only more contemporarily appointed and better value.
But the lack of significant change also means key shortcomings remain, such as its small boot, unremarkable functionality and bland cabin. The carry-over engine doesn't threaten performance or economy benchmarks, nor does it have the servicing or warranty credentials to tempt buyers away from its many rivals.
It's not a terrible car, just one from an era that predates Suzuki's rather more inspired recent efforts (such as the Swift light car and Kizashi mid-sizer) and is now struggling to keep up with newer designs.
The competitors
Ford Focus Sport hatch
How much? From $25,890
Engine 2.0-litre four-cylinder. 125kW/202Nm
Fuel use/emissions 6.6L/100km and 154g CO2/km
Safety Five-star NCAP rating. Six airbags, stability control, ABS, reversing camera.
What’s it got? Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, satellite navigation, CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys.
For Best mix of comfort and handling in the class, willing and refined engine, much nicer presentation than cheaper models, capped-price servicing.
Against Fussy centre console, fit and finish could be better.
Our score 4 stars
Mazda CX-5 Maxx FWD
How much? From $27,880
Engine 2.0-litre four-cylinder. 114kW/200Nm
Fuel use/emissions 6.4L/100km and 149g CO2/km
Safety Five-star NCAP rating. Six airbags, stability control, ABS, reversing camera.
What’s it got? Air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, auto stop/start, CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth.
For Strong value and safety, standout driving manners, great economy, comfy and practical cabin.
Against Performance lacks fizz, snoozy base-model presentation, not the roomiest compact SUV, no capped-price servicing.
Our score 4 stars
Toyota Corolla Levin SX
How much? From $23,990
Engine 1.8-litre four-cylinder. 103kW/173Nm
Fuel use/emissions 7.1L/100km and 166g CO2/km
Safety Five-star NCAP rating. Seven airbags, stability control, ABS, reversing camera.
What’s it got? Air-conditioning, cruise control, satellite navigation, CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys.
For Keen pricing, stylish body, agile steering and handling, CVT auto makes most of engine, capped-price servicing.
Against Bland interior, engine only average, road noise
our score: 4 stars