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Suzuki SX4 Review

Paul Maric — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:54:44 +0000

2010 Suzuki SX4 First Steer Review

Bundled in a segment where every man and his dog wants more for less, Suzuki has further refined its niche burrowing SX4 Hatch and SX4 Sedan.

While exterior styling changes will only be spotted by the keen observer, they are limited to a new grille and different alloy wheels. On the other hand, the interior has undergone significant changes, including revision to the climate control cluster, trip computer and audio functions.

The revised SX4 range launches with three models and two drivetrains.

The entry level SX4 Hatch features front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, with pricing starting at $20,490. The entry level SX4 still features the rugged looks of its all-wheel-drive sibling, making it a viable option for punters after a city dwelling vehicle with the advantage of added ground clearance.

At the helm of the SX4, a commanding driving position ensures easy driving with excellent visibility out the front and rear of the vehicle. The high roofline features masses of head room, giving taller passengers ample accommodation.

If the slick shifting, smooth six-speed manual doesn’t tickle your fancy, Suzuki also offers a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for an additional $2,000. Where the manual gearbox needs to be in the right rev band to extract the most out of the SX4, the CVT almost instantaneously jumps into action at the drop of the throttle.

While the engine sounds a bit thrashy at high revs, the CVT is the best thing that could have happened to the SX4. In addition to improved feel behind the wheel, Suzuki has managed to slash fuel consumption figures – being one of the customer’s main complaints with the outgoing model.

The six-speed manual consumes 11 percent less than the outgoing model at 7.3L/100km, while the CVT trumps the outgoing automatic by 16 percent, coming down to 7.6L/100km. In addition to fuel consumption savings, power has increased five percent to 112kW and torque by three percent to 190Nm.

The all-wheel-drive with six-speed manual starts from $23,490, while the front-wheel-drive sedan is only available in S trim, starting at $23,990 for the six-speed manual, with the CVT a $2,000 premium.

In addition to fuel consumption complaints, owners of the previous generation vehicle were also critical of the lack of safety features. Suzuki has addressed concerns by implementing Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and making it standard across the range. In addition to ESC, each model comes with six airbags (except the base front-wheel-drive hatch).

Rear seat leg room is slightly cramped in the hatch, but surprisingly spacious in the sedan. While the sedan may not feature the hatch’s 175mm ground clearance, it does feature a Commodore beating 515 litres luggage capacity.

To demonstrate the all-paw SX4’s ability off-road, Suzuki set up a mild off-road loop that included a muddy hill climb and rutted mogul. The hill climb was tackled in the ‘auto’ mode. The ‘auto’ mode remains in front-wheel-drive mode until the vehicle senses traction loss. From there, the centre differential can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, helping in situations where traction is at a premium.

Surprisingly, the SX4 walked up the muddy hill with relative ease. Although the SX4 is no Landcruiser off-road, it goes to show that it’s as capable as prospective owners would expect it to be.

The rutted mogul went on to show how the added ground clearance of the hatch helped during situations such as grade variations.

The on-road portion of the loop highlighted the tight chassis the SX4 is built on. The weighed steering adds feel through corners and communicates all aspects of the road surface to the driver. Tremendous grip and the ability to grab the car by the scruff of the neck make it a pleasure to drive on easy going roads and tight, twisty stretches of road.

During the press conference, Suzuki was quizzed about the availability of a diesel engine. While there is currently a diesel available in Europe, it isn’t available to Suzuki in Australia. General Manager of Suzuki Australia, Tony Devers, told CarAdvice, “if it comes up, we’ll evaluate it”, and went on to support the idea of a diesel in the SX4.

Suzuki hopes to sell around 500 SX4s, up from the 250-280 averaged during the previous generation’s tenure. Exceptional pricing, impressive ability both on and off-road, along with a raft of safety features will ensure the SX4 sells well in Australia.

If you have been hesitant to sample the Suzuki brand, there is no better time to give it a shot. If the SX4 revision is anything to go by, Suzuki has a long and illustrious future ahead of it.

Subaru Outback Diesel Review & Road Test

Matt Brogan — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:00:39 +0000

Easily managing 1,100kms from a single tank, this is the Outback you’ve been waiting for.

Model Tested:

2010 Subaru Outback Diesel Premium Sat-Nav; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed manual; wagon – $47,392*

Gutsy turbo-diesel engine; excellent fuel economy; rear seat legroom; high-beam lamps

No automatic option; notchy gearshift feel; slightly heavy clutch; some wind noise

CarAdvice Rating:

Words by Matt Brogan Photos by Brendan Nish

If the idea of a family wagon with enough room for the kids, the dog and all your gear has long been on the wish list, but soaring fuel prices have held you back, then this is the Outback you’ve been waiting for.

As Subaru’s first foray in to the diesel market, in Australia at least, the new Outback’s Boxer Diesel engine has clearly been worth the wait.

Proving just how far oil burning technology has come, the gutsy 2.0-litre unit offers quiet, smooth power delivery and gutsy pulling power that, coupled with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, is just as kind on the driver as it is on your wallet.

Spending a week with the Outback Diesel, I was quick to head for the winding country back roads of Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley to see just how well the 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel would deal with real world driving conditions.

The stop-start traffic heading out of the city didn’t seem to phase the new Boxer Diesel with more than enough pep seeing it keep with – or even ahead of – traffic. The turbo comes on strong from just over 1,800rpm, and when driven correctly, presents little in the way of lag.

Gear changes are a little on the notchy side, and some might find the clutch a little tightly sprung, but if you can live with this – and with no automatic option you’ll have to – then you’ll find the well matched six-speed gearbox does the engine a lot of justice, and keeps the revs down nice and low when cruising at highway speeds – perfect for screwing down that all-important fuel economy.

Once out in the hills the new Outback Diesel is quick to prove just how strong and capable it is. Torque is seamless, always ready, and impressively strong. Most hills are conquered without even considering a gear change, and when it comes to overtaking, the Outback Diesel is confident and effortless.

Cornering sees Outback Diesel make the most of it’s AWD grip and although there’s a little tyre howl at higher speeds, the big wagon remains stable, tenacious, and almost sporty in its dynamics – not bad considering its 213mm ride height.

The ride is comfortable, relaxed and cabin noise surprisingly quiet with next-to-no engine noise and just a hint of wind noise noticeable from the larger wing mirrors.

But perhaps the best indicator of the Outback Diesel’s achievements are to be found in the fuel economy gains achieved from this impressive engine. Without even trying to save fuel I managed an impressive 1,100 kilometres from the 65-litre fuel tank this week (or 5.90L/100km). It’s a considerable effort from a car weighing in at over 1,500 kilograms and running all wheel-drive, and given how strong the performance credentials are, you’ll not be left wanting in any department – even inside.

The spacious cabin is quiet and well equipped, especially on the Premium variant on test this week. The leather-clad seating is comfortable, though not altogether supportive, and is electrically adjustable (with two memory positions) in all the usual directions. An impressive feature list sees Outback Diesel Premium fitted with satellite navigation, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, six CD tuner, power windows and mirrors as well as dusk sensing headlamps and remote central locking.

For those wanting to use the Outback Diesel in its environmental namesake, powerful and brilliantly clear high beam vision will come as a welcome feature.

Ample storage abounds throughout with a decent centre console bin, large glovebox and deep door pockets all on hand to swallow your odds and ends. Rear seat legroom is also a strong point with enough room to comfortably seat two, maybe even three adults.

Up back the Outback Diesel offers 490-litres of cargo space (seats up, to window height) that can be expanded to a cavernous 1,690-litres all told. The rear seat also offering 60:40 split for added versatility. Should you need to haul a little extra, the Outback Diesel also has a 1,700 kilogram braked towing capacity – a weight I’d imagine would be no drama for this impressive engine.

Safety comes compliments of the usual electronic helpers including ABS braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ESC and Traction Control. A full compliment of airbags are also included as standard, while the electronic park brake features a hill-start function, an especially handy, clutch-friendly addition when carrying a lot of weight.

All seating positions feature three-point inertia reel seatbelts with the front pews gaining pyrotechnic pretensioners and anti-whiplash headrests. The Subaru Outback Diesel holds a maximum possible five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Sure, the looks aren’t for everyone, but without offending our photographer, I hasten to add that this is one car that really does look a lot better in the third dimension.

If you’re up for a full-size wagon with light-hatch fuel economy then look no further. The Outback Diesel is a great drive, an impressive package, and starting from $40,490*, great value.

Pricing:

Subaru Outback Diesel: $40,490*
Subaru Outback Diesel Premium: $43,990*
Subaru Outback Diesel Premium Sat-Nav: $46,490* (As Tested)

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:

How does it Drive:

How does it Look:

How does it Go:

Road Test the Rivals:

Specifications:

Engine: 1,998cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 110kW @ 3,600rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,800 – 2,400rpm
Induction: Common Rail & Turbocharged
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Driven Wheels: All
Brakes: Discs with ABS & EBD
Top Speed: Not Tested
0-100km/h: 9.7 seconds
CO2 Emissions: 168g/km
Fuel Consumption: 5.6L/100km (ADR)
Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km (As Tested)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 65L
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Five-star
Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
Safety: ECS with Traction Control
Spare Wheel: Steel 17 x 6.5-inch
Suspension: Strut (F) / Wishbone (R)
Ground Clearance: 213mm
Cargo Capacity: 490/1,690L
Tow Capacity: 1,700kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 11.0m
Warranty: Three Year / 100,000 kilometre
Weight: 1,571kg (Tare)
Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch