In a nutshell: Who still remembers Brent Russell? Because that’s what comes to mind when you’re looking at the Suzuki SX4 4x4.

Is it an off-roader? A cocky hatchback? A city runner? Or maybe a combination of all three?
Strictly speaking, it isn’t a thoroughbred Suzuki, because it’s actually a Fiat Sedeci with a Suzuki badge. But Fiat knows how to make small 4x4’s.
Just think about the Panda − good wheels that, strangely enough, South Africans never really got excited about. (Until you stick the Suzuki badge on – Ed.)
... and if you dig a little deeper: The SX4 is only 17.5 cm off the ground, but bear in mind that that’s identical to that of the Hyundai iX35 (the new “Tucson”).
A switch enables you to choose between front-wheel drive, Auto (which automatically sends power to the back wheels if the front wheels spin), and Lock (which splits power in a 50:50 ratio between the front and back wheels).
Should you exceed 50 km/h, it automatically switches back from Lock to Auto.
The 2-litre engine develops 112 kW power and 190 Nm torque.
Although that is too little to plough with, you could make rapid progress if you don’t shy away from chasing up the revs.
Handling is nice and nippy in the city and the interior is simple and durable, rather than plush. Standard equipment includes six air bags and electronic stability control. On the minus side, rear legroom is somewhat restricted and the fuel consumption is heavier than expected.

Drive Out says: The Suzuki SX4 4x4 is not only a practical city car, but if you used your common sense, you would be able to drive on 95% of Namibia’s dirt roads with it.

Engine:
1 995 cc straight four cylinder,
112 kW @ 6 200 rpm,
190 Nm @ 4 000 rpm.

Transmission:
six speed manual,
part-time four-wheel drive,
electronic stability control.

Performance:
184 km/h top speed,
7.7 litre/100 km

Off-road figures:
17.5 cm ground clearance,
17º approach angle,
30º departure angle,
205/60 R16 tyres,
50 litre fuel tank,
1245 kg

Warranty: 3-year
Service plan: 6-year/90 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km

Price: R229 500

Alternatives: VW CrossPolo, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 308

DO#36 | April-May 2010

SUZUKI SX4 | Delivering on a promise

When the SX4 was first introduced in 2008, the assumption was – as the name suggests – of a hatchback with some sort of crossover capability. But it was launched locally without any 4x4 bits to speak of.
Not that there was anything wrong with the 4x2 front-wheel drive SX4, but the promise of more was never quite fulfilled.
Until now: The all new SX4 has not only corrected this, it has improved on the existing package as well.

Available in three derivatives – manual, auto and AWD (manual) – the new SX4 shares the same 4-cylinder, 2-litre engine as before, just with improved spec.
Already a healthy-sized engine for such a small car, the new engine pushes out 112 kW (up from 107) and 190 Nm (up from 184).
The manual has a six-speed gearbox instead of the previous five-speed gearbox, while the automatic gearbox is replaced with a six-speed constantly variable transmission (CVT), with sequential shift and steering wheel paddles.

Specifically designed for what Suzuki calls “unpredictable terrain”, the AWD comes standard with selectable 2WD and all-wheel-drive modes.
But don’t be fooled by the “4x4” on the back of the AWD – big brother Jimny it is not.
That said, it more than holds its own on gravel, with the AWD system shifting torque from axle to axle according to available grip, enhancing traction and driver comfort at the press of a button.
Beyond that the new SX4 has 20 additional enhancements over its predecessor, among them 16” alloy rims, a colour-coded spoiler on the AWD model, nine audio speakers, cruise control and aircon.

How much?
2.0 SX4 six-speed manual: R209 500;
2.0 SX4 CVT: R224 500;
2.0 SX4 6-speed manual i-AWD: R229 500.

It includes a standard 6-year/90 000 km service plan, 3-year/100 000 km warranty and three-year roadside assistance.

Originally published in DO #36 | April-May 2010