Suzuki's SX4 4X4 is one of the smallest four-wheel drives you can buy.
SX4 was built as a co-development with Fiat, which markets a version called Sedici. When it was launched in 2006, SX4 tapped into the early development of the SUV crossover market – in other words, it didn't sell in mass numbers and wasn't easy to classify. Despite sitting on a stretched Suzuki Swift platform, SX4 manages to be a compact, tall, supermini-sized car with seating for five at a squeeze.
The curvy exterior is appealing in a very passive way, while inside the cabin is functional without being flashy. The hatchback's boot holds 270 litres and if you fold the seats down there are 625 litres of cargo space. My three kids (7-14) like the interior and the chunky-but-subtle exterior... and they can be hard to please.
SX4 has been available up to very recently with petrol-powered only versions in Ireland. This week, I'm testing the latest 4X4 diesel version.
Under the bonnet there is a meaty 135bhp, four-cylinder DDiS diesel engine that pulls strongly thanks to its 320nmm of torque. It is not the quietest unit and on the open road the SX4 is far from Audi-like in refinement, but I found myself forgiving the compact SX4 due to its functionality and relatively low price tag for an all-wheel drive car. SX4 4X4 is economical, too, delivering an average fuel consumption of just 5.3 litres per 100km.
In normal use the six-speed SX4 4X4 uses just front-wheel drive to maximise economy and running costs. A switch controlling the 'i-AWD' (i = intelligent) is located beside the handbrake. It lets you select from three drivetrain modes: 2WD, Auto 4X4 and 4X4 Lock. SX4 uses an electronic coupling device. When the front wheels lose significant grip SX4 sends power to the rear wheels to boost traction. '4X4 Lock' means just that - all four wheels are turned by the engine. 4X4 Lock works up to around 60km/h before switching over to Auto 4X4 to deliver better fuel economy. There are two specifications levels available, namely 'GL' and 'GLX'.
Ask any 'off-roader' about Suzuki and they will tell you that the Japanese company makes some of the most useful four-wheel drive machines out there. In general, Suzuki four-wheel drives may be small but they are very light and extremely capable.
SX4 4X4 is perfect for those on a budget who may need a bit of extra traction on occasion (and a slightly higher driving position) over a conventional hatchback.
It is well worth noting that all cars have four-wheel brakes, so SUVs, 4X4s etc. don't stop any better than normal cars! For real driving security in winter conditions a vehicle must have the right tyres. The latest 'All Weather' tyres (recommended for year-round use) or conventional 'Winter' tyres are designed to deliver extra grip in temperatures below 7 degrees centigrade and will keep you moving, and more importantly stopping, in severe weather.
The Suzuki SX4 4X4 diesel is both economical and capable.
Michael Sheridan
