What they said when the Suzuki SX4 was new… (Apr 23 2006)
THE concept of cross over cars is still a relatively new affair but that's all about to change with a newcomer from Suzuki.
The new Suzuki SX4 brings leisure oriented vehicles down to near bargain basement prices.
It's a car designed to combine the practicality of a compact people carrier with the everyday friendliness of a family hatchback.
But this is one little car with a big car feature - the option of four wheel drive.
That version of the SX4 will not be on sale until the summer but when it arrives it will open new horizons for a growing band of buyers who want their cars to reflect their action packed lifestyles.
The SX4 is part of a collaboration between Suzuki and Fiat and it is being built at the Japanese company's European factory in Hungary.
Fiat is calling its version the Sedici - which is Italian for 16, the sum of 4x4 - and for the time being the SX4 is available only as a front wheel drive model.
It is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine which makes it quite a nippy performer. Top speed is a claimed 112mph with 0 to 60mph taking around 10.5 second and overall fuel consumption is a healthy 41mpg.
The SX4 looks good and chunky with its heavy duty reputation emphasised by protective strips along the side of the body and around the wheel arches.
A high roof line creates plenty of headroom inside although in the back of the amount of leg space is not over generous.
However, the tall cabin has created space for resonance and it's fairly noisy inside.
Although there is little body roll when cornering the suspension set up is on the firm side.
Prices start at £9,999 for a GL model with higher specification GLX versions costing from £10,999.
For the extra money the SX4 comes with automatic air conditioning, heated door mirrors and electric windows all round as well as roof rails and front fog lamps - the latter two adding to the car's stylish appeal.
There is something of a clinical feel to the interior trim which is by no means unpleasant and the GLX also comes with a keyless entry system.
Boot space at 270 litres puts the SX4 in the same league as the likes of a Ford Fiesta which, for a car aimed at the leisure market, is not as good as some rivals.
To carry anything above the norm the rear seats will need to be dropped and, in fairness to the Suzuki, the available room then is 1,045 litres if loaded to the roofline.
In two wheel drive guise, the SX4 is not that remarkable and will have to slog it out with the many other players in this part of the market.
That said, its sturdy looks and keen price may give it something of an edge.
When the four wheel drive versions arrive - and there is also a diesel engined version on the way - it is likely to be a different story.
Although prices have still to be announced, the benefits of four wheel drive on a car of this size are going to give it broad appeal - and I wouldn't mind betting that the ride will be a little more accommodating as well.
Words: Chris Russon
Copyright