2009 update: 2 wheel drive available, new 1.6 petrol and diesel engines
Something significant has changed since I last drove the SX4. If you search out the old review on our website, you will note that I described an abrasive, tinny engine note when going for full-out acceleration and blow-your-mind handling (for a tall little runabout). It didn’t ruin my drive though, because it still cruised quietly and handled brilliantly.
Well, despite this car being only 2-wheel drive where the previous test was 4-wheel drive, the handling is still there. The car has poise and feel. Which is quite an achievement when you consider that the Suzuki, like Kias and Hyundais, has an unimpressive power steering pump that takes ages to kick in. That makes parallel parking heavy, even for big strong boys like me. Ahem.
And the new 1.6 litre petrol engine is not only 10% more powerful but, unless my memory is failing me, it is much quieter. It’s like when you realise a headache has suddenly vanished – I was almost euphoric. Which is why I was disappointed when the other half said she thought the car was tinny.
Bizarrely, but in the interests of full disclosure, I should point out that I – and therefore Mr Suzuki – can take this as a sort of compliment. Apparently it endeared her to the car: rather than being a posh test car it felt like a car “my boyfriend might actually own”.
I don’t know what that says about the level of refinement the Suzuki offers, but I feel it perhaps overlooks some of my finer qualities.
So, while digesting this assessment of my character, I proceeded to pull away from all traffic lights with passion, beating Porsches and Mercedes quite easily. And I sat back in the surprisingly comfortable and supportive chairs, holding myself in a posture that I like to think showed my thoughtful side. A reach-adjustable steering column would have made that easier, but it wasn’t a big deal; I was still comfortable over lengthy journeys.
Showing my insightful side, I pointed out that mums and dads will like the high driving position and excellent all-round visibility, which makes them feel safe and in control on the school run.
All of which went unnoticed, rather like the car itself. It has very understated styling and is easily mixed up with the more expensive Toyotas and Hyundais.
What’s the market like?
Suzuki has sold more than 15,000 SX4s in the UK, yet there are rarely more than 200 on the used market at any one time. That tells you a lot about Suzuki owners. They are not company cars but private buys. They are bought as sensibly priced family transport from the local dealer and part-exchanged again five-plus years later at the same dealer.
Which means if you buy a used one, you will find that it is usually well looked after, has low mileage compared to other makes and there’s a good chance you will find it at the Suzuki dealer who has always serviced it. But all that means that while it’s not expensive, it’s never bargain-basement cheap either.
What else can this budget buy?
Depending on how you look at it, a nearly new SX4 can be compared to a Skoda Fabia – which is £1,000 more – or a Kia Rio, which can be up to £1,000 less. Or you might argue it’s a competitor to a Nissan Note, which is similar money to the Rio. What’s interesting though is that over four years Suzukis seem to do about 5,000 miles less, on average, than any of these competitors.
So if looking to buy an older car, the Suzuki starts to look more appealing. If buying nearly new, however, that’s not really a factor.
Summary
A jolly little hatchback that can just about pass as an SUV or crossover as a result of its height. It is cheaper than a Skoda and handles better than cars such as Renaults and Peugeots. Plus there’s the 4WD option.