THE Suzuki SX4 is a crossover in style between a supermini and a sports utility vehicle, curious because, while there is a 4WD version in the range, most are straightforward front-wheel-drive cars.
Thus you have some SUV protection features – wheel-arch extensions, high ground clearance etc – on a supermini that is purely a road vehicle.
Well, that means it looks distinctive for a start, quite bold and with some attractive features, including the sizeable wrap-around lights clusters front and rear; the SX4 also seems to be solidly put together and the high seating positions provide good visibility in the main, although it suffers from the usual complaint of big obstructive front pillars.
The extra height also yields considerably more space for occupants than you generally get in a supermini, impressively so in the rear-seats area where there is decent leg and foot room. Suzuki says the car can handle three passengers there, although that could be a bit of a squeeze unless they are all children.
The cabin as a whole is functional and comfortable; the plastics may be more knock-resistant than stylish but the GLX showed off some metal-effect highlights to cheer things up and the instruments and info layout is exemplary, including audio controls on the steering wheel. There’s a good array of little storage spots, too, including a hideaway tray under the front passenger seat.
For the driver there is seat-height adjustment and height variation of the steering wheel.
The SX4, in fact, has some appealing driving characteristics. It is well-controlled, with no hint of roll from a tallish car, and the steering feels crisp and responsive.
What lets it down somewhat is the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Generating a modest 106hp and pull of 108lb ft, it is quietly fluent in regulation driving conditions, but, faced with motorway pace or lengthy climbs it has to work hard, and increasingly sounds it. There is also some road noise.
Consequently, above-average use of the gearbox is required; however, fuel returns comfortably exceed 40mpg in the five-speed manual transmission version.
A Fiat-sourced diesel, 120hp and 206lb ft, is now available and is probably worth investigating, despite the extra cost.
Where the SX4 really scores well is the equipment it provides. Even the entry GL is well endowed and this GLX version included automatic air conditioning, four electric windows, heated door mirrors, tinted glass, radio/CD, front, side and curtain airbags, deadlocks, front foglights, alloys and keyless ignition. All for a few pence under £11,000.
In true supermini fashion, what you don’t get is much standard luggage space, but employ the split/fold rear seats and a respectable 670 litres becomes available.
With all its equipment, space and good driving manners, the SX4 is an interesting and distinctive challenger in the heavily-populated supermini class.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX 5dr
Price: £10,999
Mechanical: 107bhp, 1,586cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 41.5
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 165g/km
Bik rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust