Launched: Suzuki SX4
Wheels Magazine 
February, 2007
The news that Suzuki has built a Subaru Impreza rival will have the PlayStation generation drooling.
Trouble is, it's not the Impreza WRX that Suzuki is targeting. No, being the working-class and sensible car company that it is, Suzuki is lowering its sights with the new SX4. In fact, it's going as low as it can, lining the SX4 up against the weakest of the Impreza litter, the 2.0i.
Consider that the SX4 is $50 cheaper, has a slightly superior equipment level, a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine (yes, we know, not a boxer) all-wheel drive, and the suggestion of light off-road capability due to the raised ride height.
Suzuki points to substantially more power than the Impreza (107kW vs 92kW, its uprated J20A engine now with dualstage intake manifold -- but no mention that torque is identical at 184Nm), the superiority of its three-mode all-wheel-drive system, and even that the SX4 is the first car in its class with keyless start.
This is the third Suzuki to appear since the company started the process of turning itself from Japanese mini-car manufacturer to global player, following on from the excellent Swift -- and less excellent Grand Vitara all-wheel drive.
The SX4 borrows the suspension fundamentals of the former and engine from the latter. No wonder Suzuki says it's intended to sit somewhere in between the two. Its job description is in the name: (S)ports (X)-over for (4) seasons.
The raised ride height, dark cladding and roof rails are meant to promote this cross-over capability, but it's not backed up inside. There is space and storage but no more atmosphere than typical Korean -- let alone Japanese -- offerings.
For potential buyers, much of the advantage of the 200mm ground clearance (and new all-wheel drive system called i-AWD) is that it allows the SX4 to be imported with a five percent tariff penalty rather than 10 percent.
This is a handy buffer to have, considering the SX4 range will expand dramatically as the year goes on to include a lesser-spec AWD hatch, as well as front-wheel drive and sedan variations. Until these variants arrive, however, the cheaper, much crapper Liana stays on sale.
Suzuki Australia is saying the SX4 pricing is "introductory". Translation? As additional variants arrive, this particular version will become more expensive. And there was no suggestion that this financial rise will bring an improvement to the equipment list that currently includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, climate control, cruise control and alloy wheels. (It doesn't, however, include stability control, a fullsize spare tyre or reach adjustment for the steering wheel.)
The star of the SX4's specification is undoubtedly i-AWD. This allows the car to be driven in front-wheel drive, automatic 4WD or locked 4WD modes (see panel, right). On dry roads it's best to leave it in 2WD as handling is crisp and -- Suzuki says -- there are marginal fuel savings to be gained. No actual quantification of how much, but the official claim (presumably in 2WD) is 8.7L/100km for the five-speed manual. (It records 9.5L/100km for the $2000 optional Aisin four-speed auto.)
On dirt, the i-AWD comes into its own, quickly reading the loose surface and spreading torque to all four wheels, adding confidence and fun to the drive. Less impressive is the ride quality. This tends to be exposed on rougher roads, starting out too stiff and then giving way under pressure and hitting the bump stops, transmitting hefty thumps into the cabin.
That's not the only audible intrusion, as wind noise builds up at speed around the A-pillar and substantial wing mirrors. The engine also makes itself heard as revs rise towards the 6200rpm redline, just as in the donor Grand Vitara.
The good news, however, is that the J20A is now a livelier, more responsive engine. The SX4 weighs in at 1285kg so it's no rocket but, beyond 3000rpm in the middle gears of the positive-shifting manual transmission, there's an agreeable amount of urge.
But not enough for the gamers to start lusting after SX4. This is solid rather than inspiring transport. But there is hope. This car forms the basis of Suzuki's 2008 World Rally Championship attack, and so a road legal 'Super Sport' could appear later down the track. Then the Impreza WRX will have something to think about.
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