2007 Suzuki SX4 Review

Suzuki have been quietly building a decent product range, with cars like the Suzuki Swift leading the resurgence. The crossover SX4 is another vehicle that fits pefectly into the Suzuki portfolio. The SX4 is the first "crossover" vehicle for the Australian distributor, that has earned its stripes in the 4x4 arena with genuine compact 4WDs, such as the Vitara and Jimny. The SX4 is the third model in a global strategy of next generation vehicles. It is pretty much a marriage between the Grand Vitara and the Swift! The SX4 is a stylish vehicle that looks the part in a compact and attractive package. The body is relatively wide at 1,755mm with a wheelbase of 2,500mm.

The vehicle features a low rising waistline and large, triangular shaped windows forward of the front doors, giving the SX4 a sporty wedge shape indicative of its dynamic performance. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 107kW of power at 5,800 rpm and 184Nm of torque. From the outset the SX4 was engineered to be 4x4 capable. The Suzuki SX4 is not a vehicle to which a 4x4 system was simply added later. The signature feature of the SX4 is the i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive) system, a switch-able three mode 4x4 system (2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock) that delivers all wheel traction when required.

Suzuki SX4 driving modes:
2WD - Only the front wheels provide the drive in this mode, which is the most economical setting. The 2WD drive mode is ideal for driving conditions on dry surfaces.

4WD Auto - The standard mode for driving, almost all the torque is distributed to the front wheels. Torque going to the rear is automatically increased or decreased to match traction requirements in variable conditions such as when driving on slippery surfaces.

4WD Lock - Lock mode provides ample torque to rear wheels from start up for effective escapes in low traction conditions such as mud or snow. The system automatically switches over to, and remains in 4WD Auto at speeds over 60 km/h.

The "intelligent" 4WD controller constantly monitors driving conditions in order to deliver the most efficient division of power. The key delivery component is the EMCD, an electronically controlled wet-type multi-plate clutch coupling, in which the degree of magnetic clutch action is modulated to match traction needs. The coupling is regulated with an electrical current alternating between the two and four wheel drive modes, and a simple rocker switch is mounted at the centre console enabling simple operation of the i-AWD system for the driver.The i-AWD system is controlled by an electromagnetic wet clutch and selected through a centre console mounted switch, which allows the SX4 to operate in front wheel drive, with active all-wheel drive shifting torque distribution from 95/5 up to 50/50 front to rear.

The front suspension structure of the SX4 is similar to that of the Suzuki Swift, in that it is mounted on a high tensile steel suspension frame, to reduce noise and vibration transfer to the cabin. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension is teamed with a highly rigid torsion beam set up in the rear to provide responsive linear handling and stable cornering performance. Another unique highlight of the SX4 is a keyless start system, which features a built-in transmitter on the ignition key, allowing for the doors to lock and unlock simply by touching the button on the door handles and enables the driver to start the engine without using the key itself.

The Suzuki SX4 has as standard the following features: remote keyless entry and keyless start system, power steering, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, in dash CD stereo with MP3 playback capability, Speed Sensing Volume Control, 8 Speakers, electric windows and mirrors, easy to operate audio system controls mounted on a leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels, SRS airbags and ABS brakes. Clever use of the interior space realises exceptional people and luggage carrying flexibility, usually only found in larger vehicles. With all seats in use the compact SX4 has a generous capacity of 270 litres, tall enough to allow a large suitcase to be loaded vertically. The capacity increases to 625 litres when the seats are tumbled forward. Several storage spaces for small, personal items are located around the cabin, including a compartment in the instrument panel, glove box, front and rear cup holders, seatback pocket, front door pockets and a tray under the front passenger seat.

As with all Suzuki vehicles, safety is kept at a premium, with the SX4 incorporating the latest technologies for safety and security. The vehicle is equipped with six airbags comprising two front, two side and two curtain airbags. To assure that deployment is necessary, system control incorporates front and side impact sensors in addition to the main module. ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) ensures the vehicle will respond to the driver's every command whilst the agile suspension contributes to the driving dynamics of the SX4.
Brian Tanner

Specifications
Suzuki SX4
Engine
Type: 2.0-litre four cylinder
Bore &?Stroke: 84 x 90mm
Compression ratio:?9.5:1
Max. Power: 107kW @ 5800rpm
Max Torque: 184Nm @ 3500 rpm

Transmission
Type: Five speed manual, four speed automatic, three-mode selective AWD

Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut with coil springs
Rear: Torsion beam, coil springs

Brakes
Four wheel anti skid disc brakes, ventilated front, solid rear

Wheels &?Tyres
Wheels 16x6J, tyres 205/60R16

Dimensions &?Capacities
LxWxH: 4135 x 1755 x 1630mm
Wheelbase: 2500mm
Track front/rear: 1495/1495mm
Ground clearance: 200mm
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres