Suzuki SX4 is one of the founders of the popular class of subcompact crossovers. It entered the market 8 years ago, remaining popular to this day. Today we will conduct a review of the "Suzuki SX4 New" sample 2014 model year.
New Features
One of the reasons why the previous generation SX4 remained in the salons of dealers "Suzuki" is the fundamental difference between the new car from its predecessor. New SX 4 rang out in breadth and length, "matured and matured." An unusual styling from the Italian studio "Italy Design" is a thing of the past, because the new "Suzuki" was developed by Japanese designers. In view of this, the car has become more conservative, and therefore is perceived as a more solid car. And the point here is not so much in increased external dimensions, but in a more traditional approach to the appearance. Now the Suzuki SX4 New, which is mostly positive reviews, is no longer a cross between a small hatchback, an SUV and a minivan - it’s a quite compact crossover that is quite familiar to the eye and can compete with its classmates. Another feature of the 2014 SX4 model year is that in reality it looks much more attractive than in the photo.
Design
In appearance, manufacturers focused on three elements. Large block headlights are noteworthy, which are equipped with bi-xenon light and daytime running lights on all versions except the base one. The entire lower perimeter of the body is protected by unpainted plastic. The design has a moderate chrome finish, but the SX 4 lacks any striking design elements. Perhaps this is for the best.
Of course, our hero is not some kind of faded spot in the endless auto flow. Your eye will always be pleased with aggressive forms of the front and rear, very attractive rims, quiet lines of the side of the body and spectacular roof rails, dissecting the air with its chrome "appearance". A photo showing all the attractiveness of the design of the "Suzuki SX4 New" (reviews about it are only positive), you can see below.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the new items were slightly increased, which turned the car into a real crossover. The length of the car is 4300 mm, width - 1765 mm, height with rails - 1585 mm (for 16-inch wheels) and 1590 mm (for 17-inch). The wheelbase has increased to 2600 mm, which has increased the capacity of the new Suzuki. The minimum turning radius is 5.2 m. Finally, the "Suzuki SX4 New" clearance with 16-inch wheels is 180 mm, and with larger wheels - 175 mm.
Interior
Inside we will find the combination of sportiness and simplicity that is usual for the Suzuki brand. The interior of the new SX4 is much richer than that of its younger brother. Materials, although inexpensive, but of high quality. Plastic, with the exception of the wide insert on the front panel, is hard, but this does not cause any dissonance. Photo "Suzuki SX4 New" (its interior) see below. In general, everything is pleasant to the eyes, not annoying and not surprising. The interior is moderately spacious, the placement of all control details is intuitive and does not require getting used to.
Separately, I want to mention the steering wheel with a pleasant grip and a wide range of adjustments, as well as dense, well-profiled seats. At the same time, already in the middle configuration, Suzuki offers keyless access with an engine start button, shift paddles, 2-zone climate control, cruise control, a function for folding rear-view mirrors, parking sensors and much more, which its predecessor was deprived of . We will talk more about all the trim levels a bit later. Thanks to the increased wheelbase in the back row, it has become much more spacious. The luggage compartment volume has increased one and a half times with a practical underground niche and a very wide opening.
Suzuki SX4 New - Specifications
In Europe, the car comes with diesel and gasoline engines, which are equally good in all respects. In our market, the Suzuki SX4 New, reviews about which are sometimes much more approving than its closest competitors, is available so far with only one 1.6-liter gasoline engine and 117 horsepower. The indicators, at first glance, are rather modest, but here it is worth paying attention to the talented Japanese engineering, thanks to which the new crossover is 60 kg lighter.
It should be noted that the engine reaches 6000 rpm./min, and the peak torque is 156 Nm (accounted for 4400 rpm.). By the way, the new motor in the 2014 Suzuki SX4 is a modernized version of the old one. Unlike its predecessor, the new SX4 has an updated oil pump, lightweight pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft. The internal friction of the parts was also reduced. Thanks to these improvements, Japanese engineers managed to add a good percentage to power and torque, as well as improve fuel efficiency. The only thing that affected the car a bit was the overall decrease in dynamics.
Transmission and fuel consumption
There are still 2 transmission options to choose from: front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with an electronic clutch in the rear wheel drive. Transmissions are offered as follows: a five-speed "mechanics" and CVT variator with a choice of 7 virtual gears. The car will be able to please the driver with excellent dynamics, and all-wheel drive will get out of the most extreme conditions.
As for fuel consumption, the "Suzuki SX4" is quite good in this regard. By the way, only AI-95 gasoline can provide normal engine performance. With the "mechanics" in the "Suzuki SX4 New" fuel consumption will be 5 liters on the highway, and in the city limits - 6.8 liters. The average consumption, therefore, will be about 5.6 liters. With the variator, the indicators will be almost the same: on the highway - 5 liters, in the city - 6.9 liters, mixed driving - 5.7 liters.
Specific aerodynamics can greatly reduce overall fuel consumption. Well, it is up to you to choose the variation. Not bad car shows itself and in terms of ecology. For the front-wheel drive version of New SX4, the CO 2 emission level is 124 g / km, and the all-wheel drive model increases this figure to 130 g / km.
Controllability
In use, the new SX4 has nothing to do with its predecessor. Of course, this is not a business class, but in motion the car has become much softer and quieter. Irregularities are “swallowed” by the suspension easily and naturally. At the same time, an excellent balance between manageability and patency is pleasing: rather sharp responses to the steering turn, lively and responsive behavior of the car on bends - all this is combined in the SX with the ability to get in where an ordinary passenger car will lose bumpers and all protruding underbody parts. To overcome such road troubles, even the front-wheel drive Suzuki SX4 New has increased the clearance to an SUV, there are high bumpers and a rather energy-intensive suspension. Add to this tenacious brakes, a complete set of safety systems, including holding on the rise, stabilization and distribution of braking forces, and get a modern, practical and pleasant to drive universal car. You can sign up for a trial use of the Suzuki SX4 New at any dealership. The test will leave you only a pleasant experience.
Security
"Suzuki SX4 New" can guarantee all its owners complete peace of mind on the road thanks to their amazing stability, the widest optional set of all kinds of security gadgets (both active and passive). As standard, the New SX4 is equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), BAS emergency brake assist and 7 airbags. In addition, the design of the car uses a variety of means to ensure pedestrian safety. According to the results of the crash test EURO NCAP, the car received 5 stars.
As for active safety systems, the car has ABS + EBD, ESP, BAS. Plus, for extra passenger comfort, a maximum speed limiter was specially added, which is an additional feature to cruise control. Passive safety systems include 7 airbags that protect passengers and the driver from frontal, side, and rear impacts. Of course, there are seat belts in the car. In addition to all of the above, the specific form of the hood and the innovative design of body kits, brushes and bumpers make it possible to absorb shock, while reducing the degree of damage that is caused to pedestrians in an accident.
To the list of safety advantages, you can add the proprietary Suzuki TECT technology (Total Effective Control Technology), which provides the highest level of passive safety due to the use of high-strength steels in the power structure of the body, as well as in specially designed deformation zones for shock absorption. This technology allows maximum safety for all people in the car in case of an accident, deflecting a blow into the deformation zone.
Options
In Russia, the Suzuki SX4 New comes in 3 trim levels (GL, GLX, GLX +), the prices of which we will give a little later. The basic version is equipped with air conditioning, CD-receiver, fabric inserts in the interior, rear and front electric windows, trip computer, cruise control, heater, remote locks and many other little things that increase travel comfort. We already described the GLX version in detail in the "Interior" section. Finally, the top-end GLX + will delight you with 17-inch alloy wheels, a wonderful audio-entertainment system, a GPS-navigator, variator control petals, a panoramic electric double sunroof and a huge number of nice accessories.
Prices
To purchase the basic configuration, you will have to empty your wallet by 779 thousand rubles, which is quite normal for such a car. The older auto version will cost a little more - from 879 thousand rubles (a model with a CVT costs more). Finally, the price of the top Suzuki New SX4 will be 1 million 119 thousand rubles. Given all the available stuffing, it’s not a pity to spend that kind of money. Such prices are currently set for the updated SX4.
Nearest competitors
Today, crossovers are becoming increasingly popular with drivers. Naturally, car manufacturers all over the world are striving to produce more and more new models that could compete with their classmates. In the segment in which the "Suzuki SX4 New" is offered (you will definitely like the owner’s reviews), there are quite a few excellent models that deserve a share of your attention. Their list includes Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai IX35, Subaru Forester, Nissan Juke, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga and Mitsubishi ASX cars. Of course, each of them has its pros and cons, but only you will have to make the final choice.
Total
The new Suzuki SX4 is no longer a niche model, but a true universal “fighter,” which continues to gain popularity in the compact crossover class. Of course, everything is known in comparison, so study different cars, compare, test and choose your path. "Suzuki SX4 New", the reviews of which speak for themselves, may be your good choice.