Suzuki SX4 Review (2006 to date)

Quick Summary

The Suzuki SX4 is a car that has largely slipped under the general public's radar. The two best models, the 1.9-litre diesel with front-wheel drive and the 1.6-litre petrol 4GRIP, both merit closer investigation and offer reliable, well built transport for far less than you'd pay for many less characterful mainstream rivals. Don't take the go-anywhere pretensions too seriously and you should find the SX4 very appealing.

Overall:

Models Covered: SX4 – 2006-to date, five-door hatchback (1.6 petrol, 1.9 diesel [ GL, GLX, GLX 4GRIP, DDiS] )

SUITE SIXTEEN

Suzuki has established a solid reputation for small four-wheel drives and the SX4 follows in the tradition of vehicles like the SJ, the Jimny and the Vitara. It is, however, quite a different proposition, not being a 'proper' 4x4, instead being a smallish hatchback with a raised body height and contrary to popular opinion, not all of the models feature all-wheel drive. Here's the low down on what you should be looking for when buying a used SX4.
Used Suzuki SX4 for sale

History of the SX4

The Suzuki SX4 project is very much a case of 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours'. Suzuki needed a diesel engine for this vehicle. Fiat had diesel engines aplenty but wanted a well-built niche model in its range. A deal was signed, Suzuki got the 1.9-litre diesel powerplant and Fiat got a new model in their line up which they dubbed the Sedici.Fiat took thirty per cent of the 60,000 cars that rolled out of the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary, the remaining two thirds being sold globally as the Suzuki SX4. Whereas the Sedici was quite a simple concept to understand, the SX4 range is more varied and only one of the models, the 1.6 GLX 4GRIP, features all wheel drive. That this version is the best seller is perhaps unsurprising as without the benefit of this all-weather traction, the SX4 seems a bit of an oddity.
Used Suzuki SX4 for sale

Suzuki SX4 Road Test

Let's take a look at the most interesting model in the SX4 line up, the 4GRIP version. Its all-wheel drive system is similar to the Haldex system used in something like an Audi TT insofar as it diverts power from a slipping pair of front wheels towards the rear to restore grip, but Suzuki have given the driver plenty of control over how this system is marshalled. Most of the time, the SX4 is best left in a default economy mode where it functions as a conventional front wheel drive hatch. If the going suddenly gets really slippery, a lock mode ensures that front and rear axles are locked together to provide ultimate traction. A clutch system allows a small amount of slippage once under way and once you've reached 37mph, the system switches to its third mode, auto, which is the driver-selectable part-time 4wd mode.Get your head underneath the SX4 and you'll realise that most of the vulnerable bits are tucked well out of the way, giving the all-wheel drive model a green lane capability that's far beyond what you'd at first expect. The front suspension is a conventional MacPherson strut setup while the rear end features a compact torsion beam arrangement, in this case sculpted to make way for the prop shaft and the rear differential.Two engines are available to UK customers. The petrol engine is a 107bhp 1.6-litre but the best engine is the Fiat-sourced 120bhp 1.9-litre DDiS diesel. The Fiat link is interesting and it would be understandable if you concluded that this tie-up was due to both companies' General Motors connection (Fiat tried to offload its car making arm to GM and the American giant has a 20 per cent stake in Suzuki). In actual fact however, Suzuki has a remit to control its strategic partnerships as it sees fit and in this case, it was merely that there was a good 'fit' with Fiat who could supply state of the art diesel engines and who needed a car of this type.
Used Suzuki SX4 for sale

Buying a Suzuki SX4

The Suzuki SX4 is a tough little thing. The cabin feels a bit cheap but everything is reasonably solid and the seat fabrics are hardwearing. The mechanicals are all tried and tested and the 4GRIP model doesn't have the power to overwhelm the traction advantage on tarmac. Make sure you have a good look under the car at the exhaust system and the suspension for signs of over enthusiastic off roading. Reject anything that looks as if it's been passed over a belt sander.
Used Suzuki SX4 for sale

Suzuki SX4 Typical Pricing

The Suzuki SX4 starts at around £7,400 for a 1.6GL on a 2006 56 plate. Another £1,000 will net you the more rugged looking GLX on an 06 plate while the desirable 4GRIP version starts at £10,000 on the 06 plate. The 1.9-litre DDiS diesel models kick off at around the same price. Insurance for the SX4 is cheap, all petrol models being rated at Group 6 with the quicker 1.9-litre diesel landing a Group 7 rating.
Used Suzuki SX4 for sale

Suzuki SX4 Parts

(approx based on an 1.6 GLX inc VAT) Spark plugs are £7 a piece while rear brake pads tot up to £45 per pair while fronts are £55 a set. Expect to pay around £15 for a fuel filter and £9 for an oil filter.
Used Suzuki SX4 for sale