CD Article: 2007 Suzuki SX4

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:

Suzuki's new SX-4 replaces the Aerio and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams.  Ranging in price from $15,995 to $22,495, the SX-4 offers "decent fuel economy", "impressive standard safety equipment", and "sufficient interior space for four adults", but its 143-hp engine offers "slower than expected acceleration times," he says.      More...

[Leviathan]

Seems pretty nice and an AWD model tops out at just over 20,000?

[a4_tom]

It is indeed a very nicely built Suzuki compact, which will compete well with Fit/Yaris/Versa, if its going to market it properly.

[amorak]

I don't know about that price point for the top end... I might be tempted to spend the extra $2,000 and get a 2.5i Impreza wagon with the much more potent 175HP 2.5L ... 

[johngenx]

(although unlike the American version, Canadians don't get available stability control).

Once again, we get screwed...

[turbodiesel]

(although unlike the American version, Canadians don't get available stability control).

Once again, we get screwed...

nope we don't... instead, for those who really enjoy driving out there, WHO NEEDS stability control? i would just wanna switch it off!

by the way the SX4 looks like a rear-chopped Impreza Wagon 

[AVToller]

"its 143-hp engine offers "slower than expected acceleration times," he says."

That really doesn't surprise me. Last summer I drove the Aerio SX AWD (155 hp, 2734 lb) and the Matrix AWD (123 hp, 2930) and I was very surprised that they seemed almost the same in terms of acceleration. Both were slushbox fitted, BTW. The weight to power ratio differences (17.64 vs 23.73) were NOT reflected in my subject experience.

[johngenx]

nope we don't... instead, for those who really enjoy driving out there, WHO NEEDS stability control? i would just wanna switch it off!

We had an E-Class with ESP, and though I always turned it off, my wife loved having it.  You still need to put good winter tires on, but it's an excellent safety feature for many drivers.  The cost of such systems has come down to just a couple hundred bucks, so I don't see why Canadians get screwed out of something like it.

[Loudpedal]

I don't know about that price point for the top end... I might be tempted to spend the extra $2,000 and get a 2.5i Impreza wagon with the much more potent 175HP 2.5L ... 

I agree.   

[haris]

As a former owner of a 1990 Swift, I approve. Like the looks, like the interior. Will have to test drive. I'm glad Suzuki finally decided to bring a real Suzuki car to Canada. Hope it does well .
Acceleration times... how slow are we talking? Instead of taking 20 seconds to go 80-120 it took 22 seconds? Is it 'seat of the pants" acceleration test? The numbers I could find are for UK version of SX4, with 1.6l engine. Under 11 seconds to 60mph for 2wd, under 12 for 4wd...

 

[y2chuck]

Sweet looking little wagon.  I don't like the way the rear seats fold, don't know why manufacturers implement folding seats that way.   I much prefer the Vibe/Matrix/HHR fold flat with hard plastic backs.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Great addition to the market, but I feel it $1,000 too expensive for the mid and top end and due to exterior styling details, they likely will find itself just outside the mainstream buyer once again. But glad they brought a real Suzuki this time.

[Mr Meow]

I wonder does it have the Fiat engine in it, considering its a rebadged Fiat Sedici or does Suzuki only share some of the platform?


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[haris]

I wonder does it have the Fiat engine in it, considering its a rebadged Fiat Sedici or does Suzuki only share some of the platform?


.

 

Fiat version is rebadged Suzuki. Both built in the same plant in Hungary. Minor differences.

[a4_tom]

SX4 uses Swift platform but Suzuki has different settings than Fiat. More like the difference between Matrix and Vibe.

[turbodiesel]

speaking of Fiat version... i think we can try an "exterior restyling" and rebadge, make it look like Fiat re-entering Canadian market... 

[03bluP5]

The seats CAN be affixed in the tumbled position. I was given a demo of that in Brantford ON.
It's a nice little car, well worth the money, but there should be a sunroof option...and stability control to deal with our unpredictable Canadian winter weather.
I like the 5 speed AWD option...more vehicles should offer that instead of forcing the slushbox.
Cheers, Mark 

[ScoobyDriver]

I'll be interested to see how this car does.  I have the 06 Impreza which is quite a bit more expensive than this one.  Pretty much the only AWD options when I bought were the Honda Element and the Vibe.  The Vibe is very underpowered when compared to the Impreza.  I wanted to be able to tow a small trailer/motorbike.  I like the look of this car and really like that it's AWD.  Now if only we could get a diesel option!

I'm really enjoying the posts here!  I would never have known about the Fiat connection.  Interesting!!  My motorbike is a Suzuki.  It's too bad that Suzuki cars don't have the same cachet that other foreign brands like Toyota or Honda have.  If I bought one of these I'd be a little worried about losing a lot when I sold it becuase of heavy depreciation.

[Radshark]

I took this one out for a spin - JLX - 5sp.  Very nice interior.  Exterior styling is quite nice too.  It had enough power for me .. it was kinda zippy .. it handled quite nice too.

I had a few worries about this one:

1.  I buy a car for 10 years of service - that means 5 years without a warranty.  Will the mechanicals of the iAWD hold up without major repair bills?
2.  First model year - always a factor.
3.  Canadians are paying several thousand extra than Americans for this one.

If you have been reading some of my posts than you know about my US MRSP concerns.  A few weeks ago I offered a local dealer the US MRSP @ the current exchange rate + 6.1% (the excise tax if I bought it in the US and imported it) + an extra $450 (the RIV fee and safety if I imported it from the US).  After going over the US info I brought in they came to the conclusion that:

1.  The US version actually had more options.  (Silver skid plates being one of them.)
2.  That an American citizen can buy it off the lot retail (full price) cheaper than a Canadian dealer can buy it invoice.   

They then handed the window sticker of the US version back to me and didn't even bother to counter-offer.  I was shocked .. I offered about 1,600 - 1,700 CDN over the US MRSP.

I'm doubtful the Canadian dealer invoice is higher than the US retail.  But if it's true, then Suzuki Canada has some serious supply chain problems .. hopefully they get em resolved soon.  The SX-4 JLX is a nice car ---> but at the US price. 

Cheers,

R.

[BonkMonkey]

I've noticed the US version has a remote starter... Why not up north?

I also saw a picture in another forum showing heated seat buttons, one under the AWD switch.  Is this in the U.K. version?  I don't think the Cdn or US has this option.  Can anyone shed some light?