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Owners reckon they would buy another if the bulletproof little SX4 returned.
New
A new range of cars kickstarted the resurgence of Suzuki. The sports-crossover SX4, arriving in the wake of the highly praised Swift, added to the company's momentum.
There was a choice of sedan and hatch body styles, initially with three specifications: base model, S and 4x4.
The all-wheel drive could be left to its own devices to work in front-drive only, to act as on-demand AWD but also to be locked in 4WD.
All used a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 107kW/184Nm, enough to make it a willing performer for anyone prepared to stir it along through the gears.
The gearbox choices were a five-speed manual or four-speed auto, each geared for a spirited getaway.
The SX4 will reward you with reliable motoring in the long term
An update in 2010 added the Liana S and Liana GLX spec and brought modest increases in the engine's output, to 112kW/190Nm. At the same time the automatic was dropped in favour of a CVT and the manual gained a sixth forward ratio
In any spec, the SX4 was quite well equipped. The base model had airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, eight-speaker CD audio, remote central locking and engine immobiliser.
Stepping up to the S added cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and leather-trimmed steering wheel.
The range-topping 4x4 had climate-control aircon and 16-inch alloys.
Now
Suzukis have always been highly regarded for the engineering that went into them, the engines especially.
That said, they still require regular servicing to keep them in tiptop order and that's where you should start when checking a car pre-purchase. A service record that shows a regular schedule of maintenance by a creditable mechanic is a must.
Well serviced, the SX4 will reward you with reliable motoring in the long term.
Most owners will say the they have had to replace only the usual wear and tear items such as tyres and brakes. Tyres last 50,000km-75,000km, brakes likewise.
So content are owners with their cars that many say they would buy another one in a heartbeat if they were still available.
Two owners have a word of caution about a blind spot caused by the windscreen pillar that can block your vision when turning — changing your seating position might be enough to remedy this.
Suzuki SX4 2007: 4X4
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.5L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $3,190 - $5,060 |
| Safety Rating |
|
Verdict
Smithy says
A beaut little car that is proving a reliable servant.
Owners say
Vince Phillips My 2012 SX4 manual has done 52,000km and to date it has been bulletproof. It's really well built and much roomier upfront than most rivals. Access is easy, it's good on the open road and can handle long trips in comfort. Luggage space is limited but it can be varied to advantage. It's an underrated car. With its camshaft timing chain, it should give very long service.
Rob Quinlan We bought our SX4 new in 2008 and have done 120,000km of city and country driving. We've have had no trouble with it and if Suzuki still made them I would buy another when this one wears out.
William Rogers We bought our 2010 SX4 new and were very impressed with its performance. Mechanically there was nothing to fault. It did wander and the suspension was bouncy but it was a delight to drive in the suburban and city traffic. The blind spot caused by the pillars contributed to three bad collisions, the last one a write-off.
Ian and Rae Singleton On the recommendation of our mechanic, we bought an SX4 manual in 2007. It has done 71,000km without any problems. It can carry four people, is easy to park and drive, and its height provides easy access for us given we have back problems. We have been very happy with it, and would update to another one if it were still made.
Neil and Rhonda Hatchman Our 2009 SX4 auto has travelled 58,000km, mostly on city trips. Apart from costs of normal wear and tear items it has been trouble-free motoring. The blind spot caused by the pillar design demands extra care at roundabouts and intersections, and the motor needs working on hills and overtaking. Otherwise, it's a very reliable vehicle, comfortable enough and a great suburban runabout. We also like the ease of getting in and out of vehicle due to the higher seating position.
At a glance
Price new: $21,990-$26,390
Price now:
SX4 $5500-$12,500
SX4 S $6500-$16,000
Safety: 4 stars
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 107kW/184Nm (from 2010, 112kW/190Nm)
Transmissions: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, CVT (from 2010, 6-speed man, CVT); FWD/AWD
Thirst: 9.5L/100km
Also consider
Mitsubishi Lancer - 2007-12 - 3.5 stars - Always the bridesmaid, the Lancer is a good all-rounder that's worth a look. Pay between $5000-$20,500.
Honda Civic - 2007-12 - 4 stars - Highly regarded small car that cuts the mustard in all areas. A keeper. Pay between $6000-$22,000.
Ford Focus - 2007-12 - 3 stars - Dodgy DSG auto ruins what is an otherwise thoroughly good car. Pay between $4000-$23,000
Coming up
Do you own or have you owned a Honda Civic? Share your experience with other Carsguide readers by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or write to Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW 2010.
Pricing Guides
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