2007 Suzuki Sx4

2007 SUZUKI SX4

The SX4 is a new Suzuki that replaces the Aerio hatchback. The new recruit has more conventional lines but keeps its rear hatch. It is 2 cm longer in the wheelbase, 10 cm shorter overall, and slightly wider and taller than the Aerio. The SX4 is available as a front-wheel drive, or with a driver-controlled all-wheel-drive system that offers three different modes: front-wheel drive, automatic, and lock.

Interior and cargo area

Since the SX4 is a bit higher than average, access is easy. The front seats are comfortable, thanks to the relatively high seatbacks. There is no adjustable lumbar support. The driving position would be better if there were more room for the left leg. The big wheel well is the problem, and it could have been alleviated somewhat by a telescoping steering column.

The rear door openings are a bit narrow, making it more difficult to get in and out. The relatively high bench is comfortable for two adults. The cushion and seatback are split 60/40. The seatback folds down on the cushion to create a surface that is about 20 cm higher than the trunk floor. The entire seatback and cushion also lift and attach to the headrest in front of the seat to obtain a surface almost as flat as the floor of the trunk.

The cargo area is roomy, with a flat floor. The hatch opens wide, and liftover is good.

Photo: Suzuki

Convenience and safety

The cabin is well finished in good-quality materials. Road and engine noise are insufficiently soundproofed. Without a roomy centre console, total storage space is rather restricted.

Instruments and controls are well laid out. Only the power window control on the driver’s side is lighted at night. The two big buttons that control the radio are too thin. The heating system is relatively quick and supplies plenty of warmth. However, the fan is noisy from second speed on. The turn signals are barely audible.

The rear window wiper is noteworthy in that it has both intermittent and continuous cycles, which is unusual in this category of vehicle. The SX4 is equipped with a trip computer that we would gladly swap for a cruise control, available only on the JLX version (the most expensive). The roof-mounted antenna can get in the way of cargo.

The front roof pillars are much higher than the windshield. They accumulate snow, which can force the wiper motor and reduce the scope of the wipers.

Safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and five head restraints. Visibility is good, but the double A-pillar is wide and creates blind zones in spite of the small triangular window it frames on each side. The headlights are lacking in brightness and scope. The top of the dashboard reflects off the windshield.

Engine and transmission

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 143 horsepower and 136 pound- feet of torque, providing lively performance. Acceleration and pickup are almost instantaneous, provided you select the right gear for pickup. There is ample torque for smooth driving, since you can accelerate in third gear at 1,000 rpm with no complaints from the engine. At highway speeds, however, the engine is noisy.

The manual five-speed transmission shifts a bit stiffly, especially to fifth gear, which also runs the engine at least 500 rpm too high. The clutch is relatively progressive.

On the road

Thanks to a fine blend of suppleness and firmness, the suspension provides a very smooth ride on all types of pavement. At most, some bumps will elicit a firm reaction. Road holding is a pleasant surprise, with more grip than average for vehicles in this category, and the SX4 has a sturdy feel.

The power steering is well weighted, steady, precise and relatively quick. It sends back a bit of road feel, and has a short turning circle. The brakes are reasonably powerful, with good fade resistance after several emergency stops.

At a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, the SX4 proved to be well assembled, with a relatively sturdy platform that is well protected against corrosion.

Conclusion

The SX4 is an unpretentious vehicle that turns in competent performance. It is more harmonious than the Aerio it replaces. Noteworthy features include pleasant road comportment, comfortable front seats, a well-adapted engine with the manual transmission, and the versatility of a hatchback in two- or four-wheel drive versions.

PROS: comfortable front seats, smooth ride, road holding, good standard equipment, well-adapted engine, roominess

CONS: perfectible soundproofing, reflections in windshield from top of dash, inaudible turn signals, blind zones from the double A-pillars, insufficient storage, weak headlights

SUZUKI SX4 2007

Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Horsepower: 143 hp at 5,800 rpm Torque: 136 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc (disc/drum: base version) Wheelbase: 250 cm Length: 411.5 to 416.3 cm Width: 173 to 175.5 cm Height: 157.5 to 160.5 cm Weight: 1,200 to 1,305 kg Tires: P195/65R15; P205/60R16 Maximum towing capacity: forbidden Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags

Fuel consumption with 2-wheel drive and manual transmission: Transport Canada rating: City 9.2 L/100 km (30 mpg) Highway 6.9 L/100 km (41 mpg) Test result: 8.8 L/100 km (31 mpg) Test temperature: 00C to 100C

Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres (4X4: 45 litres)

Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline

Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 9.7 seconds 60–100 km/h: 6.5 seconds

Competition: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, Pontiac Wave, Toyota Yaris

Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 1.5 years/60,000 km Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $786 Front brake disc: $88 Brake pads: $87 Muffler: $209 Front fender: $175

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $734 to $927

Price according to trim level: SX4: $15,995 SX4 JX: $18,195 SX4 JLX: $21,495

Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,100 Air conditioning: $1,000 (SX4) AWD: $1,800 (SX4 JX)

Price as tested: $16,995

Freight and preparation: $1,095

Dealers: Quebec: 38 Canada: 86