Suzuki SX4 Estate 2006 - Present

Suzuki’s SX4 fills a small gap between their big off roader, the Grand Vitara and their small hatch, the Swift.  It’s more of a pretender than a serious off roader, but does have a good four-wheel drive model, and with chunky styling, does look like it’s a competent off roader.  There are actually two different body styles on offer, an off road style and a more restrained road going model.  The SX4 was developed in collaboration with Fiat, who provided the diesel unit and have a near identical model, called the Sedici.

The SX4 has a very pleasing shape, whichever trim you go for.  On the inside the Suzuki offers good seating and room in the front, but isn’t quite to generous in the rear.  Head and foot room is good but the cabin scrimps a little on shoulder room, which means that you can only get two adults on the back unless to want to sit like the front row of a rugby scrum.  The ride is very good with the suspension able to take what the roads throw up at it, while still retaining good manners on the road.  The inside of the cabin is nicely finished, with good quality materials used throughout.  Controls are natural and operate without any fuss, all feeling robust and sturdy too.  The boot is a good size and with seats that fold flat the load space is extremely versatile.  GLX and 4GRIP models have roof bars too.

Driving the SX4 is a tale of simplicity and unflustered progress.  The controls are all feather light and responsive, the petrol engine is lively without offering any drastic level of performance; diesel units are gutsier and pull well through their rev ranges. The petrol unit is a 1.6L normally aspirated engine.  It can go from standstill to 100 kmh (62mph), in 10.4 seconds, although feels a bit more lively than the figures suggest.  The two diesel engines are supplied by Fiat (1.9L) and Peugeot (1.6L).  The bigger engine is really the pick of the bunch with a top speed of 118 mph and sprint time of 10.3 seconds.  The 1.6 is a bit more pedestrian with 0 – 60 in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 109 mph.  It has the best fuel efficiency though with 53 mpg.  Also has VED band C and good emissions figures.  The bigger diesel returns 44 mpg and the petrol unit 37 – 41 mpg depending on the model, so all pretty good.

The SX4 offers dependable, comfortable motoring.  Reliability reports are good at this point and with all models in groups six and seven insurance they should all be pretty cheap to run.  There’s nothing that’s going to set your world alight but if you’re looking for cheap comfortable miles, this may be right up your street. 

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