many thanks - I'll be positive going into the viewing now.

It is the newer shape (not the newest) and is the front wheel drive.

I wanted a car with all the gizmo's and from what I have found the SZ5 comes with cruise control, leather seats, heated front seats, pano roof, reverse camera, front and rear sensors. It's quite surprising to find all that in what isn't known as a premium make or model.

I'm hoping to get over 40 MPG in what will be mostly local driving.

Does the 1.6 petrol have a turbo and is it a 3 or 4 cylinder engine?

I have the 2015 CvT Allgrip version now with 21k miles from new. It hasn’t missed a beat so far. Even with the CVT I get 42mpg no matter how I drive it. The trim is well screwed together and showing no signs of wear anywhere. Can be made to move rapidly if desired with excellent handling and road holding. Very comfortable on long trips and all the gizmos you need. Great value for money compared to other marques of similar size.

That isn't the same as the type the OP is refering to, the one which was a joint project with Fiat. Yours was what came after, since then itself heavily facelifted, but still more or less the same underneath. And i'd expect the CVT to provide decent economy as that is what they are designed to do, always be at optimum revs for economy (unless pushing on).

Ah, yes, that would mean it is the same as coopshere's one. I believe it to be the same engine, but even if it isn't, the newer car has an equally enviable reputation for reliablity. Also has a much bigger boot!.

Edited by badbusdriver on 15/05/2018 at 21:09

SWMBO's 09 SX4 has been completely reliable - absolutely nothing has gone wrong, the 1.6 petrol is a bit noisy (not much sound insulation) but the much revised 2010 onwards 1.6 petrol has much more grunt and is more refined and efficient. There's absolutely nothing to worry about with these cars - you'd have to be very unlucky to hit a mechanical issue. The 1.6 petrol is a conventional normally aspirated engine, the only thing with Suzukis is paint quality - invest in a decent car wax or equivalent protective paintwork treatment and you should be fine.

Yes there are plenty of cars which better the SX4 in terms of creature-comforts, interior plushness and fuel efficiency - but - few match their dependability - they are also great fun to drive, surprisingly good handling. With basic servicing these things just run and run.

'Ere indoor's 2WD is fitted with Firestone Multiseason tyres and was unstoppable in the recent snow - not through lack of trying, I sought out hilly untreated roads to test its mettle and didn't suffer a single hiccup.