Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) At A Glance
Reasonably spacious five-seater with a decent boot, strong and economical diesel, tidy handling in 4WD.
The boot has a high loading lip, originally you could not get a diesel with four-wheel drive but from 2008 you could.
'Cute and Chunky' seems to sell cars, particularly to women. Now that Toyota has abandoned the short wheelbase RAV-4, Suzuki has come up with a new 3-door Vitara with very similar looks. And, in collaboration with FIAT, also presents us with this cute and chunky 5-door hatchback called the SX4, built in Esztergom, Hungary.
It's likely to succeed whereas others like the Rover Streetwise failed because as well as having urban warrior looks, it's also available with four wheel drive so has the kit to act the part should the occasion arise. However, to make sure it gets a bite at every faction of the its niche market, you can also have it as a plain two wheel drive, as a two wheel drive automatic, and as quite a powerful, yet economical diesel. Not all at the same time, though, as the two permutations you cannot have are a diesel automatic or a four wheel drive automatic.
Reviews for Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 DDiS to 2.0 DDiS 4x4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 29–64 mpg
We took the 4-Grip diesel out first. It was a bit gruff if you pushed it through the gears (same engine as the Vauxhall Zafira recently tested) and ran out of useful revs at 4,000rpm. But it was decently high geared with 4th, 5th and 6th all fairly close together and 6th delivering a relaxed 100mph cruise at 3,000rpm. Push it into the corners with 2WD selected (for economy) and you feel the weight of the iron block engine at the front. But pop it into ‘Auto' and the sensors bring in the rear axle when understeer is detected at the front and it handles much more tidily. For really rough going you can also lock the centre diff so drive is permanently delivered to both axles, but you would never normally do this on the road except in deep snow.
In direct contrast, the 1.6 petrol 4-Grip we tried was far less refined. The engine seemed to pass through an unpleasant boom period at 5,000rpm before it smoothed out again, finally hitting the limiter at 6,750rpm. This was not a universal trait as other drivers on the launch actually preferred ‘their' petrol models to the diesels they had tried. However, 1.6 manuals only have 5 speeds and are geared to deliver just 20mph per 1,000rpm which would have made 100mph very boomy indeed had we ventured as fast.
We left the launch in confusion. Fiat is offering the same car badged at the Sedici, but with greater emphasis on the diesel. Yet we were told Suzuki favoured the 1.6 and had not even made a decision about importing the four-wheel drive diesel. Prices, we were told, would be between around £10,000 and around £13,750, but the dealers had to be told before we would be and we could expect to hear on 22nd March.
That didn't happen. Nor did it happen on 23rd or 24th March, despite requests. So I'm posting this road test not knowing what the final price will be, but hoping the reason for the delay is that Suzuki is having a re-think about its UK range. If I was the boss I'd offer the front-drive 1.6 auto and the four wheels drive diesel, and hold the rest back. I wouldn't try anything else unless the market asked for it.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 38–46 mpg | 10.7–12.3 s | 141–175 g/km |
| 1.6 4x4 | 41–44 mpg | 11.5 s | 143–149 g/km |
| 1.6 Automatic | 42 mpg | 12.3 s | 155 g/km |
| 1.6 DDiS | 53–58 mpg | 12.2 s | 129–139 g/km |
| 1.9 DDiS | 45 mpg | 10.6 s | 166 g/km |
| 1.9 DDiS 4Grip | 44 mpg | 11.2 s | 174 g/km |
| 2.0 DDiS 4x4 | 53 mpg | 11.2 s | 139 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
98%
Real MPG
29–64 mpg
MPGs submitted
220
Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 270–1045 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4135–4235 mm |
| Width | 1755 mm |
| Height | 1605–1620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm |
Though the car looks quite small (about the size of a Citroen C3) it's actually a reasonable 5-seater with plenty of headroom for the centre back and enough width to accommodate three pairs of adult hips. The boot is a decent size, too, and the back seats tumble forwards 60/40 to leave a flat floor, though the rear sill is quite high to give the car structural strength and won't take a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
It's easy to get comfortable in the higher than normal driver's seat and visibility is good, aided by large quarterlights in the A pillars and big, van-like door mirrors.
Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4135–4235 mm |
| Width | 1755 mm |
| Height | 1605–1620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1140–1400 kg |
| Boot Space | 270–1045 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £10,489–£17,699 |
| Insurance Groups | 16–20 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–H |
| Official MPG | 38.2–57.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until May 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 SZ3 5dr | £10,489 | 41.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 SZ3 120 5dr | £12,595 | 45.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 SZ5 120 4X4 5dr | £15,899 | 43.5 mpg | 11.5 s |
On sale until July 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 SZ3 5dr | £12,595 | 45.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 SZ4 5dr | £13,599 | 45.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 SZ4 Auto 5dr | £14,799 | 42.2 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.6 SZ5 4x4 5dr | £15,899 | 43.5 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 2.0 SZ5 DDiS 4x4 5dr | £17,699 | 53.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
On sale until July 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 SZ4 DDiS 5dr | £13,210 | 57.6 mpg | 12.2 s |
On sale until December 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 DDiS SZ4 5dr | £13,070 | 53.3 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.6 GLX 4x4 5dr | £14,095 | 40.9 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 1.6 SZ3 5dr | £11,640 | 41.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 SZ4 5dr | £12,255 | 41.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 SZ4 5dr Auto | £12,255 | - | - |
On sale until October 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 DDiS GLX 5dr | £12,795 | 53.3 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.6 GL 5dr | £11,395 | 41.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 GLX 5dr | £11,995 | 41.5 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 1.6 GLX 5dr Auto | £12,995 | 38.2 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.9 DDIS 4Grip 5dr | £15,395 | 44.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
On sale until April 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 DDiS GLX 5dr | £12,815 | 44.8 mpg | 10.6 s |
Model History
- December 2005: SX4 revealed
- June 2006: Prices announced
- January 2009
- May 2010
- August 2010
- September 2010
- July 2011
- July 2014
December 2005
SX4 revealed
Built at the Magyar Suzuki factory in Hungary from December 2005 and also sold as the Fiat Sedici. 4,140mm long x 1755mm wide x 1620mm high and 4,100mm x 1,730mm x 1,565mm.
1.5L has 99bhp and 133NM torque, 1.6L VVT has 107bhp and 145NM torque, 1.9DDiS has 120bhp and 280Nm torque. 6-speed transmission. Switchanbe 3-mode four wheel drive: 2WD, 4WD aut and 4WD locked. Big 625 litre boot.
June 2006
Prices announced
SX4 1.6 GL 5-speed manual £9,999 IG6D
SX4 1.6 GLX 5-speed manual £10,999 IG6D
SX4 1.6 GLX automatic £11,849 IG6D
SX4 1.6 GLX 4GRIP 5-speed manual £12,999 IG6D
SX4 1.9 DDiS 6-speed manual £12,799 IG7D
SX4 1.9 DDiS 4GRIP 6-speed manual (About £13,750)
22-11-2007:1.6 DDiS engine added Complements existing 120 PS 1.9 DDiS diesel and its 90PS output and 215Nm of torque ensure lively, flexible performance characteristics matched by strong fuel economy. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and driving through the front wheels, the combined cycle figure is 53.3 mpg and CO2 emissions are 139 g/km, yet the latest SX4 clocks up 0-62 mph in 12.2 seconds and has a potential top speed of 109 mph.
Equipment levels are similar to the SX4 1.6 GL but add manual air conditioning, heated door mirrors, 16 inch alloys, roof rails, front fogs and wheelarch extensions. On-the-road price is £11,999 and, in common with petrol-engined models, the new model qualifies for a 6D insurance grouping. Two wheel drive only.
January 2009
The following On The Road (OTR) prices will apply to the Suzuki automobiles range as of 12 January, 2009.
1.6 GL 5 Door MT (Air-Con and Body Kit) £10,600.00
1.6 GLX 5 Door MT £11,100.00
1.6 GLX 5 Door AT £12,060.00
1.6 GLX 5 Door 4 Grip MT £12,750.00
1.6 DDiS MT £11,800.00
1.9 DDiS 4WD MT £14,500.00
Revisions to 1.6-litre petrol engine for 2010 include Variable Valve Timing system for greater torque flexibility, more power and improvements to fuel economy and emissions.
New Euro Five 2.0-DDiS engine for SX4 4x4 replaces 1.9 DDiS unit now with 18 per cent lower emissions and higher maximum torque; available from just 1,500rpm.12 per cent improvement in fuel economy for the new diesel engine 51.3mpg combined.
May 2010
Limited edition of 500 SX4 Aerio, which offers an alternative Urban look and more sporting appearance to the recently introduced SZ cross-over range. The Aerio has front, side and rear under spoilers in lieu of black body trim and front and rear skid plates and completes its sporting stance with a roof spoiler, rear privacy glass and deletion of roof rails.
One additional feature for the interior is a luggage area board cover which allows for extra secure storage underneath as well as offering a totally flat luggage compartment floor when the seats are folded. SX4 Aerio is priced at £12,495 and is based on the SZ4 1.6-litre petrol model with manual transmission only. Emissions are 143g/km with combined fuel consumption of 45.6mpg.
August 2010
New SZ5 4x4 model on sale with either 1.6-litre VVT petrol or 2.0-litre DDiS engines. New Euro 5 compliant 2.0-litre DDiS has power output of 135PS, 320Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm and achieves 51.4mpg on the combined fuel consumption cycle. ‘SZ’ Grading structure in line with other Suzuki models; SZ3, SZ4 and SZ5. 4x4 has intelligent all-wheel drive technology with three modes – 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock. SX4 on-the-road prices from £11,750
Suzuki’s SX4 is a distinctive five-door hatchback that blends the characteristics of sporty compacts exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara, to create an exciting small car alternative.
The UK line-up now offers three ‘SZ’ grades and two engine options – one diesel and one petrol. The 120PS 1.6-litre VVT petrol engine is available in either SZ3 or SZ4 2WD (front-wheel drive) specification or as a 4x4 SZ5 model with selectable/automatic four-wheel drive. The latest 2.0-litre DDiS 4x4 is available as an SZ5. Pricing for the SX4 range is now as follows:
| Model | Price OTR | Insurance Group |
| 1.6 SZ3 5-speed manual | £11,750 | 6 |
| 1.6 SZ4 5-speed manual | £12,395 | 6 |
| 1.6 SZ4 automatic transmission | £13,420 | 6 |
| 1.6 Aerio Special Edition | £12,495 | 6 |
| 1.6 SZ5 4x4 5-speed manual | £14,235 | 6 |
| 2.0 SZ5 DDiS 4x4 6-speed manual | £15,995 | 7 |
September 2010
Special Edition SX4 SZ-L available for £13,145. Unique Gunmetal coloured roof rails, front grille, alloy wheels and front and rear skid plates. For the interior a new style Alcantara trim in light grey is included plus a three spoke leather steering wheel with Gunmetal stitch detailing and six disc in dash CD changer. SZ-L is based on the SZ4 grade and is available in two wheel drive format with 120PS 1.6-litre petrol engine and manual transmission only. Two colours, Silky Silver Pearl and Cosmic Black.
July 2011
Suzuki launched its latest Special Edition SX4 model, X-EC, which goes on sale in July 2011. The X-EC is based on the popular SZ4 grade and competitively priced at £13,430 which includes metallic paint; it is available in two wheel drive format with 120PS 1.6-litre petrol engine and manual transmission only.
The new model offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment including colour satellite navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity; USB Port, unique design alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors with built in turn signal lamps, rear privacy glass and a new design seat fabric.
SX4 is a distinctive five-door hatchback that blends the characteristics of sporty compacts exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara, to create an exciting small car alternative.
The Euro 5 emissions 1.6-litre petrol engine features variable valve timing with variable intake system for enhanced driveability and response. It powers the SX4 2WD with manual transmission from nought to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds. In combined cycle driving, the 2WD manual models return 45.6mpg with emissions of 141g/km. X-EC is available in three metallic colours; Galactic Grey, Cosmic Black Pearl and Cool White Pearl.
July 2014
Warranty Direct claims records show the 2006 - 2014 Suzuki SX4 to be the most reliable used SUV/'Crossover' out of manufacturer warranty.
What to watch out for
Problems reported with manual transmissions.
Same 'limp home' problem with 1.9 diesel as Alfas, Vauxhalls and SAABs fitted with this engine if used for short runs from cold or it it spends too much time idling in traffic. The EGR valve and swirl chamber can clog and the particulate filter will not self-clean unless the engine gets hot enough.
Alternators of 1.9 diesels fail regularly.
On 1.9 diesels inlet manifold swirl flap failures becoming quite a common problem by September 2009, on top of all the other 1.9 diesel problems.
1.9 diesels can be delightful to drive, but give a lot of problems:
Failed inlet manifold swirl flaps (and the flaps can beak and be ingested by the engine).
Failed EGRs.
Choked DPFs.
Failed timing belts, often because the waterpump seized. Belt, tensioner, pulleys and waterpump need replacving every 40,000 miles. More info about 1.9CDTI timing belt failures here: 1.9CDTI Timing Belt Failures
Failed oil pumps.
Failed dual mass flywheels.
Failed turbos.
Roofs are not electro galvinized so an untreated stone chip at the front edge aboove the screen can quickly rust.
10-10-2013:A replacement DPF for the identical FIAT Sedici diesel costs a jaw dropping £3,287.55 + vat, as quoted by Arnold Clark, October 2013. All 1.9 diesels had DPFs from 2006.
15-04-2014:Turbos of 2010 SX4 diesel failed three times in succession, probably because oil feed pipe had not also been replaced.
13-08-2014:Seems that some SX4 1.6s have a hydraulic damper in the clutch line between master cylinder and slave cylinder and failure of this affects the operation of the clutch.
20-08-2014:Rattle developed after 63,400 mile oil change on 2011 Suzuki SX4 1.6. Suspect timing chain tensioner.
19-06-2015:On 2013 Suzuki SX4, rear dampers first failed at 12 months old, then again at 21 months old. Both times replaced under warranty, but raises questions of quality of rear dampers, apparently made by same people as for the S-Cross.
26-01-2016:Intermittent starting problem reported with Suzuki SX4 keyless ignition (engine unspecified).
18-09-2017:Both coil spring failures reported on 2011 Suzuki SX4 at 21,000 miles in September 2015. Then, again, in September 2017 at 28,629 miles another front coil spring was found to have snapped.
08-05-2018:Report of right spring failure in a 2008 Suzuki SX4 at 46,000 miles.
