Tell me what you find wrong with the new Suzuki SX4 and I'll tell you who you are. You are a snob. Because the SX4 is a rare car, which is almost nothing to reproach. At least within its price and size class
The manufacturing company positions it as a travel car. Here it is just right to smile: how far will you go with a 430-liter trunk? How much will you take with you? But reasonable objections immediately arise. First, once people traveled in cars with much smaller trunks - and nothing, they were quite happy. Secondly, the main thing is to correctly position the model. Today, the buyer is not thinking about what he will go on vacation to the sea, but the seller orients him. Do some sedans have bigger trunks? Yes, but these cars are positioned for business, not for vacation trips, so they are out of the question. What about pickups? Also not in the cashier: these are small trucks with the appropriate driving characteristics. And why do you need to carry a cubic meter of air with you every day? Whether it's a compact crossover. On weekdays, he will take you to the office, on weekends - to a shopping and entertainment center, during "holidays" - to the sights of the country or places of rest in the warm south. Or in the north, west, east - whoever prefers where.
Novelty in retro style
In fact, 430 liters of luggage space is not so little. Here is the first SX4, presented in Geneva in 2006, was really small. Apparently, the Italian “love” for minimalism had an effect, because the Japanese model was designed with the participation of FIAT specialists and the ItalDesign studio. And part of the cars left the Hungarian conveyor with the Italian name FIAT Sedici.
Initially, it was assumed that the model would be intended only for Europe. But today it is sold on all continents, and this also suggests that if it has any very separate shortcomings, then their advantages outweigh them. Don't like a small trunk? It will be big for you - in 2007, the SX4 Sport sedan was presented in New York. I don’t know how, but in the fall of 2006, I saw this sedan at the Beijing Auto Show. And in 2013, in Geneva, I got to the first show of the second generation Suzuki SX4, not only prettier than the previous one, but also more practical. The restyling, carried out in 2016, almost did not change the appearance of the model, only a powerful chrome-plated false radiator grille was added, giving the car a light retro style and “referencing” it to the Jeep models of the end of the last century. The headlights and taillights have changed, LEDs have appeared in the “optics”. That, in fact, is all.
Inside, there are even fewer changes. The most noticeable innovation distinguishes the "senior" configurations - this is a new seven-inch touch screen in the center of the dashboard. Around it is an insert made of piano lacquer plastic. This plastic is hard, but there are many elements of softer materials around. They didn't exist before.
Dashboard, which remained unchanged, for some reason reminded me ... the Subaru Outback model. In general, SX4 looks like something from many angles. Take a look at its general outline - it's practically the twin brother of the first generation Qashqai! And the taillights are similar to this model. And there are similarities with the Renault Sandero Stepway and LADA XRay. It is in the "double bottom" of the trunk, an additional shelf, the space under which has the same height - 10 cm. It's a suspiciously exact match.
But at the same time, how well the parts of the back of the rear sofa fold! The useful volume for the luggage of a couple of travelers is 1269 liters. The floor, the length of which, according to our measurements, increases to 160 cm (the skis in the photo have such a length), comes out almost even. A minus can be considered, perhaps, a spare tire. But look how well the set of driver's tools is "fitted" into it. Nothing dangles in the trunk and is not fixed in plain sight, as if hastily, this often happens.
The rear sofa is relatively flat, its width is 134 cm (between the armrests on the doors). There is enough height above the head for tall people, but there is not enough space for their knees - only 28 cm (this is if I am driving). The opening between the angle of the maximum open rear door and the sofa cushion is also relatively small - 29 cm. At the same time, we accidentally discovered that the backrest is adjustable in tilt! However, at the choice of passengers, it is fixed in only two positions, which are practically indistinguishable from each other.
The SX4 is superior to the Vitara in almost all dimensions, including trunk volume (430 liters versus 375 liters). The two models share the same engines and transmissions, and similarly, the 1.4-liter 140-horsepower turbo versions only have an automatic, while the 1.6-liter 117-horsepower machines are available with a "mechanics". In the Russian market, the new Suzuki SX4 is offered in two trim levels: GL (1,179,000 - 1,329,000 rubles) and GLX (1,409,000 - 1,619,000 rubles). For comparison, the price of the Vitara model is from 1,099,000 rubles to 1,619,000 rubles.
A transmission tunnel is visible at the feet of the passengers. It is not without reason that the letters “X” and “4” are present in the model index - it can have all-wheel drive. And this mechanism deserves attention here, because it is AllGrip, the same as on the new Vitara, which we tested a year ago in real combat conditions - in a sand pit. She behaved perfectly, so you can confidently expect similar off-road successes from the “junior” model of the company.
"Junior"? And why, exactly? It used to be a baby SX4, and Vitara (then Grand Vitara) had powerful off-road weapons, including even a “lower gear”. But now the two models are very close in size, and in terms of “arms” they are also brothers (rather sisters). It is even surprising why the company created such internal competition. If I faced a choice between these two cars, my eyes would simply run wide. The new Vitara, in my opinion, is prettier in appearance (especially in a two-tone body design), but the SX4, although standard in appearance, is not repulsive. And its interior looks even more modern than that of its rival. And the equipment is the same. So that…
More about the salon. I noted for myself that in the test version of the SX4, the fabric seat upholstery is very soft. On such quickly scuffs are formed. While they are not noticeable, but I'm afraid they will not keep you waiting. And any rubbish is attached to this fabric surprisingly persistently. This is especially noticeable to me, as the owner of a white dog. She did not drive this car, but her lint through my clothes and things migrated to the dark seats and constantly caught my eye. In such a case, a car vacuum cleaner will become your constant companion.
In general, you are placed behind the wheel without the slightest problem. Both the driver and passenger seats are adjustable in height, and the width of the front cabin is 138 cm. Some of the journalists who tested the new SX4 complained about insufficient lumbar support (there is no adjustment). For me - yes and let her not. The chair is already comfortable, the back did not ache even after a five-hour drive.
Devices - the standard of readability. The blue color of the scales "breaks away" a little from the red illumination of the symbols on the buttons and keys, but this is not critical. As well as, in fact, the red backlight. I myself would prefer white, bluish, greenish, but in this case I put up with red. Because I really liked that almost everything is highlighted here, including the symbols on the steering wheel paddles for manual gear selection. The display of the on-board computer is monochrome, perhaps not too rich in functionality, and the button for changing screens is old-fashioned, placed on the “tidy”. But at the same time, it is located in such a way that it is not necessary to put your whole hand behind the wheel on the go.
The test car did not have a rich multimedia system with a touch screen. "Wealth" had to be extracted in the full sense of the word from a simple-looking "radio". In fact, all control is brought to the right rotary control, with its help you operate with music files on a flash drive, and set up a connection mobile phone via Bluetooth. Once set up, the connection is established automatically and it is convenient to answer incoming calls using the steering wheel buttons (they all also light up in the dark). You can also adjust the sound of the audio system using the equalizer, but I would not use it if I were you. You definitely can’t add bass: it makes the trim panels vibrate, moreover, very strongly and especially somewhere in the back.
I think after such a description you will say that the first snob is me. Not really. All the negative points that I have named can be considered mere trifles (even the sound of music). In general, the Suzuki SX4 makes a very positive impression, it is all kind of cozy, comfortable and attractive. It seems that he really peeped a lot from competitors, but shuffled somehow in his own way and does not look like someone's one hundred percent copy. Maybe a relatively average appearance was given to him so that he would not be too actively discouraged by buyers from the new Vitara, which, in my opinion, is much more “old school” inside?
Smell the gasoline
Is the SX4 finicky on fuel? I do not think. In any case, during the almost 1000-kilometer test, he did not express any claims to Russian 95th gasoline.
In our market, there is also a 1.4-liter 140-horsepower K14C Boosterjet gasoline turbo engine, the same as on the Vitara. Only the six-band Aisin automatic is available with it. And with a 120-horsepower unit, a five-speed “mechanics” is also possible. We tested the "automatic" version with front-wheel drive.
And again, a coincidence: there is a motor of similar parameters in the Nissan range ... As in the case with it, you should not expect special dynamics from the SX4. In urban conditions, he is not a sprinter at all, acceleration to “hundreds” takes, according to official technical specifications, 13 p. Not too fast. The manual mode of the box, although it helps to accelerate more actively, but to a small extent. You can also select gears using the paddles in D mode, but the selected stage will be fixed for a short time, for a matter of seconds. Then the box will switch to the gear that it considers more optimal for movement.
When accelerating in M mode, don't count too much on automation either. According to my feelings, the downshift does not occur upon reaching the red speed zone, but earlier, that is, the box makes a kickdown in both M and D. You wanted to know, for example, how long it takes to accelerate from 60 to 80 km / h in fourth gear, drowned the “gas” pedal to the floor, but the third one immediately jumped out on the tidy. Approximately, this increase in speed takes 4-5 s.
Up to 3000 rpm, the engine is almost inaudible, but then it starts to growl like a Suzuki Bandit motorcycle wound up in a metal garage. This gives the rider more excitement, especially if he notices that the power and torque of the 1.6-liter engine is more noticeable at the top. According to my observations, pickup increases somewhere around 4000 rpm. With a quiet movement, the machine changes the gear to an increased one at about 2500 rpm, with a more intense one - at the level of 3000-3200 rpm, with active - at around 4000-4200 rpm.
Actually, there is nothing special in the “activity” of the units of the updated SX4. The engines and transmissions of other crossovers that are similar in size, power and price work in much the same way. But what attracts attention is the economy of the model from Suzuki. I happened to overcome about 400 kilometers along the highway in a day (or rather, night), when the first snowfalls hit Moscow and the Moscow region. Road cleaners did not have time to work everywhere, and the speed had to be chosen, as they say, according to weather conditions. Accelerating in snowy areas to a maximum of 90 km / h, and in cleared areas up to 110, I found that at the end of the road, the average gas mileage was only 6.7 liters per 100 km. We had to drive in the opposite direction in better weather, and the speed reached 130-140 km/h. Plus, I used the cruise control system for a while. How much do you think the cost has increased? It's hard to believe, but only ... by 0.1 liters.
Here is another example from this test. The SX4 arrived at its final destination with 50 km of fuel remaining. Rearranging the car around the yard and idling for a long time during the photo shoot reduced the distance to 30 km. The nearest gas station is 15 km away, therefore, having advanced in its direction, I decided not to rush and move in the most economical mode. Here it is 80 km / h, the instantaneous consumption is reduced to 5 liters per 100 km. However… the potential mileage suddenly began to actively increase. First, up to 33, then 36 kilometers, then the numbers “40” and even “50” appeared. I set as my goal a more distant and profitable refueling and decided to watch the flow meter: how many kilometers will it give me more? He gave only 1 kilometer, after which he stopped tracking the mileage - dashes appeared on the display instead of numbers. This means that gasoline is left for 50 km.
Later it turned out that the SX4 consumes more fuel when parked with the engine running than when driving. But at the same time, he is “disingenuous”: there is more gasoline left than the on-board computer reports. Perhaps this is done on purpose so that the driver does not burn fuel in vain and, in addition, does not pollute the environment.
How's the cruise going? Yes, in general, also standard. At a fixed speed of 90 km / h, the engine speed does not exceed the “1800” mark, and the instantaneous fuel consumption seems to fit into the “five”. This is called "sniffing gasoline".
The system control buttons are placed on the right spoke of the steering wheel, and the logic of use is intuitive. By the way, there is also a separate speed limiter. When you press the "+" or "-" buttons, the system adds or removes 1 km / h. But once a strange mistake happened: when I tried to increase the speed, the car did not react to my actions for a while, and then suddenly accelerated by an additional 10 km / h with a jerk. I had to flinch. True, this failure was the only one for the entire trip and, I'm sure, accidental.
But what will surely annoy you is the default function of double unlocking the doors. When they are unlocked from the key fob, only the driver's door will be unlocked at first, and only after pressing it again, all the others. However, this function can be reprogrammed and the unlocking of all doors can be fixed by pressing the central locking button once.
"Russification" is required
The mono-drive version of the Suzuki SX4 has a standard “set” of suspensions for a crossover of this class: MacPherson strut in front, a semi-independent torsion beam in the back. Everything is simple. But handling leaves a good impression. The car handles well and doesn't lean too much in sharp turns. The steering wheel makes about 2.7 turns from lock to lock. The mechanism uses an electric amplifier, and when turning the steering wheel, you can catch a barely noticeable discreteness. But it does not spoil the feeling, not at all. There are models in which this discreteness is much more noticeable.
1.6 liter M16A petrol engine with 117 hp. With. produced since 2001, but has recently undergone significant modernization. Many of its parts were lightened (for example, the crankshaft, the connecting rod and piston group, the exhaust system), the stiffness of the valve mechanism springs became less. All this, of course, contributes to fuel efficiency. Peak torque of 156 Nm the motor develops at 4400 rpm. From standstill to 100 km / h Suzuki SX4 with this engine accelerates in 12.4 seconds and is able to reach a top speed of 170 km / h. The option with a 1.4-liter 140-horsepower turbo engine is gaining “hundred” 2 seconds faster, and its maximum speed 200 km/h
Banks are small, but the suspension can not be called rigid. She's just thick. On large bumps (and speed bumps) it shakes a lot, but does not notice minor flaws. Got a broken primer? I do not want to bring down - it turns out harshly. Cargo jumping in the trunk, some panels interior decoration creak (but few). But you can not stand on ceremony with irregularities: the ground clearance, according to the passport, is 180 mm. This is for Russia, and for European versions - 170 mm.
On the primer, in the mud, mixed with the first wet snow, at the slightest touch of the brake pedal, ABS chirps merrily. Perhaps it works a little earlier than we would like, and the brakes themselves too. I would like to wish them a little more tenacity, the lack of which will certainly be more noticeable when the car is loaded.
The stabilization system, according to sensations, is also in no hurry to intervene in the driver's control actions. Or rather, it intervenes in time, but the warning indicator does not light up immediately, although the engine is already “strangled” and there is no acceleration. If necessary, insurance electronics can be turned off, this is a plus.
But to be honest, I didn't want to turn it off. Because the weather conditions during the test were the most combative. On primers - dirt, on the highway every now and then there was either fresh snow that had not been removed, or snow rolled to ice. It was alarming that the car was "shod" in winter tires, but without spikes - the so-called "Velcro". It has been noticed that they are not so willing to stick to the ice. But ABS worked exceptionally well on slippery surfaces.
So how do you think the updated Suzuki SX4 turned out to be suitable for long-distance travel? Yes, I think so. Although there were some drawbacks that attracted attention, they are all small and forgivable. However, under the hood, I would suggest changing something. For example, install a more powerful battery. 40 ampere-hours is not enough for Russian frosts. The accessory drive belt is narrow and thin, which does not speak in favor of its durability. The washer reservoir does not boast of volume, containing only about 2.5 liters of anti-freeze. All manufacturing firms that “Russify” their models install four- or even five-liter tanks specifically for our conditions. Even under the hood of Suzuki, it was noticed that the expansion tank of the engine cooling system “played” a little.
And yet I continue to insist that I am not a snob. Do I find flaws? Yes, but I emphasize that these are rather just features of this car. However, perhaps, I could not find the main feature. So far, I have not defined for myself, so to speak, the “individual” features of Suzuki models. What is their originality, what is the unique "tsimes"? Why should I, when choosing a compact crossover for myself, choose the new SX4, and not a similarly priced and equipped model from another manufacturer? Something bright, original, this "traveler" does not conquer at all. Perhaps the company deliberately blurs its "individuality", trying to adapt as much as possible to the trends of today. At the same time, the originality, originality of cars disappears, but the total amount of points, as they say, accumulates. And it is no coincidence that the initially European model SX4 gained popularity in other continents. I think the updated version will find its buyer in Russia.
The new Suzuki SX4 is so different from the old one that it should have been renamed, anyway, it didn’t work out on the popularity of the old elevated hatch.
The thesis "The economy must be economical - this is the requirement of the time", first voiced in 1981 at the XXVI Congress of the CPSU, every year becomes more relevant throughout the world. Even the largest automakers are trying to minimize costs by introducing single platforms for almost the entire model range.
Gone are the classic Vitara - an SUV with a solid rear axle, real all-wheel drive, with a "lower" and the baby SX4 - an elevated "hatch" with a crossover clutch in the rear wheel drive. Today Vitara and SX4 are essentially the same crossover, but in order to sell it twice, the target audience had to be divided, so the new Vitara, which appeared a little later, got an attractive youth “outfit”, and the SX4 was “dressed” in a deliberately solid body .
The front end with a high bonnet line and an “animal grin” of thick grille bars looks ridiculously heavy along with a sloping roof at the rear and a sloping tailgate line. In addition, the pompous front view is in conflict with the modestly designed
back. However, the odd design is one of the few shortcomings of this crossover, and people have different tastes, someone probably likes it.
SOLID FIVE
The hard plastic of the Suzuki SX4 dashboard looks better than the other “soft touch”, the options are also not spared. Separate climate control, dual-mode heated seats, a grasping “multi-steering wheel” with a full range of functions, followed by neat manual shift paddles in the automatic transmission. Ignition - button, seven-inch screen media system, decent sound. Touch control, it turns out, can also be convenient - to adjust the volume of the radio, just swipe up or down the left edge of the screen, the system supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.The tidy is modest, but perfectly readable, the ergonomics are good, the profile of the fabric seats (no leather options for the SX4 are provided) is successful, the lateral support is well expressed. The steering wheel is adjustable not only in tilt angle, but also in reach, so choosing a comfortable position behind the steering wheel is much easier than in the reference Duster.
Of course, there are minor miscalculations: for example, the transmission mode shift lever constantly slips into “sport” past the “drive”, only the driver’s window has automatic mode, the rear riders have nowhere to charge the phone. In addition, it’s a little crowded in the gallery, the knees do not rest against the backs of the front seats, but the seats are back to back, and the middle passenger will “hug” the central armrest box protruding far back with his legs.
The rear seats fold 60/40, there is no ski hatch, but the backrest angle can be changed. Under the raised floor there is a neat little organizer and a stowaway instead of a full-size spare wheel, and the wheel is covered with an additional partition and completely separated from the main "underfloor". The trunk is small; the minimum volume is 430 liters, but the maximum is only 1269 liters, that is, as much as 300 liters less than that of the same Duster.
All in all, if capacity isn't a buying factor, the new SX4 can be rated very highly for its cabin.
SMALL BUT SMOOTH
The SX4 has two engines in its arsenal: an old 1.6-liter gasoline "atmos-fernik" with a capacity of 117 hp, still from the previous generation, and a fresh Boosterjet - a turbocharged "buzz-pity" with a volume of only 1.4 liters, but with a capacity of 140 hp. With. As it happens in our market, not only with the "Japanese", there are no complete sets with a "senior" motor and "mechanics", a five-speed manual transmission comes only with a modest "aspirated".However, the "automatic" with the same number of gears is very good. The box is ideally combined with the “Boosterjet”, there are no dips in traction, the steps in the “drive” change smoothly, but without delay, in the sport mode the shifts become almost instantaneous, the cabin is quiet and at high speed, the engine is clearly audible only during acceleration. Manual mode paddles are nothing more than a good “toy”, without practical use: anyway, the selected gear does not hold until the “cut-off”.
The torque of the “turbo engine” is 220 Nm, all this thrust is available in the range from 1500 to 4000 rpm, that is, almost from idle. Although acceleration is not amazing - 10.2 seconds to 100 km / h - the Boosterjet "rides" perfectly, there are no problems with fast overtaking.
In the city, the SX4 is very happy with liveliness, but the suspension is too “squeezed”. However, without this, the character of the rossover would not be solid, so you will have to “listen” to too detailed information about minor irregularities and learn to slow down in front of speed bumps. Otherwise, there are no problems - directional stability is maintained even in a rut, transverse rolls are very small. The electric power steering is set up well: there is enough information, and a somewhat artificial effort on the steering wheel does not interfere with enjoying how confidently the crossover “writes an arc” in corners.
GEOMETRY CAN'T BE DECEIVED
Oddly enough, the “petty” nature of the Suzuki SX4 suspension on a moderately broken grader changes for the better - up to 50 km / h it is quite comfortable and quiet enough."Crickets" in the cabin, it seems, do not "live" at all, I have never heard squeaks and vibrations of the panels. True, it is impossible to “yawn” large irregularities - there are not enough suspension moves for gullies, it is easy to grab a “breakdown” or “smash” a long and low front bumper on some kind of bump during compression.
Clearance - only 180 mm, you won't clear up. Despite its short wheelbase (just 2,600mm between wheels), the SX4 is a lousy climber, squandering almost the full potential of its all-wheel-drive system. This is especially offensive, because the system is good! "Smart" all-wheel drive AIIGrip 4WD perfectly imitates wheel locks, works quickly and gently, has several modes. True, there is only one conditionally off-road one - “snow”, but on the other hand, the clutch can be blocked in it, and the torque will be distributed equally along the axes.
Turning off the ESP, I almost crawled into a slippery climb with traction, but in the middle of the hill the road tires did not have enough grip, all four wheels were honestly rowing, but idle - I had to roll back down and look for another trajectory. The ill-fated front bumper did not allow jumping up from acceleration - I did not want to “stick” it into the ground at the lower bend.
Yes, not a lot, but in real life the SX4 is unlikely to meet off-road, but the well-tuned AIIGrip 4WD electronics give you much more chances to get out of the city snow porridge than less “smart” systems.
UNCLEAR POSITION
In the top configuration, the Suzuki SX4 with a “turbo engine” will cost 1,599,000 rubles. For this money you can buy "much more cars." For example, a two-liter gasoline 150-horsepower KIA Sportage with all-wheel drive and a six-speed "automatic" in the Comfort package costs 1,564,900 rubles, and the prices for the ubiquitous Renault Duster do not exceed 1,019,990 rubles. Internal competition is also strong: Suzuki Vitara S with the same 140-horsepower Boosterjet and a six-speed automatic transmission costs 1,585,000 rubles. True, it has even less trunk - from 375 to 1120 liters, but the SX4 is not a truck either. If you approach the choice with soul and heart, and not with a tape measure and a calculator, then the Suzuki SX4 noticeably pales next to the Vitara, whose appearance does not conflict with the driver's character.
We recently returned from a trip to Central Asia, it went along the route: Moscow - Astrakhan - Atyrau - Nukus - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent - Baikonur - Aralsk - Aktyubinsk - Saratov - Moscow. After posting an announcement about our trip, Suzuki offered to go on a Gran Vitara SUV, but later their intentions changed, and we were given the SX-4.
We already took the old SX4 for a test in the fall, and it did not impress me with the impression of a car for such long voyages. In addition, I considered the SX4 as an option when choosing a new car for my dad in 2007. His dream was the Nissan Qashqai, but for him, at that moment there was a wild demand and a queue for a year. Then I turned to Suzuki. Dealers convinced me that the SX4 is the same Qashqai, but smaller. But I didn't really like the car. In addition, there was no all-wheel drive with an automatic, and the internal content was much poorer than that of the Qashqai. In a word, then my relationship with the SX4 did not work out. And then - such news!
I started looking for information on the Internet about the new SX4 - information was scarce. The only thing we managed to glean was that Suzuki finally made all-wheel drive with an automatic, began to put disc brakes back, and changed the valve timing in the engine. I decided to stop by the office and ask all my questions. All servicemen unanimously stated that the car was indestructible, and there were no problems with the engine and transmission. When asked about the new all-wheel drive transmission with an automatic, I was reassured that it was new only for Russia, and it had been supplied to America in this configuration for a long time. It became calmer, but some prejudices remained.
We prepared carefully! I asked the representative of Suzuki to put two full-size spare wheels, since the standard one is equipped with only a dokat, and put the crankcase. In addition, he asked to put the 15th discs and AT tires. The latter was denied as they wanted a stock car to run as standard.
We agreed to pick up the car a day before departure. And so, on April 16 at 10:00 we drove up to Sorge Street. Our car turned out to be a marvelous silver-blue car. Its color made us very happy, because before that, when searching for the color named by the representative, we came across only a meager variety of blue. The representative of Suzuki began a cursory educational program about the car: he spoke about the excellent cross-country ability and endurance, told how the SX4 did not lag behind the Grand Vitara anywhere in the winter cross-country tests.
We began to pack things, prepared very seriously: 3 tubes were bought, 2 kits for repairing tubeless tires, 2 cylinders for tire repair, for stripping tires in the steppe conditions was bought hydraulic jack and chain. In addition, we took sets of keys, mounts, a sledgehammer, an ax, a shovel ... Also, for food in the steppe conditions, we took with us a refrigerator, a gas stove and spare cylinders, in case of windy weather - an American Coleman gasoline stove, an Italian coffee maker and Taiwan teapot. To increase the power reserve, two canisters, 10 and 20 liters, were taken, which were very useful to us during the trip. So, when we expanded it into the SX4, there was a lot of room left! We pulled out the dokatka, and to accommodate two full-size spare wheels, we installed a box-trunk, rented for 180 rubles per day, on the roof, which is equipped with ratchet roof rails. Two spares fit perfectly there, there was room for one bag and any small things.
Departure was scheduled for 4 am. Then it turned out that the SX4 is still smaller than a tram: when they put two large photo backpacks, a refrigerator, two bags and a suitcase into it, it turned out that there was simply no room for one more person, but enough for three.
When everyone loaded and settled, it turned out that the SX4 can also move, and at a decent speed. Yes, and the cabin was quite comfortable. Only this comfort ended after 100 km, as soon as we turned from the M4 to Volgograd.
This road was hard and very uneven. Our car was clearly not ready for such a road. It rocked, the rear suspension was constantly pierced, and this accompanied us almost all the way. Of the 8700 km that we covered, there were no more than 1000 km of roads. (by the road we mean the surface on which the driver determines for himself how fast he should go). The rest were directions! And it was these directions that chose the speed at which we should move. And 500 km was complete off-road, where it was no longer about speed, but about overcoming. Any transverse waves on the road, even seemingly smooth asphalt, but laid on slabs, caused an ever-increasing sway. We tried in vain to fight this swaying by increasing the speed to 130-140, trying to knock down the resonance with acceleration, but the only way to drive on such roads was one: drive no more than 80 km / h. Only in this mode did the SX4 behave adequately. The most annoying thing is that we were overtaken by the ancient "Zhiguli", "Audi" and "Toyota", and at the same time they drove smoothly and did not sway! I think this is the most significant drawback of the SX4.
On the first thousand kilometers towards Vologograd, the consumption was 12.5 liters per 100 km. I think this is due to the fact that the road is narrow, there are a lot of trucks, and, accordingly, a lot of overtaking. And, unfortunately, the four-speed automatic switches to a lower speed even with a slight pressure on the gas, which also leads to increased fuel consumption. But, pleased good review and large rear-view mirrors. At the same time, despite the dense flow of cars and rain, the side windows and mirrors remain clean. From pleasant surprises and pluses, it turned out that SX4 is omnivorous! There is almost no gasoline in Uzbekistan, except for the 80th, and our car ate it perfectly, without any complaints about health.
Another drawback is that there is no on-board computer control from the steering wheel, and it is very inconvenient to reach for two control sticks on the go. The main instruments are clearly visible both day and night, but the radio panel and climate control control are completely invisible during the day, and at night it shines with a red light, which is annoying. I was pleased with the wide range of adjustment of the driver's seat, which allows you to drive for a long time and not get tired. It is not clear why, there is no cruise control and a small tank (40 liters). Good cross-country ability - all-wheel drive, combined with a low gear, made it possible to climb steep hills and overcome impassability. Well, the most striking thing about this car is the fantastic reliability of all components and assemblies. After 8700 km, with, to put it mildly, unkind handling, the car withstood everything ...! And it's a standard machine as standard!
Detailed test results after run:
1. The cabin filter is dirty;
2. Wear on 80% of the front pads;
3. Insignificant, no more than 0.5%, departure of the similarity collapse;
4. Bent crankcase protection. By the way, this is the only one of all the preparations that really helped us out - without crankcase protection when driving on dirt roads with large ruts, we would hardly have saved the crankcase, and, accordingly, returned safely.
5. Regular tires and wheels withstood all the pits and ditches, the wheel was changed only 1 time, and then they caught a nail in Nukus. Since this happened in the city, we did not repair it ourselves, but used the services of a tire service. And it was the only accident with a car for 8700 km!
For those who did not follow our run, I remind you that Suzuki was one of the sponsors, BUT this did not affect the objectivity of the car test.
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In order to distinguish the cars ourselves, we asked to install the ALL GRIP nameplate on the all-wheel drive Suzuki SX4 4WD. And if without jokes, then only by it you will recognize a car with all-wheel drive.
The ground clearance of both SX4s is 180mm. Although some manufacturers offer increased ground clearance for all-wheel drive modifications of their crossovers. And this sometimes becomes a decisive factor when choosing the type of drive. Although these machines are usually more expensive.
In the case of the Suzuki SX4, the ground clearance of the mono- and all-wheel drive versions is the same - 180 mm. But on the 4WD version, it is easier to drive onto the curb without slipping. After all, while the front wheels are pulling the car onto the ledge, the rear wheels are pushing it.
price issue
One of the key points is the cost of a car in mono- and all-wheel drive versions. The new SX4, regardless of the type of drive and gearbox, is offered in two trim levels: GL and GLX. In the 2WD version with a 1.6-liter (117 hp) engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, the car can be purchased for 467,000 UAH. And this is the minimum price for the model as a whole. And the same car, but with all-wheel drive ALL GRIP (4WD), costs UAH 509,000.
The atmospheric 1.6-liter engine with distributed injection develops 117 hp. and 156 Nm. With such indicators of the power unit, the crossover demonstrates a calm character. But it is for such a machine that a choice of trim levels, drives, gearboxes is offered. In addition, its cost is minimal.
In our case, it is enough to pay UAH 42,000 for all-wheel drive, but cars of other brands with all-wheel drive can only be offered in a more expensive version and with more powerful engines, which entails an even greater increase in cost.
An example of this is the all-wheel drive Suzuki SX4 4WD with a more modern 1.4-liter and powerful (140 hp) turbocharged engine that works exclusively with an automatic. And one of our cars is just like that. It will cost UAH 690,000, but it clearly demonstrates the differences in equipment.
A more modern powerful (140 hp) and high-torque (220 Nm) 1.4 Booster Jet engine with turbocharging and direct injection is installed on the Suzuki SX4 only with an automatic and in an all-wheel drive version. The dynamics of such a car is the best, and the speed is the highest.
Only this car is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, rear view camera and navigation. And if these options are important to you, then the choice will be clear. And then you get, moreover, the most dynamic and fastest of the new SX4.
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On the screen of the trip computer of an all-wheel drive car, there is an additional indication that shows the enabled mode and recommendations.
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Movement difference
For the 1.6-liter car, both types of drive and gearbox are offered: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. With the same transmission, it is the front-wheel drive car that accelerates to hundreds of 1 s earlier and travels 5 km / h faster. At the same time, its engine also consumes less fuel - by 0.2 liters with a manual gearbox and by 0.3 liters with an automatic gearbox.
After all, a car with a gun is 85 kg heavier. It's like you're carrying another adult with you all the time. However, the surcharge at the gas station for it is not so significant. In addition, it directly depends on the driving style and fuel quality. But the advantages that a car with all-wheel drive provides, we appreciated driving the aforementioned 140-horsepower turbocharged Suzuki SX4 4WD.
According to factory data, it should consume gasoline at the level of an all-wheel drive 1.6-liter car with automatic transmission and a little more than a front-wheel drive (see table). But in fact, the fuel consumption of both cars turned out to be equal and amounted to 7.5-8.0 liters per 100 km during the test drive.
The Suzuki SX4 has two cupholders in the tunnel between the front seats.
For a dynamic ride, the naturally aspirated engine has to be constantly turned to a loud howl, the box sometimes switches down rudely, and the ride becomes less smooth and uncomfortable. While the car with a 1.4-liter turbo engine starts without a pause, it gains momentum noticeably easier already at low and medium speeds. At the same time, the engine is almost inaudible, but it provides sufficient traction.
But they do not interfere with the placement of the drive mode switch in the all-wheel drive version.
In fact, in Auto mode, only the front-wheel drive works to save fuel, but as soon as they start to slip, the rear wheels turn on, having received half the traction.
Similarly, the torque is distributed when the switch is set to Snow or Sport. But the ESP stabilization system already comes into operation sooner or later (according to the selected mode). V winter mode equal distribution of thrust along the axes can be fixed with the Lock button. And such blocking is kept at speeds up to 60 km / h.
But we managed without it even on a steep slope. We admit that we calculated in advance the path of retreat, or rather rolling down to the very bottom, but everything turned out to be much simpler. Only slightly turning the front wheels on the ground, the compact crossover easily leaves on a flat surface. On a monodrive, nothing would shine for us in this situation. And during normal driving, you will not notice the difference between the drives. Although in fact, even on smooth, clean roads, there is a difference. Especially if you turn on the Sport mode. In it, the Suzuki SX4 becomes all-wheel drive with every turn of the steering wheel. This has a positive effect on the dynamics of the car. The corresponding mood is created by sharper reactions of the motor to the gas pedal, as the box keeps the engine at higher speeds. And all because the box starts to switch up later, and down - earlier.
To find a steep slope, it is not at all necessary to leave the city. A similar situation can arise when going on a picnic or to the beach. If we were in such a situation on a front-wheel drive crossover, there would be problems, but with all-wheel drive we drove effortlessly.
Due to the moderately stiff suspension, the car does not collapse. But with sharp maneuvers, it is worth remembering that on a front-wheel drive car, many drivers reflexively perform the right actions, since its behavior is more predictable than that of an all-wheel drive, especially with torque floating along the axes. After all, even the position of the steered wheels can determine how the car will behave: as a front-wheel drive or, having received most of the traction on the rear wheels, as a rear-wheel drive ...
But still…
The advantages of a crossover, or SUV, over passenger cars, in the first place, are in increased ground clearance. But four-wheel drive on such a city car is a useful thing, but not at all obligatory. With it, the car is more expensive when buying, subsequent repair and maintenance, and it also consumes more fuel.
Whereas a crossover with only front-wheel drive still allows you to drive through damaged sections of roads more safely, park near curbs and climb them. Although it is still easier to do this on a car with all-wheel drive. It is less likely to break the front wheels into slip, because while they are pulling the car onto the ledge, the rear ones are pushing it.
4WD time
In winter, you feel the benefits of all-wheel drive best of all. It is much easier to drive out of a snow-covered parking space, drive on an unpaved road and accelerate on slippery surfaces. You should also choose such a car if you at least sometimes travel to rough terrain or live in conditions where all-wheel drive is simply necessary: outside the city, where roads are not cleared, or where you have to climb uphill to the house.
In addition, if you want to buy a car in a more complete (or maximum) equipment and / or with the most powerful engine (this applies not only to Suzuki SX4, but also to cars of other brands), then such a car will most likely be all-wheel drive.
| 1.6 2WD | 1.4 4WD | |
| body type | station wagon | |
| doors/seats | 5/5 | |
| Dimensions, L/W/H, mm | 4300/1785/1585 | |
| Base, mm | 2600 | |
| Clearance, mm | 180 | |
| Curb / full weight, kg | 1190/1720 | 1260/1730 |
| Trunk volume, l | 430/1269 | |
| Tank volume, l | 47 | |
| engine's type | benz. with distribution e.g. | benz. immediately e.g. turbo |
| Resp. and quo cyl./cl. per cyl. | R4/2 | |
| Volume, cm cube. | 1586 | 1373 |
| Power, kW (hp) / rpm | 86(117)/6000 | 103(140)/5500 |
| Max. cr. torque, Nm/r/min | 156/4400 | 220/1500-4000 |
| type of drive | front | ed. conn. full |
| KP | 6-st. ed. | |
| Max. speed, km/h | 170 | 200 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 12,4 | 10,2 |
| Expenditure highway-city, l/100 km | 5,1-7,6 | 5,3-7,9 |
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One of the first to test a restyled version of the Suzuki SX4 2018. Journalist Alexander Kataev rode such a crossover on the roads of Italy and expressed his opinion about the interior of the updated model.
The driver's seat is neat and boring-average - no life, no notion, not the slightest risk. And it would be completely insipid if it were not for the appearance of a multimedia system with a touch screen from the Vitara model. Quick feedback on short touches, Russification, good graphics and navigational skills of the navigation system…
True, it is not always possible to successfully “scroll” the volume scale. And the framing dirty dark “gloss” will frankly please only specialists in fingerprinting: random fingerprints for the day of the test are recruited for the whole case.
Driving comfortably, no serious complaints. But I want a more inventive environment. Gray plastics in the cabin have become softer and more pleasant to the touch
In the arrangement of the cabin, the SX4 remained the most common crossover. The rear seat is quite free - thanks to the recesses for the knees in the backs of the front seats. The volume of the cargo compartment is not outstanding: it varies from 430 to 1,269 liters.
Aleksey Batushenko from AvtoVzglyad took a ride on the updated Suzuki SX4 2018 crossover. The journalist tested the car both in the city and on the highway, as well as on dirt roads and off-road.
Under the hood of the SX4 new, which was tested at the AvtoVzglyad portal, there was a 140-horsepower gasoline turbo engine, known from other cars of the brand. These horses, as it turned out, are quite enough to cheerfully “burn” in the city stream - thanks to the relatively light weight of a compact car.
And if you move the “twist” between the front seats, which controls the transmission modes, to the sport position, then the SX4 can even unravel something driver’s in the driver’s soul: it’s as if the spirit of an amateur yard racer is infused into the six-speed “automatic”, at every traffic light twisting “in ringing" engine of the elderly Togliatti "nine".
No kidding: far from every modern urban passenger car, the gearbox in “sport mode” keeps the gear up to almost 5000 engine revolutions, allowing the driver to nimble in the stream - thanks for this, by the way, and the compact dimensions of the car.
Going out of town now also does not cause worries about the well-being of the “underbelly” of this vehicle. 180 millimeters of ground clearance, not very long base and short body overhangs allow the updated Suzuki SX4 to feel completely free not only in the snowy slush of city highways, but also on classically broken spring primers.
Without fanaticism, of course, this is not a lifted UAZ for you. But the shock and awe at the sight of a small track behind the wheel of an SX4 is no longer experienced.
Oleg Kalaushin, a journalist working for the 5Koleso portal, conducted a test drive of the updated Suzuki CX4 2017 with all-wheel drive. With his opinion on the driving performance of new items can be found below.
On the move, the car practically does not differ from its predecessor. As before, the suspension pleases with good settings: it is not too soft, and it does not shake the soul on bumps. Noise isolation, if you move around the city on tires without spikes, is also at an acceptable level. And the dynamics of a car with a turbocharged engine leaves a pleasant impression.
The box also knows its business well, in any case, you can’t blame it for slow-wittedness or hard work. All-wheel drive, as before, can either be set by default, or the rear axle connection can be left to the electronics.
You can only complain about the not very intelligible steering wheel, which, however, was also typical for the previous model. His feedback is not at the highest level, which not everyone and not always likes. Although if this is not particularly puzzled, then in general the Suzuki SX4 car has been and remains a fairly high-quality product, and now it is also noticeable.
An updated Suzuki SX4 new with a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 140 hp was tested by CarExpert. and all-wheel drive. Journalist Sergei Dyakonov rode in such a car.
The car has comfortable, moderately hard front seats, with long and wide cushions and a wide range of adjustments. Not only the driver's seat, but also the passenger seat is adjustable in height. Between the front seats there is a convenient armrest box, which has a built-in USB connector. Landing is high, but at the same time there is enough space above the head, the interior is spacious.
The steering column is adjustable in tilt and reach in a wide range. The Suzuki SX4 has excellent visibility, large mirrors, headrests in the rear seats go down, there are front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. The aerodynamics of the body is such that the side windows remain clean in the rain.
There is enough space in the back to comfortably accommodate two passengers, the seatbacks are adjustable in tilt angle, there is a comfortable armrest with two cup holders. The luggage compartment is not a record in terms of volume, but it is convenient, the loading height is small. The floor is adjustable in height, in the upper position below it there is a convenient niche for small items, even lower is the place for rolling. If you fold the backs of the rear seats, then a flat area is formed.
Now it's time to evaluate the car on the go. Already from the first meters of the path you understand that the new power unit for the Suzuki SX4, as they say, is what the doctor ordered. The turbo lag effect is practically not felt. The motor pulls well from the very bottom, the “automatic” is agile - it shifts gears at the very moment, of the year it is necessary and at the same time smoothly.
In general, yes, it turned out quite “hot paprika”. At the same time, the car is quite comfortable on the go, after restyling, the sound insulation has improved significantly. And very economical, average fuel consumption is 7 - 7.5 liters per 100 km, while it does not really depend on driving style, active piloting will not empty the wallet of the owner of this car.
