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Motability

Suzuki SX4 4x4 1.6 VVT GL 2WD

For:
The Suzuki SX4 is good to drive, and has an accomplished four-wheel-drive system. It's also cheap.

Against:
The 1.6-litre petrol engine is noisy and the boot is small. Thick front pillars create blindspots, too.



Performance

There are two engines - a 106bhp 1.6 petrol and a Fiat-supplied 118bhp 1.9 turbodiesel. So far we've only sampled the petrol, which feels underpowered. Frequent gearchanges are needed to maintain progress, particularly at higher speeds. The diesel should offer useful extra pace and flexibility.

Ride & handling

The SX4 feels just like a small familt car with predictable handling, fine body control and light controls. The ride is a little firm, but never uncomfortable. Both front- and variable four-wheel-drive versions are available, and the latter set-up provides superb traction.

Refinement

As in the SX4's Fiat Sedici sister car, the 1.6-litre petrol engine is responsible for the majority of noise intrusion. The unit is quiet enough at low speed, but it becomes rowdy when revved. Unfortunately, this is necessary all too often because of the limited grunt on tap. Wind and road noise are reasonably well contained.

Buying & owning

The SX4 is attractively priced, with the range kicking off at around £10,000 for a front-drive 1.6 petrol. Expect to be charged a further £1000 for the 1.9 diesel. Even the four-wheel-drive petrol model returns 39.8mpg on the combined cycle, and other running costs are equally reasonable.

Quality & reliability

Everything in the cabin has a durable feel and the controls operate with slick precision. However, the dash plastics are hard to the touch and don't look particularly classy. On the mechanical front, Suzuki has an excellent reliability record, and we expect the SX4 to fully live up to this.

Safety & security

Twin front, side and curtain airbags are standard across the SX4 range, as are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. However, four-wheel drive costs an extra £2000. Security provisions include deadlocks and an engine immobiliser.

Behind the wheel

Most drivers will get comfortable thanks to a height-adjustable seat, although things would be improved if the steering column moved for reach as well as rake. Navigating the dash is easy because it features big, bold switches and dials, but the thick windscreen pillars hamper forward vision.

Space & practicality

The SX4 offers decent room for four people, but not a fifth. Boot capacity is a disappointing 270 litres, although you can extend this. Simply pull on a cord and the rear seat back folds forward on to the base. The whole unit then tumbles forward to sit behind the front seats, although it takes up a lot of space.

Equipment

The SX4 is offered with two looks. The front-wheel-drive-only GL and GLX look like high-rise hatchback, while the four-wheel0drive 4Grip gets extra body cladding. Standard kit includes air-conditioning, a CD player and front electric windows. And extra £1000 buys a GLX-spec car with heated door mirrors, front foglamps and alloy wheels.

Running Costs

Town mpg

33.2

Out of Town mpg

48.7

Average mpg

41.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

11

CO2 Rating (g/km)

165

Insurance Group

6

Typical Insurance Quote

£374

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

35

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£277

Pence Per Mile

32.24

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£968

Servicing Intervals

9000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 12yr Perforation

Performance & Measurements

Body type

4X4

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1586/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

106/5600

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4140

Width (mm)

N/A

Height (mm)

1565

Boot Space (min ltr)

N/A

Boot Space (max ltr)

1045

Turning Circle (m)

10.6

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1205

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