2007 Suzuki SX4
Suzuki recently unveiled the SX4 at the New York auto show. A key highlight of this small sport crossover is the standard driver-selectable all wheel drive. Press release and photos can be found at Suzuki SX4.
Competition can range from the Honda Fit to the Jeep Compass/Patriot.
I think the styling is nice, though there doesn't seem to be a lot of room behind the rear seats. Could this be the next generation of "cute ute"?
Competition can range from the Honda Fit to the Jeep Compass/Patriot.
I think the styling is nice, though there doesn't seem to be a lot of room behind the rear seats. Could this be the next generation of "cute ute"?
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There was no mention of a sunroof being offered. I hope Suzuki at least makes it an option.
Overall, not a bad little package. Pricing will range from $15K to $18K. A Honda Fit Sport with auto will run over $16K, and that car does not include AWD and has a much less powerful engine.
The Suzuki rep did say there would be a sunroof option.
The SX4 has heated side mirrors.
The solid rear suspension is a bit of a disappointment.
A car at this price with a 4WD lock option is amazing. Being able to also lock it into 2WD to maximize fuel consumption is a wonderful idea in this age of $3 gas.
Overall, a really cute car that would be a great city/commuter vehicle in all kinds of weather.
-Paul
Good! Every car I've owned has had a hole in the roof of some kind. I really appreciate it on warm spring days.
The SX4 has heated side mirrors.
Even better! Seems like Suzuki really wants to pack in the features on this crossover.
The solid rear suspension is a bit of a disappointment.
True. I wonder how well it handles?
A car at this price with a 4WD lock option is amazing. Being able to also lock it into 2WD to maximize fuel consumption is a wonderful idea in this age of $3 gas.
Good point. I like the idea of locking it into 2WD for use on dry pavement. What's even better is that the SX4 also has an auto AWD in addition to the locking AWD. So you basically get 3 variations - 2WD, AWD Auto, AWD Lock. And this is standard on every SX4!
Note: The 'Concept' nomenclature is misleading. Except for some minor details (wheel size, some trim) they are going to be released as is.
I did happen to accidentally break the latch on the rear seat release, so I hope that was just a fluke. (I did tell the rep, I was a good boy).
I would love a full sun roof like in the tC.
From Inside Line article.
Inside, the SX4 offers a clean but unremarkable two-tone design, average materials quality and a decent amount of room for four adults. The car on display at the show had leather upholstery, but we were told only cloth seating would be available on production models.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=110026
I was hoping the 2.0l engine and light weight (200-300lbs lighter than the Impreza) would help fuel economy significantly, but 24/29 (manual) and 24/30 (auto) are dangerously close to the current Impreza 2.5i's 22/29 and 23/30. Just imagine if Subaru introduced a direct-injection engine with the next-gen Impreza. It might actually get better fuel economy than the smaller, lighter Suzuki.
The torsion beam doesn't help things either.
I'll still check them out when they hit dealers, but at this rate the SX4 will have negligible advantages over its primary AWD competition: only slightly better fuel economy and slightly better price. Not that it will be a bad car. Honestly, there are few bad cars left nowadays :shades:
Mike
It will be an interesting comparison, especially considering price.
http://www.globalsuzuki.com/sx4/index.html
I like the look of the car and with the AWD it should be a great alternative to a Subaru.
http://www.suzukisx4.com/
Annoying voice over, but lots of info.
And yes, the voice over is annoying. :P
I'd like to see more than just still photos, though. I'm pretty sure Edmunds has a link to a video of the SX4 during the New York auto show unveiling.
Does this work? I can't seem to get past the "Buffering" message.
SX4 Video
Anyway, does anyone else think the tires are a bit too narrow for this car? Seeing the SX4 in motion from certain angles makes it seem as if the tread width could use a couple extra inches. It's kind of hard to actually judge the size of the SX4 based on pictures alone.
Of course, they added the obligatory disclaimer about specifications subject to change without notice, blah, blah, blah.
An available sunroof would have gone a long way to making this car a slam dunk in my mind. Too bad.
I'm disappointed. Tell me I'm missing something....
Turboshadow
I am also looking at the Dodge Caliber SXT, which is only FWD, but has similar height off of the ground.
Have any of you been making the same comparison?
If so, what are the pros and cons, or is it too early to say?
Regarding SX4 or Dodge Caliber, Dodge seems okay. I've never been fond of version 1 Chrysler reliability. My guess is you'll have a lot better reliablity with the Suzuki. The AWD Dodge model weighs a lot more and fuel economy suffers. Dodge is bigger, so you'll have more room. To me, there is no comparison, I'd take the Suzuki. Check them both out when they're available and see which one you like.
I've become very interested in the SX4 and new Rabbit. Right now the versatility and economy of small hatches is very appealing and these two are definitely the easiest on the eyes (the Yaris and Fit are too ugly to even consider regardless of their other positives). I just assumed the Zuki would offer a sunroof - even Chevy has it as an option on the Aveo.
This is a big oversight on the part of Suzuki. It makes me think they're strictly going after the older Sierra Club/Wheatabix market with this one. At least my options have been narrowed by one.
As to origin, I'm out of the loop on this one a bit, but is it based on a "fix it again Tony" euro chasis?, (Fiat Panda?), I forget, but thought I read that some time ago. Anyone?
Maybe no problemo there, but then look at the Korean based Verona for instance. Time will tell, eh?
Looks to me like a Matrix awd competitor. But lower priced likely. Sure looks good.
I could see a diesel version in a couple of years, but not now. Who knows... if gas prices continue to climb???
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If you're interested in ground clearance, the new Jeep Patriot will have 8 inches (the FWD model, the 4WD will have 9.)
The base Patriot will start under 16k (with no options.) The usual options will likely be 18-20k.
Ya again, Suzuki seems to have enought innovative "horsepower" in hand now, to, (PLEASE, FOR GOD AND COUNTRY'S SAKE!), please redirect some of "it" RESPONSIBLY off
on to a new GREEN path. Why not lead the way Suzuki? Do it, or some of us just won't wait much longer.
As an offhand bit of serendipity?, please note the euro diesel Grand Vitara comes in a lovely shade of FOREST GREEN, a color not available for it "over here". Why can't we be green too on this side of the pond Suzuki, with diesel options for these two otherwise fine new vehicles?
ps: Also, it's disappointing to me the SX-4 is actually a bit shorter than the Aerio. Hence little or no room behind the rear seat with it in the upright position. Otherwise looks bang on.
Norwoodsmn.
(I realize the official arrival date is September, but I'm thinking there must be a few preview models over here somewhere.)
Thanks
I'm hoping that the dealer you went to was giving you a late date in order to push you into buying the Grand Vitara. This is the first reference I've seen to anything other than September.
check it out
www.ford.com.ar
go to ford ecosport
and www.volkswagen.com.ar
go to volkswagen crossfox
there's a big market for small 4x4. :P
I like the way it looks, especially the 16-inch wheels. I wouldn't have thought she would have really cared. Has anyone else's spouse hated this sweet little 4x4?
1980 Suzuki GS850 classic motorcycle - Still in the shop since purchase a few weeks ago. It's hard to complain about the repair shop being slow when there's no air conditioning and we've been experiencing a record breaking heat wave.
2007 Suzuki SX4 - This will replace the Sidekick. I am worried about cargo capacity, though. That is where the Honda Fit shines. Maybe my dream car would be the Suzuki 2.0 liter engine in the Honda Fit (which has a 1.5 liter engine). Nah! I would still want the SX4's 16-inch wheels. (Fit's biggest are 15-inch on the Sport model.)
http://www.suzukiauto.com/enews/sx4_sneak_test-drive.php
They'll have models available this month to see/test drive at dealers across the U.S. I'm going to check it out Monday at the local dealer. Hope they have one available to test drive.
Did you notice that the only SX4 available before "winter 2006" is the base model w/o any options? Interesting...
From the photos it looks as if this statement is correct. Does anyone know if at least an after-market driver armrest is a possibility? I like this car, but a spot for my right elbow is nice on trips.