2010 Suzuki SX4: First Look

Jay Williams - 18/February/2010

Shizuoka, Japan - Suzuki has launched a new SX4 line-up, delivering more power, more fuel efficiency and more safety.

The new SX4 range adds a more powerful, fuel efficient engine, a new six-speed manual transmission, new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and ESP stability control across the range.

With two-wheel drive and an optional intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD) system, the SX4 hatchback caters to every lifestyle and is one of the most affordable all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars on the road.

The i-AWD system allows the driver to switch from 2WD mode to 4WD auto mode or 4WD lock mode at the press of a button, so the enhanced grip on rough terrain is achieved without sacrificing low fuel consumption in the city or on a long run.

The list of changes for the 2010 range begins under the bonnet, with the inclusion of a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Boasting variable valve timing, the new engine sees power increase 5 per cent to 112kW and torque rise 3 per cent to 190Nm.

The introduction of a new six-speed manual transmission helps to improve fuel economy by 11 per cent to 7.3-litres per 100km, with emissions dropping 12 per cent to 170grams CO2 per km.

While the optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has improved economy on the superseded automatic version by 16 per cent to 7.6-litres per 100 km, with emissions dropping 17 per cent to 178grams CO2 per km.

Safety levels have also been addressed with the inclusion of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on every model, while rear disc brakes are now standard on the sedan.

ESP features a series of sensors mounted at each wheel, on the steering wheel and a yaw – or lateral motion – sensor located in the centre of the car. These sensors constantly measure information at a rate of 50 times per second.

When understeer or oversteer is detected, ESP reduces torque and applies hydraulic pressure at the target wheel to ensure smooth and safe driving.

ESP also incorporates a Traction Control System (TCS).

TCS reduces engine torque or applies hydraulic pressure to driving wheels according to the state of wheel slip during vehicle take-off or acceleration. This ensures optimum stability – and safety – during take-off or under heavy acceleration.

The new SX4 range features a series of design upgrades inside and out. The sedan gets  a boot-lid spoiler and sporty 17-inch alloy wheels.

While both the entry level 2WD hatch and AWD hatch have 16-inch steel wheels with a modern cover, the AWD S version boasts new 16-inch alloys, while the 2WD S and Sedan now feature stylish new 17-inch alloy wheels.

A new mesh grille is standard across every model in the line-up.

There’s a new meter cluster with an integrated digital information display. The control panel for the climate-control system has a completely new design with an all-new digital display.

Ample interior space provided by a high roofline combines with the flexible seating to enable the SX4 hatchback to carry five adults.

Newly added touches of luxury include soft pads on the door armrests, chrome-plated door handles for the S version, and a dashboard centre speaker.

The sedan, S hatch and S AWD all retain Suzuki’s keyless start system.

SX4 equipment list and model range:
The range starts with the SX4 2WD hatch, featuring:
Electric power steering
Power windows, front and rear
Adjustable steering wheel
Remote control door key
Air-conditioning with pollen filter
Eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack
MP3 compatible input jack
Backlit steering wheel-mounted audio control
Speed sensing volume control
Trip meter with temperature, instant/average fuel usage, distance to empty
Driver and passenger airbag
Four-wheel disc brakes
ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
ESP with TCS
Three-point ELR seatbelts, front and rear
Power mirrors

The entry level AWD hatchback adds the following features:
Seat mounted side airbags
Side curtain airbags
i-AWD intelligent AWD system

The SX4 S 2WD/AWD hatch adds the following features:
17-inch alloy wheels (16 on AWD version)
Cruise control with backlit steering wheel mounted controls
Remote keyless entry and start
Steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles (CVT version)
Climate controlled air conditioning
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Front fog lamps
Nine speaker audio system including centre speaker

The SX4 sedan is available in one trim level and includes:
Boot-lid spoiler
17-inch alloy wheels
Nine speaker audio system including centre speaker
Remote keyless entry and start
Climate controlled air conditioning
Steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles (CVT version)
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Front fog lamps

Related Links:
- Suzuki Alto (2009)
- Suzuki Grand Vitara (2009)
- Suzuki Splash (2008)
- Suzuki SX4 (Road Test)
- Suzuki Grand Vitara Diesel DDiS (2008)
- Suzuki Makai Concept (2007)
- Suzuki Kizashi, SX4 WRC (2007)
- Suzuki Swift Sport vs. Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Hyundai Santa Fe vs Suzuki Grand Vitara (Road Test)