Price-Busting 2-Litre Suzuki SX4

Price-Busting 2-Litre Suzuki Sx4 Offering Real Advantages

The new 2-litre two-wheel-drive version of the Suzuki SX4 five-door hatchback is proving a dark horse in the New Zealand car market.

Launched recently as an additional model in the Suzuki line-up, the front-driven SX4 is an ideal, small family car with several advantages over rival makes in the lower medium size class.

A flexible design, the SX4 boasts class-leading power output, good fuel economy, a high level of standard appointment and highly competitive pricing.

Not only does the model have an excellent power to weight ratio, but also the high body configuration, which was styled by Italian design studio Giugiaro, affords several practical advantages.

While the SX4 has a Sport Utility Vehicle-like stance, this is not reflected in the car’s high rating driving dynamics. Long wheel travel provides a compliant ride over bumps and the fine handling reflects Suzuki’s competition heritage.

In two-wheel-drive form, the two-box hatchback embodies the same impressive levels of bending and torsional rigidity and reinforced suspension mounts of the all-wheel-drive versions.

Typical of the robust engineering integrity of the Suzuki is the five-stud wheel fixing for added strength, and the multi-layer side sill and multi-layer centre pillar made from high tensile steel.

The generous 175 mm ground clearance allows ease of entry and exit, while a high seating position and large glass area provide good all round visibility for all occupants. A high, commanding driving position offers advantages in city, urban and open road driving.

A 600mm front seat height is about 100mm more than most compact cars, and despite a trim overall length of 4,135mm for easy parking and manoeuvrability, interior space is generous.

Tom Peck, Marketing Manager for Suzuki New Zealand, said the SX4 was unique in its class and a real alternative to motorists seeking something different.

The rising waistline, smart profile, triangular windows ahead of the front doors, strong front-end shaping and neat rear end treatment have been winning favours.

As part of a new age for Suzuki, the wedge-shaped car is the third global strategy model for the brand, creating a distinction among look-alike vehicles.

On-road prices, which include a five-year roadside assistance package, start from an outstandingly competitive $22,500 for the GLX model with manual transmission.

The 2-litre SX4 is also available in an even higher specification LTD form, from $24,500. Both models are also offered with optional automatic transmission.

“Many motorists do not need the added sophistication of our flagship SX4 models which come with all-wheel-drive,” said Tom Peck. “This is where the less expensive two-wheel-drive models have particular appeal because they retain the same strong image and presence of the four-wheel-drive versions.”

A $2,000 pricing advantage over equivalent specification all-wheel-drive SX4 models plus a fuel economy bonus are plus points for the two-wheel drive Suzuki.

With a kerb weight of 1,255 kg for the GLX and 1,290 kg for the LTD, they are slightly lighter than the all-wheel-drive SX4 models.

The fuel-injected 1,995cm3 J20A double overhead camshaft engine develops 107 kW – more than any rival car in the sub-$30,000 price bracket.

Remote control door locking, with “answer back” that includes the tailgate, is standard on both GLX and LTD. They each come with four-wheel disc brakes, four-channel anti-lock braking with EBD and brake assist, engine security immobiliser, front air bags and driver’s seat height adjuster.

Climate-control air conditioning is standard on the higher-grade model, replacing air conditioning on GLX.

The LTD model also adds keyless entry with keyless start system, cruise control, front fog lamps, aluminium alloy wheels and front and rear curtain air bags.

A body kit comprising front spoiler, lower side mouldings and rear spoiler is fitted to both 2-litre models, distinguishing them from the 1.6-litre entry level SX4.

Euro NCAP has given the model a high four star rating for occupant protection, with the car scoring maximum points in the side impact portion of the test.

Since the SX4 was introduced to New Zealand in March 2007 sales have exceeded expectations, with demand second only to Suzuki’s top-selling Swift.

ENDS

© Scoop Media