Sippin' Suzuki SX4

Buyers post 1st July are taking a longer look at diesel options in the compact family car sector and Suzuki are attracting attention with their 1.6 diesel engine in their SX4 range.



The SUV-look SX4 was first launched back in 2006, designed to appeal to those with an outdoor lifestyle and who want their car to reflect that image. To tick all their boxes, their car of choice must be roomy, stylish and solid, as well as being a good performer.

However, I also see the SX4 as a second family car, ideal for the school run and for loading up at the supermarket.

This 5-door diesel option to the SX4 sport crossover range is priced from €19,995 excluding delivery and related charges.



The list price has now reduced by €2,000 and with a C02 emission of 136 g/km, the car fits into Band B with a €150 annual road tax bill which won't break the bank.

The new 1.6 90PS DDiS engine — supplied by Peugeot who are acknowledged to be among the best diesel engine makers in the world — comes with 215 Nm of torque giving quite a lively performance.

Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and driving through the front wheels, the combined cycle returns a frugal 5.3 L/100kms (53.3 mpg). This latest version clocks up 0-100 kms in 12.2 seconds and has a potential top speed of 175 km/h.



While lively enough, this diesel engine is also quiet, as you'd expect from its source. So there's absolutely no need to turn up the radio volume as you drive. While quite a tall car, it proved a nice tidy drive along twisty roads and was mannerly on the motorways.

Suzuki has reversed the trend of putting diesel engines into lower spec cars, so the SX4 DDiS comes only in the higher GLX specification.

Out on the road, you get the impression of driving a much bigger car. The sense inside is one of space in this five-door hatch. You'll fit five adults, just about. And the comfy seats hold you in snugly all the way up your back offering great support. Rear ones are a tad higher giving those in the back a better field of vision and come with a 60:40 split. Tumble them forward to create an almost fully flat floor and boot space of 625 litres.

Even six-footers will have no bother with head, shoulder or leg room, even in the back.

Sitting high behind the wheel, you can enjoy a good view of the road ahead. All round good visibility makes it an ideal car for city or suburban runs. I especially liked the high windscreen and the big A-pillar windows which allow you good vision out the front sides.

Dials are nice and well spaced, white on black with the 110 km/h mark at the very top while the radio has a big central volume knob, good sized individual buttons with numbers in white. There’s also the obligatory CD player and MP3 connectivity, a decent glove box and fine sized door bins.

Doors open wide and the high ground clearance also helps with getting in and out.

But one annoying thing I found was the piercing sound when you lock or unlock the car using the remote. It's a far louder bleep than in most cars.



Occupants are protected by a number of safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, plus front seat pre-tensioners. The SX4 scored four out of a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. In this DDiD version, the SX4 is only available in FWD.

Equipment levels are similar to the SX4 1.5 GL but adds manual air condtioning, heated door mirrors, 16-inch alloys, roof rails, front fogs and wheelarch extensions. GL models have electric power steering, front electric windows, electric door mirrors, remote control locking, air conditioning, pollen filter, radio/CD player, remote audio controls and tinted glass.

Suzuki cars are covered by a 3 year/100,000km new vehicle warranty, by Suzuki Assistance, providing 24 hour Irish and European roadside assistance, recovery and associated service for 36 months and by a 12 year perforation warranty.

Trish Whelan.