Suzuki’s SX4i is a distinctive five-door hatchback which now features intelligent all-wheel drive.
The new SX4 i-AWD 4x4 will retail at €20,950 and have an annual road tax of €156. And it now blends the characteristics of sporty compacts like the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara. I suppose you could say that it creates an exciting alternative to most small cars.
Suzuki tells us that the resulting ‘sport X-over’ combines responsive driving dynamics, 4x4 capability, high levels of practicality and styling that suggests a freestyle approach to life.
The signature feature of the Suzuki SX4 4x4 is the i-AWD switchable three-mode all-wheel drive system. An electric control coupling device allows the driver to select 4WD-Auto, 4WD-Lock, and 2WD modes to suit driving conditions, giving excellent traction on low grip surfaces.
The recently introduced 2.0-litre DDiS offers even more refinement and strong torque of 320Nm at just 1,500rpm. This Euro 5 compliant engine has an output of 135 bhp at 3,500 rpm and offers 5.3 litres/100 kms (51.4mpg ) on the combined fuel consumption cycle with emissions of 139g/km.
The SX4 is well equipped as standard cruise control, keyless entry and start, automatic air conditioning, remote central locking, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls,16-inch alloy wheels, side body protection and heated door mirrors as well as rear privacy glass come as standard equipment.
The SX4 inspires confidence with its extensive array of safety features. Active safety elements include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD ), together with rear disc brakes for enhanced braking performance.
Overall SX4 has an outstandingly crashworthy structure, which helped it gain four stars for adult occupant in Euro NCAP testing at launch. Front, side and curtain airbags are provided on all models, together with front pre-tensioners and force-limiters for front seatbelts; three-point belts with emergency locking retractors are provided on all rear seats and ISOFIX child seat anchor points with top tether mountings.
