1.6 SZ5 4x4 5dr Hatchback

Great car with an updated gearbox that works well

I traded in my 10 plate SX4 4wd (see previous review) for this 13 plate ex-mobility SX4 4wd with only 5000 miles on the clock. It seems like new. The gearbox seems different and has a higher 5th gear ratio. It changes gear easily like it should do and in all gears. It has sharper brakes due to the rear discs whereas the 10 plate had drums. The dash is updated with a better trip computer with range and instant mpg. The engine has the variable valve timing and an extra 11 bhp and it seems faster and quicker, especially above 5000rpm where a rush of power comes in. Yes it seems better and definitely an improvement on the 10 plate all round. We haven't driven it far enough to give mpg figures yet but so far I'd recommend this later version. I will add updates for mpg, etc.

Having now had the car for 19 months and done 17000 miles I can report that it does about 38mpg and was a good choice. The gearbox is still slick and it drives very well. Having just used it in a foot of snow I can report that it is very capable in snow, with the excellent Michelin Cross Climate all season tyres, and that I had great fun in an empty services car park where both a BMW 1 series X Drive and a Skoda Octavia 4x4 got stuck!

The engine never needs oil and it's very reliable but it has needed a new coil spring at the front. This seems common on lots of cars now as manufacturers fit non-german sourced coils. I certainly recommend this later car with the rear disks and better gearbox as a practical and cheap to buy and run small 4x4 SUV.

I have now done 30,000 miles in the car and it is proving to be utterly reliable and practical. It's been averaging 37mpg but I've been towing a large loaded trailer on some house clearance work and a small caravan which drops it to 32mpg. It could do with more torque for climbing steep hills with the caravan. It has needed another coil spring for the MOT. The Michelin Cross Climate tyres are working great in all weathers and lasting well as they've done over 30k with plenty more life yet. I had to drive several miles on snow covered back roads with a fully laden trailer and they were great.

To conclude I thoroughly recommend this car and the Cross Climates.

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