Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) Review

Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014) At A Glance

3/5

+Reasonably spacious five-seater with a decent boot, strong and economical diesel, tidy handling in 4WD.

-The boot has a high loading lip, originally you could not get a diesel with four-wheel drive but from 2008 you could.

Insurance Groups are between 16–20
On average it achieves 98% of the official MPG figure

'Cute and Chunky' seems to sell cars, particularly to women. Now that Toyota has abandoned the short wheelbase RAV-4, Suzuki has come up with a new 3-door Vitara with very similar looks. And, in collaboration with FIAT, also presents us with this cute and chunky 5-door hatchback called the SX4, built in Esztergom, Hungary.

It's likely to succeed whereas others like the Rover Streetwise failed because as well as having urban warrior looks, it's also available with four wheel drive so has the kit to act the part should the occasion arise. However, to make sure it gets a bite at every faction of the its niche market, you can also have it as a plain two wheel drive, as a two wheel drive automatic, and as quite a powerful, yet economical diesel. Not all at the same time, though, as the two permutations you cannot have are a diesel automatic or a four wheel drive automatic.

Suzuki SX4 2006 Road Test

Suzuki SX4 2010 Road Test and Video

Real MPG average for a Suzuki SX4 (2006 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

98%

Real MPG

29–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

216

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's a good Suzuki SX4 equivalent for coping with narrow and winding roads?

"I'm living in Cumbria; windy roads, mountain passes, narrow lanes and lots of potholes. My Suzuki SX4 is a brilliant 4WD car. However, it is not made anymore. What would be a similar car to look at for a suitable replacement? I'm looking for a car which is not too wide (for those narrow lanes) really high clearance, (for tracks and occasional off-road) and, if possible, 4WD capability too. I don't need fancy, I need practical."
I'd stick with Suzuki. They make robust vehicles and most of the range is available with 4x4. You could look at a Swift or Ignis, or if you'd prefer something bigger (and with more ground clearance), consider an SX4 S-Cross or Vitara. Or there's the go-anywhere Jimny, but it's an acquired taste on the road. Also consider a Dacia Duster.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Steering problem with Suzuki SX4

"My Suzuki SX4's steering has a habit of wandering when motorway driving. Would fitting all weather tyres help to reduce this?"
That won't cure what reads to me like an alignment fault.
Answered by Honest John

Does the Suzuki SX4 have a chain cam or belt?

"I am thinking of buying a 2008 Suzuki SX4 1.6 petrol. Does it have a chain cam or belt? Is there anything else I should watch out for? "
Chain cam. Same 1.6 engine, but vastly improved from 2010. Original road test here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/suzuki/suzuki-sx4-2006-road-test// Everything else, including problem areas, here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/suzuki/sx4-2006/
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used SUV - X-Trail or SX4?

"I am planning to buy a 2007/2008 Suzuki SX4 and want your opinion on whether to go for two-wheel drive or the 4grip version. A mate of mine has a Nissan X-Trail and says the four-wheel drive has been handy over the winter. "
I'm quite a big fan of the SX4, but the slightly later one with the improved 1.6 engine and either 2WD or 4WD. Winter tyres or the new Michelin CrossClimate tyres are more important than 4WD.: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/miscellaneous/2015-02/michelin-crossclimate-tyres/
Answered by Honest John
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