Suzuki SX4 – On the market soon
The Suzuki SX4, some kind of cross between a Suzuki Vitari and a Suzuki Swift, will have its pricing announced at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month. The SX4 sales in North America are going through the roof, probably due to its its low price $14,999 for a 142bhp 4×4 model complete with power door locks, power windows, power mirrors etc. Quite a bargain if you were to ask China Car Times.
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Its the Suzuki Grand Vitara cross
I’ve been looking closely at this car for driving in Chongqing. Anyone have experience buying it in China? I have studied the literature closely, and see it to be a “mini-crossover”. With a 6.9″ ground clearance, and 450 more pounds than a Honda Fit, I think that classification for the SX4 is good. I want a small SUV/CUV, but could never find anything not big. Now I think I have.
Its $2k more expensive than the American edition, but missing half a load of features.
The Chinese SX4 is a 1.6 FWD, the US SX4 is 2.0 AWD.
If that doesnt bother you, then its a great little car, its a bit more expensive than any other car in its class (Fit, Polo, Livina etc) but its an ok car, but then it has a nicer interior than the lot of them.
Suzuki Swift is only 60k for the cheapest model now though
You say that the Fit and Polo are in the same class. I question that. It really is a different class from the straight sub-compacts. Being heavier, it won’t blow around in the wind so much. Also, it has 16″ tires rather than 14″. I really think it is in a class by itself – a small SUV, which is how Suzuki classifies it. I will get in touch with a dealer here that has it, then get the full scoop.
I thought the SX4 was a great car, I really wanted it off everything Id read about it but then I realized the Chinese one was lacking, it was also too small for me.
Are you reading the weight spec from foreign specs or the Chinese specs?
I found the Chinese SX4 weight to be 1210kg (100kg more than my bigger Livina!), whats the American varients weight
Ok. Now I have seen and test-driven one of these Suzuki SX4′s. It is great! You need to think of it as a subcompact SUV. It’s 1210 kg is 180 kg heavier than a Honda Fit – it is a much heavier car. This weight goes into a stronger chassis, axle and wheels, so that it is not so flimsy and holds the road better (better for off-road driving). I think it really isn’t in the same class as a Honda Fit, which used to be my favorite small car.
As for options, they are many. I don’t know where someone got the idea it has few options. The top option package was what I saw at the dealer. It had every option that I could think of, including power windows, steering, premium sound system, and leather throughout. It is a very lux’ed-out car. I will get my own soon.
Conspire,
Glad you liked it!
Please keep this thread updated!
In case you were wondering, this vehicle was jointly developed with Fiat Auto and is built in Japan only as the Suzuki SX4.
It is also built at a facility in Eastern Europe and is churned out as the Fiat Sedici / Suzuki SX4. I was not aware that it was also on sale in the US. In Europe it is available in 2WD or 4WD. It is very different from the Grand Vitara and does not share any mechanicals with that vehicle.
Isnt it Swift based?
You asked if the SX4 is Swift-based. Answer: vaguely. The chassis is close to the Swift’s, but enhanced/enlarged a bit. The big deal with this car is that it is a small, true CUV. I don’t know any other such car. Yes, they are selling in USA – one report is that they sold 1018 SX4′s in September, and that is just for the introductory month of this vehicle. The reviews on the Edmonds web site for the SX4 are strongly positive. I hope to have one soon.
I have my SX4 now, and it is a great car! Here is a summary of its features:
1. Good engine. 1.6 liter for China, and it feels quite strong, relative to other sub-compact cars. I get plenty of torque on city streets.
2. Price is right. I paid 100,00 for my middle-option SX4, which included the tax. I think this car is comparable to the Ford Focus (same interior room, with hatchback), but the Focus costs 50% more.
3. You need to think of this car as an SUV (or “crossover”), not a subcompact car, such as a Honda Fit. They are very much a different type of car. My SX4 has bigger wheels (16″ vs. 14″), higher road clearance (7.9″ rather than 4″), and stronger axle/suspension. Hence its hardy off-road capability, albeit its slightly lower gas mileage. I need to have the car climb up onto curbs many times, which it does much better than a Honda Fit will do.
4. Refined, smooth driving experience. This is not a roudy, off-road vehicle, such as a Jeep or Landwind. It runs quietly and smoothly.
In summary, this car really stands out for what it does at a very reasonable price. If you understand that sedans (most cars in this website) have significant limitations as I have described, then you need to take a look at the SX4.
I bought a red Suzuki sx4 in China last year and have been enjoying driving the car. I cant comment on comparisons with the FIT and POLO, in terms of driving, but it is much better in terms of its looks. Its fuel efficeincy is great and, it has been working out to be around 14-16 kilometers per litre. Because of the higher ground clearance, greater weight and broader wheels, it is a great long distance driving car and is fairly comfortable to drive at high speeds. The only problem I have is with the side pillar which sometimes obstructs you from having a clear view of the traffic. All in all, a great car with great looks for a price which is at par with the peogeot 307 and the Cross Polo.