SUZUKI SX4 SEDAN 1.6

Late last year, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile introduced the Suzuki SX4, a crossover model which is part SUV, part hatchback. It was the sort of vehicle said to be targeted at those who have an ‘active lifestyle’.

Now comes a variant with a 4-door sedan bodystyle which certainly complements the SX4 and should appeal to those who prefer a more ‘formal’ design. Nevertheless, it still has a flair in the way it has been styled with a sporty sort of image.

The platform of the SX4 Sedan is, of course, the same as that of the hatchback which itself is an evolution of the platform of the Swift. Keen to make its mark in the European market especially, Suzuki put in a lot of effort to engineer the SX4 to have a European feel, with good driving dynamics. Under the bonnet is a Suzuki M16A 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine which a 1.6-litre displacement. This engine, which feature variable valve timing to enhance operating efficiency, is a detuned version of the one used in the powerful Swift Sport.

Having driven the SX4 hatchback before, I can say that even though the engine is detuned from a more powerful version, the detuning has been done well and though producing 75 kW/101 bhp, it still has a muscular feel. Only a 4-speed manual transmission is available. Inside, the SX4 Sedan, the cabin is pretty much like that of the SX4 hatchback which means it has clean lines and a functional layout. And for those who are familiar with today’s Suzukis, you will also find that many of the parts are similar with the Swift, eg the shift lever, switches, steering wheel and instrument panel. This is how manufacturers control their costs; they spend a lot of money to give the exterior a distinctive and unique look but at the same time, have common parts in many areas. In fact, under the ‘skin’, there would be many parts that are shared since customers won’t see them anyway. Like the other Suzuki models, the SX4 Sedan is also well equipped with convenience features. The audio system can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, which means not having to take the hand off it while driving. For those who regularly download music from the internet, the audio unit can also play CDs with MP3/WMA recordings.

The air-conditioning system has a fully-automatic mode which optimizes cooling of the cabin, while fuel consumption and some other useful information is shown on a display on the dashboard.

One of the strong points of the SX4 Sedan is its boot which is claimed to be the largest in its class. Up to 515 litres of volume is available and for extra-long items, the rear backrests can be folded down so that the boot floor can extend into the cabin.

Safety is something that Suzuki also gives attention to and the SX4 Sedan is well equipped to keep its occupants safe. As mentioned earlier, Suzuki is keen to make an impression on European buyers so it has made sure the SX4 Sedan meets the highest safety standards, particularly in collisions. Airbags are also provided as standard for both front occupants to give extra protection during an accident while to ensure that childseats are properly secured, ISOFIX attachment points are provided at the rear. ISOFIX is an internationally-recognised standard pertaining to childseat anchorage points so if you get a childseat which complies to this standard, installation is easy and secure.

At this time, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile has no plans to assemble the SX4 Sedan. It is already assembling the Swift in Pekan, Pahang, but that is able to achieve sales of around 500 units a month.

“We would certainly like to assemble this new model locally so that its price can be lower,” said Ibrahim Maidin, Managing Director of SMA, “but there must be enough volume to justify the investment.” Nevertheless, he said that the price of RM88,888 (without insurance in Peninsula Malaysia) is already quite good, considering that it is imported from Japan.

He added that though Suzuki is not unknown to Malaysians, the company (which is a joint-venture with Suzuki Motor) is actively carrying out brand-building exercises to gain greater acceptance among Malaysians. Furthermore, it is not aiming to compete in the mass market for now and is focusing on the niche market where buyers have additional disposable income and are more discerning.