Suzuki SX4 Review

Simple and reliable: body and interior

The Suzuki SX4 was first shown in 2006. It happened at the Geneva Motor Show, after which the car created in collaboration with Fiat immediately went on sale. It is noteworthy that Fiat Sedici, which was essentially a twin of a Japanese car, did not gain popularity in our country. Suzuki CX 4 can hardly be called a bestseller, although the Japanese car sold much better. Thanks to this, finding a used SX4, although difficult, is quite possible with due diligence and patience.

Body Suzuki SX4 successfully resists corrosion. There are no problems with paintwork. Given that we are talking about a Japanese car, it can be called flawless. So if centers of corrosion are suddenly found on the copy of your choice, then be sure that the car was painted. It is possible that after a serious accident. In whole specimens, even those that have traveled on roads sprinkled with reagents for several years, you will find a red coating only on the threaded connections of the suspension or contacts that moisture can reach.

The interior of the Suzuki SX4 looks plain and boring. One look at the gray and black interior plastic is enough to tell you that this is a relatively inexpensive hatchback. But if for a new car this is considered a disadvantage, then in the case of a used SX4, the minus turns into a weighty plus. The fact is that inexpensive and unremarkable plastic has proven itself in operation. It does not scratch, rub off over time and looks like new even on high mileage cars. This is also true for buttons with levers. Claims can only be made to the radio tape recorder, to the failing CD drive. Most owners of Suzuki CX 4 do not bother with repairs and simply change the head unit to a more modern device.

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Transmission cases

The new Suzuki SX4 has two types of drive: front and all-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive on 4WD versions is implemented using a multi-plate clutch in the rear wheel drive, and it is controlled by the new AllGrip AWD system, which manages not only the transmission capabilities, but also the settings of the accelerator pedal, CVT, power steering and ESP stabilization system. In the basic Auto mode, the main drive is front-wheel drive, and the rear wheels are connected when slipping. Pressing the Sport button sharpens the reaction to pressing the gas pedal, changes the algorithm of the CVT, ESP and electric power steering. In Snow mode, the program immediately activates all-wheel drive and the algorithm of the stabilization system will change more significantly. Lock mode is designed for driving in difficult conditions, it provides full clutch lock and even distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels.

We find flaws

Given the subjectivity of opinions from the outside, the car began to look noticeably more modern. However, the weaknesses of the Suzuki CX4 are still quite pronounced. First of all, there are complaints about the design of the grille, but this flaw, according to numerous opinions, gives that very “zest”, revealing the face of the car. There is some controversy about the shape of the hood. But this component also adds a modern look to the SX4.

If you analyze the shortcomings of the cabin, the first thing that catches your eye is cheap upholstery. The manufacturer decided not to use expensive materials. This disadvantage was compensated by the design. In some parts of the interior there is even soft plastic. In general, the interior looks very simple, but decently enough.

How reliable is the engine, gearbox and hodovka?

Diesel engines under the hood of the Suzuki SX4 sold in our market are rare. At first, we only sold gasoline 106-horsepower hatchbacks with a 1.6-liter engine. In 2010, the Japanese slightly upgraded the power unit, because of this, its power increased to 112 “horses”. The design of this engine is simple – it is a guarantor of reliability. Before a run of 100-120 thousand kilometers, you will have to look under the hood only during scheduled maintenance.

After 150 thousand kilometers, the owners will have to deal with replacing the timing chain. Together with it, two tensioners will have to be replaced. The belt drive of attachments will have to be changed more often – every 90 thousand kilometers. If we talk about trifles, then it is worth noting that constant refueling with low-quality fuel gradually “kills” the catalyst. It happens that the generator fails. But this does not mean at all that it should be immediately replaced with a new one. Most of the time it’s an inexpensive fix.

Gearboxes match the engine – simple and reliable. The archaic 4-speed “automatic” forgives dashing driving and shifts gears with jerks only on those cars that have had to travel off-road. If we talk about cars with a manual transmission, then only the clutch will have to be changed. On front-wheel drive SX4, this happens after overcoming 90-100 thousand kilometers, on cars with all-wheel drive – after 70-80 thousand kilometers.

The all-wheel drive system is reliable. So if you are not embarrassed by a slightly higher fuel consumption and worsened dynamics, then look for the all-wheel drive Suzuki CX 4. Although this version will not be able to conquer serious off-road, it will drive through a snowy yard much more confidently than the SX4 with one leading axle.

Weaknesses of the Suzuki SX4

Steering rack SX4 after 20-30 thousand kilometers makes extraneous sounds. Over time, the sound does not progress and does not affect the operation of the unit. The front suspension without intervention serves 150-200 thousand kilometers. Previously, only the silent blocks of the front levers, the resource of which does not exceed 90 thousand kilometers, will have to be replaced. At the same time, you will have to change the shock absorbers.

The resource of brake pads and discs is comparable to that of most classmates. Pads serve 30 thousand kilometers, discs – on average twice as long. Drum rear brakes, which were installed on the SX4 until 2010, do not require pad replacement at all up to 100 thousand kilometers. The rear suspension design is even simpler. Accordingly, there are even fewer problems with it. Only wheel bearings, which rarely serve more than 50-60 thousand kilometers, will have to pay attention.

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