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The first impression

My first impression of the new SX4 was much like a foreign family member  who  arrives home after a number of years abroad, only to notice the ‘kids’ in the family have all grown-up and are now young adults.

The new SX4 is bigger all round – taller, longer and wider than its ‘kid’ predecessor. In fact, it’s now not as cute either, much like the little adolescent plump freckled faced family members who have now matured and have stubble (in the case of the boys) and a face made up with make-up (for the girls).

The previous SX4 was a great little car. It was a cost effective option for those looking to do some mild off-roading, while still being fun to drive in and around the city. The new SX4 has improved on this formula, only now it is better at accommodating its passengers, its driver and their cargo. It will happily seat mom, dad and two big rugby lads, though it would probably be advised that mom and dad who are presumably smaller than said lads sit in the back (headroom in the rear is a tad limited for taller people). It now features upgraded electronics which have been simply laid out but are very tastefully put together. Things like climate control with individual temperature settings for driver and passenger are standard, keyless entry and starting, folding rear view mirrors, cruise control and Bluetooth are all part of the package. Being the top of the range albeit the automatic is the most expensive, leather would have been nice, but the fabric used for the seats is good quality. Part of growing up means you refine how you do things, you understand yourself better too and so does the new SX4. It is all grown-up!

On the road

The SX4 is essentially an elevated Suzuki Swift, so as you would expect, it has an adorable and cheeky character. Zippy performance can be had from its 1.6 engine and nipping in and out of city traffic is a walk in the park with its responsive and light steering action.  Being elevated and mated to an all-wheel drive system badged ‘All-Grip’, the SX4’s resume extends further and it has a “do all” personality too.  Not to be confused with the able abilities of Land Rover, the SX4 is a ‘Crossover’. It is capable of crossing over tar, mud, snow and sludgy marshes. But let’s face it, the larger portion of SX4 owners won’t be engaging the cars off road traction system, but nice to know it is definitely not a stuck in the mud.

An overwhelming sense of easy imbues all the controls of the Suzuki. The designers have made a car that is a pleasure to drive even if it’s for a longer journeys. The clutch and gear shifter work like pin and pong or ying and yang, it’s a perfect balance and a well mated match. As you engage the light action of the clutch and the slide the gear lever from gear-to-gear, you notice the intuitive feel of the shifter movement, which relinquishes a partial element of the manual labour.

What I liked

  • Size
  • Practicality
  • Ease of use
  • Peppy performance and free revving engine
  • Upgraded quality over its predecessor
  • Good fuel economy

 

What I’m not mad about

  • The ‘All Grip’ version is pricey
  • Unusually large ‘eyes’ headlights giving the front of the car an acquired looked

 

 

The figures

 

The extra stuff

The Suzuki SX4 comes standard with a 3yr/90 000km maintenance plan. The SX4 scored five stars in the European crash test EuroNCAP.

 

 

The verdict

The previous SX4 was delightfully charming but also showing its age. Like the adorable kids mentioned above, its now filled out and matured into a competent family crossover vehicle. Suzuki is making a concerted effort in 2014 to increase its market share in South Africa. They are increasing their offering with an increased variety of cars. Not only is there more choices, but Suzuki is upping their game in the quality department.  Previous Suzuki’s have always has a ‘cute’ factor. With each new reveal, their latest successors are shedding this adorable look and demanding to be taken more seriously. Greater ability, improved quality and increased standard electronic equipment means Suzuki is lifting their leg and marking their territory. Competition is warned!

The Peugeot 2008 is a funky car. I like it a lot and so do my fellow motoring journalists. It’s like a delectable éclair sprinkled with “joie de vivre”. It’s the best looking car in its class and loaded with features both practical and playful, and it’s very well priced to boot.

The Qashqai is Nissan’s golden child, selling hundreds of units every month and available in an assorted variety. The current model has reached the end of its production life cycle, but the upcoming model promises more. It’s expected to launch in the third quarter of this year.

So would I buy the SX4? Yes and no. Yes, I would buy an SX4 but not the 1.6 GLX AllGrip. The reason is based on my lifestyle and the lack of off-roading that I do, so I believe the standard 1.6 GLX two-wheel drive is better value at R295 900, and therefore more suited to my needs.

But I also have a penchant for éclairs!

Suzuki Auto SA wedlink

 

 

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