20.01.2018

Is one of the most compact models its class (SUV). Compact crossovers in many markets are in great demand among motorists, as their increased cross-country ability allows you to feel more confident not only in the city, but also outside it. Despite the fact that Suzuki SX4 on secondary market presented in two versions - a mini-crossover and a sedan, in our market a car in the back of a mini-crossover is in great demand, thanks to off-road due to the possible all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance (19 cm, for sedans 15 cm). In addition to off-road performance, an important role is played by the reliability of the car, which Japanese manufacturers always famous. But how things are with the reliability of this car, and what you should pay attention to when choosing a Suzuki SX4 with mileage, I will tell in this article.

A bit of history:

Suzuki SX4 is a joint project of two concerns and Fiat. The design of the car was entrusted to one of the best designers in the world, Giorgetto Giugiaro from ItalDesign. Suzuki SX4 replaced the outdated Suzuki models Aerio, which is on domestic market better known as "Liana". The manufacturer claims that the model name "SX4" is nothing more than a cipher: S - means "sport", X - "crossover", 4 - symbolizes the four seasons.

The premiere of the first generation Suzuki SX4 took place in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show, in the same year the serial assembly of the car began. Cars intended for the European market were assembled at a plant in Hungary, and the twin model, Fiat Sedici, was also assembled here. For other markets, cars were assembled in Japan, India and China. At the start of sales, the Suzuki SX4 was only available as a hatchback (crossover), which was called the SX4 Crossover. But a year later, in 2007, at the auto show in New York, the debut of the new SX4 sedan took place. Characteristic features new items steel original wedge-shaped body shape, unusual inclination windshield, high profile roofs, large triangular front door windows.

At the end of 2009, the model was restyled, during which the appearance, brake system and power units were modernized. In 2011, the top version of the car appeared on sale, equipped with a Bosch navigation system and intelligent multimedia system. The first generation of Suzuki lasted on the assembly line until 2013, in the same year, the second generation of the model, called the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, went on sale. The novelty was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. The main differences between the second generation of the model and its predecessor are increased dimensions, more expressive interior and exterior design, the best quality interior finishing materials.

Weaknesses and shortcomings of the Suzuki SX4 with mileage

The body of the Suzuki SX4 deserves only positive feedback, it steadfastly resists the effects of reagents, which we generously sprinkle on roads, anti-corrosion and paintwork the manufacturer clearly did not regret. Therefore, if the selected car has spots of paint swelling or pockets of rust, most likely the car was restored after an accident. But the chassis threaded connections, electrical wiring contacts, muffler holder, rear beam and gear lever backstage are prone to corrosion and require special attention. So, for example, when the backstage soured, there is a risk of breaking off the plastic guides. Another disadvantage is the poor illumination of the road from regular headlights.

Power units

In the domestic secondary market, the Suzuki SX4 is presented with gasoline engines 1.5 (110 hp), 1.6 (107 and 112 hp was installed after restyling), 2.0 (145 and 150 hp). Rarely, but still there are cars with diesel engines 1.6 (90 hp) and 1.9 (90, 120 hp), imported from Europe.

The most widespread in the CIS was a gasoline power unit with a system for changing the valve timing and chain drive Timing with a volume of 1.6 liters. On most instances, a chain replacement was required after 150,000 km, and two tensioners must also be changed at the same time. The main disadvantage of this engine is considered to be poor dynamics on low revs, for confident movement it is necessary to keep the engine on high revs. If we talk about the reliability of this motor, then there are no serious complaints about it, the main thing is to change the oil in time and pour quality gasoline. If the last recommendation is neglected, there is a high probability of premature destruction of the catalyst. On cars of the first years of production, failures are possible in software engine. The weaker power unit turned out to be no less reliable.

A two-liter engine is demanding on oil quality and service intervals (every 10,000 km). When using poor quality lubricants the timing chain tensioner fails prematurely, chain stretching is also possible - eliminating any of these problems is not cheap. All gasoline engines are not equipped with hydraulic lifters, so the manufacturer recommends checking every 40-50 thousand km thermal gaps valves. But practice has shown that valves do not always need to be adjusted even after 100 thousand kilometers.

Of the other minor drawbacks inherent in all motors, one can note the short service life of the generator (owners who rarely use their car face the problem more often). The culprit for the failure of the node is its unfortunate location, due to which dirt accumulates in it, and when driving through deep puddles, water can get into it. Symptoms - knocks, squeaks and other extraneous sounds. If there is a problem, do not rush to buy new generator, because in most cases simple cleaning helps to restore the functionality of the node.

Not known for reliability oxygen sensor(the Lambda probe). If it malfunctions, the power unit may start to work unstably, and fuel consumption also increases significantly. Usually, this sensor does not stop working immediately, in connection with this, it is unlikely that it will be possible to reveal that it is faulty on a test drive, so you should make a diagnosis before buying. With a complete failure and depressurization of the sensor, it is unlikely that it will be possible to start driving a car. In addition, there is a high probability of serious engine damage with subsequent costly repairs. Another disadvantage is high price fine fuel filter, which is recommended to be changed every 160,000 km ( changes together with fuel pump ). The cost of the original part fluctuates around $500.

Diesel engines

Diesel power units are a development of Fiat, unlike gasoline engines, they have a timing belt drive and more torque, but at the same time they have lower fuel consumption. Buying a car with power unit you need to have about $ 1000 in reserve to replace the turbine and the dual-mass flywheel. Both parts are reliable and serve more than 200,000 km, but in Europe for five or six years about 200,000 km are rolled on such cars, after which they are sold to our repurchases, which twist the mileage up to 100-120 thousand km.

Transmission

Suzuki SX4 was equipped with two gearboxes - 5 and 6-speed mechanical box gears (the latter was installed only in tandem with diesel engines) and 4 step automaton. Both transmissions are reliable and low maintenance. The weak point in mechanics is the clutch, if in front-wheel drive versions, on average, its resource is 90-100 thousand km, then for cars with all-wheel drive the clutch has to be changed after 70-80 thousand km. Often, the owners blame the fuzzy gear shift (especially the first one) and the noise of the bearings, the replacement solves the problem for a short time. The disadvantage of the machine is its slowness and jerks during gear changes. In the event of an automatic transmission failure, repairs will be expensive, so be sure to check before buying complete diagnostics unit.

The all-wheel drive system is reliable, but you should not consider this car as an SUV, as electromagnetic clutch, which the car is equipped with, is not designed for heavy loads and quickly overheats. For those who like to shove the car into the mud (snow) to the very “do not indulge”, it is important to remember that when the clutch overheats, the rear axle is automatically turned off. The first repair costs will be required after 70,000 km of run - replacement of drive oil seals. Frequent off-road trips have a negative impact on the life of the cross cardan shaft. A signal of strong wear of the crosspieces is clicking, rattle, creaking, crackling from the side of the cardan box at the start of movement and in the future, especially when releasing gas or increasing speed. With careful operation, the crosses serve more than 100,000 km. original part it is sold complete with a cardan and is not cheap - about 600 USD. Fortunately, our services have learned how to restore this node - 100-200 USD.

Weaknesses of the running Suzuki SX4 with mileage

The suspension of the Suzuki SX4 (MacPherson strut in front, semi-independent beam in the back) is knocked down and has a good energy intensity. Such a suspension setup had a positive effect on the car's handling, but there is also a fly in the ointment here - on a road with poor coverage, the car shakes decently. If we talk about the reliability of the suspension, then we can say with confidence that most of its elements do not even care for 100,000 km. The stabilizer bushings are the fastest on our roads, you have to change them every 30-40 thousand km. Stabilizer struts often ask for replacement after - 50-60 thousand kilometers. If you often storm potholes, their resource may be less. Wheel bearings also turned out to be a weak point of the chassis. rear axle and shock absorbers - become unusable after 70,000 km. The rear silent blocks of the front levers rarely take care of more than 120 thousand km. And here ball joints able to last up to 150,000 km.

The steering system is equipped with an electric power steering, cars with a 2.0 liter engine and all-wheel drive are equipped with hydraulic booster. The weak point here is the steering rack, the knot turned out to be especially problematic on cars manufactured before 2008 - the right bushing breaks. The tie rod ends run 150-200 thousand km, and the tie rods go even longer. The reliability of the brake system is a little disappointing, because despite the low weight of the car, the resource brake pads and disks are small. The disk resource is 25-35 thousand km, the disks are enough for two sets of pads. With heavy wear brake discs vibration occurs when braking.

Salon

The interior of the Suzuki SX4 is simple and boring, made of inexpensive materials, however, like most cars. Japanese made. Despite the fact that finishing materials are quite budgetary, they cope well with all the hardships of everyday use, thanks to this, even on cars with long runs the interior does not look shabby. TO significant shortcomings interior can be attributed to poor sound insulation and uncomfortable front seats. Electrical equipment is reliable, all buttons and levers work for a long time and without fail. The only thing to complain about is head unit which, over time, the CD drive may stop working (it starts to jam at first).

Outcome:

It is one of the most reliable and unpretentious cars in its segment. Even despite the described weak spots, buying a used car of this model is unlikely to be a bad investment, the main thing is to choose a car correctly, operate it carefully and it will not cause any special problems.

Advantages:

• High quality paint finish.
• The presence of all-wheel drive.
• Reliable power units.
• Small fuel consumption.

Disadvantages:

• Weak soundproofing.
• Not very comfortable seats.
• Poor quality interior trim materials.
• Small trunk.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your review that will help readers of our site when choosing a car.

The Japanese company Suzuki in July 2016 officially declassified the restyled version compact crossover Suzuki SX4 (in Europe it is called S-Cross), the public debut of which took place in the same autumn at the motor shows in Paris. The modernization clearly benefited the car - it got prettier in appearance, got new turbo engines and got wider multimedia capabilities. And in this form, the SUV will return to the Russian market in October 2016, after almost a year of absence.

Outwardly, the differences between the restyled Suzuki SX4 and the pre-reform car are obvious, or rather, on the “face”: the full-face SUV tried on a huge “toothy” radiator grille, slightly frowning optics and a relief bumper, which made it look more attractive and solid. From other angles, the car has not changed much, except that it received new lights with diode sections.

External dimensions Suzuki SX4 2017 model year are: 4300 mm long, 1585 mm high and 1785 mm wide. The distance between the wheelsets of the five-door is 2600 mm, and the clearance under the “belly” is 180 mm. The curb weight of the car varies from 1085 to 1230 kg.

The interior of the crossover has undergone less significant changes, but still got a more civilized look due to the new multimedia complex with a 7-inch touch screen and became better and more expensive finished.

Otherwise, the car has retained all the advantages of its predecessor - an informative and concise "toolkit", a stylish three-spoke steering wheel and a five-seater layout with comfortable seats.

Trunk updated version Suzuki SX4 has the correct configuration and holds from 440 to 875 liters, depending on the position of the rear sofa, the backs of which fit into a flat floor. In a niche under the raised floor - a compact "reserve".

Specifications. On the Russian market the restyled SUV will be offered with two petrol in-line fours.

• Initial option - atmospheric unit(migrated from its predecessor) with a volume of 1.6 liters with a distributed fuel supply and a 16-valve timing structure, producing 117 “mares” at 6000 rpm and 156 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm.
• An alternative to it is the 1.4-liter engine of the Boosterjet series with a turbocharger, 16 valves and direct injection, the potential of which is 140 Horse power at 5500 rpm and 220 Nm of available torque at 1500-4000 rpm.

With the "younger" installation, "mechanics" in five steps or "automatic" in six ranges are joined, but the "older" versions can only be two-pedal.

By default, the crossover is front-wheel drive, and a plug-in full is available for a surcharge Allgrip drive with a multi-plate clutch that starts the rear axle.

Depending on the modification, the restyled Suzuki SX4 overcomes the starting “spurt” to 100 km / h in 9.5-12.4 seconds, accelerates to 170-200 km / h and “eats” no more than 5.2-5.7 liters of fuel per mixed “hundred”.

• In addition, for Europeans, the base is a 1.0-liter in-line three-cylinder turbo engine that produces 112 "horses" at 5500 rpm and 170 Nm at 2000-3500 rpm.
• A 1.6-liter supercharged diesel engine is also provided, which has in its arsenal 120 forces at 3750 rpm and 320 Nm at 1750 rpm.

Structurally, the Suzuki SX4 2017 model year has not changed: a load-bearing body with abundant use of high-strength steels, an independent front architecture with MacPherson struts, a semi-independent rear beam, electric power steering and brake “pancakes” on each of the wheels (with front ventilation) with ABS, EBD and other electronics.

Options and prices. In Russia, the restyled Suzuki SX4 2016-2017 is offered in GL and GLX trim levels at a price of 1,179,000 rubles.
The list of standard equipment for the crossover includes: seven airbags, heated front seats, ESP, ABS, 16-inch wheels, an audio system with four speakers, power windows for all doors, air conditioning, fog lights, "cruise", side mirrors with heating and electric settings, as well as other "gadgets".
A car with an “automatic” will cost from 1,269,000 rubles, for an all-wheel drive option you will have to pay at least 1,329,000 rubles, you can’t buy a GLX modification for less than 1,409,000 rubles, and a solution with a 140-horsepower engine costs from 1,519,000 rubles.
Extremely "stuffed" SUV (in addition to the above functions) "flaunts": alloy wheels 16 inches, full LED optics, light and rain sensors, a multimedia system, a dual-zone “climate”, engine start from a button, a navigator, a rear-view camera, parking sensors “in a circle” and an assistance system when starting up.

Once a city popular in Russia Suzuki crossover SX4 has been updated and presented in a slightly different guise - more stylish and modern. The “Japanese”, which is known in Europe under the name S-Cross, after restyling began to attract even more glances than before, because the manufacturer corrected a number of shortcomings of its predecessor and tried to make its “SUV” as attractive as possible. Someone may like the SX4 2017, someone may not, but the fact remains that the model is interesting. True, for a Russian motorist it is a little expensive ... About what is curious about the new product Japanese car industry, and how it differs from the previous version, read in our review!

Design

The Suzuki designers who worked on the exterior of the 2017 SX4 obviously had a hard time: after all, turning a monster into a handsome man is not an easy task. How well they coped with their task, only the owner of the crossover has the right to judge, but one thing is for sure: the design definitely turned out to be prettier, although still controversial. If you close the Suzuki nameplate on a false radiator grille, similar to the grille of the Jimny "mini-tank", you will be able to see some similarities with the cars of the Italian Maserati brands. The SX4 grille is now made in the form of vertical chrome ribs (for old version are horizontal plastic), and a huge head optics got a new pattern and LED running lights. In addition, the exterior has upgraded bumpers, a short hood, a fairly high roof and large windshields.

The side line of the body has not undergone any changes. On the sides of the car are large informative rear-view mirrors and plastic protective pads, hinting at the beautiful off-road performance. The “stern” also remained almost untouched: here, only a plastic lining appeared on the apron and changed a little rear lights, which, by the way, like the headlights, are created using LED technology. Thanks to all the innovations, the restyled SUV as a whole looks more aggressive than its predecessor.

Design

The SX4 of the 2017 model year is based on a platform from a pre-reform crossover. The design has not changed: MacPherson strut independent spring suspension is installed at the front, and semi-independent spring suspension at the rear. Clearance at the same level - 180 mm. The AllGrip 4WD all-wheel drive transmission is also familiar from the pre-styling car: it allows you to choose between 4 driving modes - Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock, depending on traffic situation. For those who do not need all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive modifications are provided.

Adaptation to Russian conditions

The updated SX4 with its 18 cm ground clearance and all-wheel drive Russian roads not scary, but it is not recommended to get involved in heavy off-road trips - it should be remembered that this car a full-fledged SUV is not. To conquer the expanses of our country, the novelty also received additional anti-corrosion treatment of the body. Noise isolation from the "Japanese" is not bad. Of course, in the cabin at times you can hear the noise from the suspension, the whining of the engine at high speeds and the whistle of air in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe A-pillars reach the ears, but the SX4 2017 is definitely quieter than its famous “relative” Vitara.

Comfort

In the course of modernization, the model has improved interior finishing materials - now they are certainly no worse than those of modern cars Subaru and Nissan. The original front panel and climate control buttons are made of soft plastic and pleasant to the touch. The dual-zone climate control is European-style stylish, but there is a slight complaint about the design of the new seven-inch touchscreen of the multimedia system, borrowed from Vitara - dark glossy inserts are used for decoration, on which fingerprints constantly remain. Overhanging the touchscreen are elegant ventilation vents that give the center console a harmonious and finished look. The dashboard is simple and clear, with a pleasant backlight. The steering wheel is comfortable, multifunctional, and there are no serious complaints about it. The front seats are more or less comfortable, despite the lack of pronounced lateral support, and have adjustment and heating functions. The first row is quite spacious - especially a lot free space over your head. There's plenty of room in the rear, too, thanks to the knee recesses in the backs of the front seats. With relatively compact dimensions bodies, which after restyling have not increased by a millimeter, the rear sofa of the SX4 2017 is quite suitable for comfortable accommodation of three people. Sofa - with dense stuffing, folding armrest and backrest, folded in a ratio of 60:40.

The dashboard is simple and clear, with a pleasant backlight. The steering wheel is comfortable, multifunctional, and there are no serious complaints about it. The front seats are more or less comfortable, despite the lack of pronounced lateral support, and have adjustment and heating functions. The first row is spacious enough - especially a lot of free headroom. There's plenty of room in the rear, too, thanks to the knee recesses in the backs of the front seats. With relatively compact body dimensions, which have not increased by a millimeter after restyling, the rear sofa of the SX4 2017 is quite suitable for comfortable accommodation of three people. Sofa - with dense stuffing, folding armrest and backrest, folded in a ratio of 60:40. Folding down the back of the rear seats, you can open access to 1269 liters. cargo space. Reclined back luggage compartment is at least 430 liters. This is not the largest trunk in its class, but still very roomy.

Any package of the new SX4 includes as many as seven airbags, including front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, a knee airbag for the driver, curtains, as well as a set of electronic assistants, including:

The top-end crossover is equipped with an infotainment complex from Bosch with a seven-inch touch screen HD, steering wheel controls, 3D navigation, SD card slot, Bluetooth and USB port for connecting mobile devices. A similar touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink technologies is equipped Suzuki Vitara and Baleno. "Multimedia" Bosch has a user-friendly interface, the ability to display images from the camera rear view while driving in reverse, quick responses to short touches and Lexus-like volume control. Thanks to the modern multimedia system, you can enjoy your favorite music and talk on the phone without being distracted from driving.

Suzuki CX4 Specifications

The 2017 SX4 engine range includes a Vitara-derived 1.4-liter Boosterjet direct-injection turbocharged petrol with 140 hp and a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter M16A petrol with variable phase technology. VVT valve timing and a return of 117 hp. The first engine is paired only with a six-speed Aisin hydromechanical automatic transmission, which replaced the CVT transmission, and the second is combined with a five-speed “mechanics”. Both engines comply with the Euro-5 environmental standard. Real average consumption fuel is less than 7 liters. per 100 km.

Characteristic	1.6MT	1.6MT 4WD	1.6AT	1.4AT	1.4AT 4WD	1.6AT 4WD
Engine's type:	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Engine capacity:	1586	1586	1586	1373	1373	1586
Power:	117 HP	117 HP	117 HP	140 hp	140 hp	117 HP
Acceleration to 100km/h:	11.0 s	12.0 s	12.4 s	9.5 s	10.2 s	13.5 s
Max Speed:	180 km/h	175 km/h	170 km/h	200 km/h	200 km/h	175 km/h
Consumption in the urban cycle:	6.6/100km	6.8/100km	6.8/100km	7.6/100km	7.9/100km	7.8/100km
Extra-urban consumption:	4.8/100km	5.0/100km	4.7/100km	4.9/100km	5.2/100km	5.4/100km
Consumption in combined cycle:	5.4/100km	5.7/100km	5.5/100km	5.9/100km	6.2/100km	6.3/100km
Volume fuel tank:	47 l	47 l	47 l	47 l	47 l	47 l
Length:	4300 mm	4300 mm	4300 mm	4300 mm	4300 mm	4300 mm
Width:	1765 mm	1765 mm	1765 mm	1785 mm	1785 mm	1765 mm
Height:	1590 mm	1590 mm	1590 mm	1590 mm	1590 mm	1590 mm
Wheelbase:	2600 mm	2600 mm	2600 mm	2600 mm	2600 mm	2600 mm
Clearance:	180 mm	180 mm	180 mm	180 mm	180 mm	180 mm
Weight:	1085 kg	1170 kg	1125 kg	1190 kg	1235 kg	1195 kg
Trunk volume:	430 l	430 l	430 l	430 l	430 l	430 l
Transmission:	Mechanical	Mechanical	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Drive unit:	Front	Full	Front	Front	Full	Full
Front suspension:	Independent - McPherson	Independent - McPherson	Independent - McPherson	Independent - McPherson	Independent - McPherson	Independent - McPherson
Rear suspension:		Semi dependent - torsion beam	Semi-dependent - torsion beam	Semi-dependent - torsion beam	Semi-dependent - torsion beam	Semi-dependent - torsion beam
Front brakes:	Disc ventilated	Disc ventilated	Disc ventilated	Disc ventilated	Disc ventilated	Disc ventilated
Rear brakes:	Disk	Disk	Disk	Disk	Disk	Disk
Production:	Hungary

Buy Suzuki CX4

Dimensions Suzuki SX4

• length - 4.300 m;
• width - 1.765 m;
• height - 1.590 m;
• wheelbase- 2.6 m;
• clearance - 180 mm;
• trunk volume - 430 l.

Suzuki CX4 configuration

Equipment	Volume	Power	Consumption (city)	Consumption (route)	checkpoint	Drive unit
GL 2WD	1.6 l	117 HP	6.6	4.8	5MT	2WD
GL 4WD	1.6 l	117 HP	6.8	5.0	5MT	4WD
GL 2WD	1.6 l	117 HP	6.8	4.7	6AT	2WD
GL 4WD	1.6 l	117 HP	7.8	5.4	6AT	4WD
GLX 2WD	1.4 l	140 hp	7.6	4.9	6AT	2WD
GLX 4WD	1.4 l	140 hp	7.9	5.2	6AT	4WD
GLX 2WD	1.6 l	117 HP	6.8	4.7	6AT	2WD

New Suzuki The SX4 is so different from the old one that it should have been renamed, anyway, it didn’t work out on the popularity of the old elevated hatch.

The thesis "The economy must be economical - this is the requirement of the time", first voiced in 1981 at the XXVI Congress of the CPSU, every year becomes more relevant throughout the world. Even the most major automakers they try to minimize costs by introducing single platforms for almost the entire model range.

Gone is the classic Vitara - an SUV with a continuous rear axle, real all-wheel drive, with a "lower" and the baby SX4 - a raised "hatch" with a crossover clutch in the drive rear wheels. Today Vitara and SX4 are essentially the same crossover, but in order to sell it twice, the target audience had to be divided, so the new Vitara, which appeared a little later, got an attractive youth “outfit”, and the SX4 was “dressed” in a deliberately solid body .

Front with a high line of the hood and " animal grin The thick bars of the radiator grille look ridiculously heavy along with the sloping rear roof and the sloping tailgate line. In addition, the pompous front view is in conflict with the modestly designed
back. However, the odd design is one of the few shortcomings of this crossover, and people have different tastes, someone probably likes it.

SOLID FIVE

The hard plastic of the Suzuki SX4 dashboard looks better than the other “soft touch”, the options are also not spared. Separate climate control, dual-mode heated seats, a quick multifunction steering wheel with a full range of functions, followed by neat petals manual switching gears in automatic transmission. Ignition - button, seven-inch screen media system, decent sound. Touch control, it turns out, can also be convenient - to adjust the volume of the radio, just swipe up or down the left edge of the screen, the system supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.

Tidy modest, but perfectly readable, good ergonomics, profile fabric seats(there are no leather options for SX4) good, lateral support is well expressed. The steering wheel is adjustable not only in tilt angle, but also in reach, so choosing a comfortable position behind the steering wheel is much easier than in the reference Duster.

Of course, there are minor miscalculations: for example, the transmission mode shift lever constantly slips into “sport” past “drive”, auto mode available only at the driver's window, the rear riders have nowhere to charge the phone. In addition, it’s a little crowded in the gallery, the knees do not rest against the backs of the front seats, but the seats are back to back, and the middle passenger will “hug” the central armrest box protruding far back with his legs.

The rear seats fold 60/40, there is no ski hatch, but the backrest angle can be changed. Under the raised floor there is a neat little organizer and a stowaway instead of a full-size spare wheel, and the wheel is covered with an additional partition and completely separated from the main "underfloor". The trunk is small; the minimum volume is 430 liters, but the maximum is only 1269 liters, that is, as much as 300 liters less than that of the same Duster.

All in all, if capacity isn't a buying factor, the new SX4 can be rated very highly for its cabin.

SMALL BUT SMOOTH

The SX4 has two engines in its arsenal: an old 1.6-liter gasoline "atmosfernik" with a capacity of 117 hp, still from the previous generation, and a fresh Boosterjet - a turbocharged "buzz-pity" with a volume of only 1.4 liters, but with a capacity of 140 hp. from. As it happens in our market, not only with the "Japanese", there are no complete sets with a "senior" motor and "mechanics", a five-speed manual transmission comes only with a modest "aspirated".

However, the "automatic" with the same number of gears is very good. The box is ideally combined with the "Boosterjet", there are no dips in traction, the steps in the "drive" change smoothly, but without delay, in the sport mode the shifts become almost instantaneous, the cabin is quiet and high speed, the motor is well audible only on acceleration. petals manual mode- nothing more than a good "toy", without practical use: anyway, the selected gear does not hold up to the "cutoff".

The torque of the “turbo engine” is 220 Nm, all this thrust is available in the range from 1500 to 4000 rpm, that is, almost from idle. Although acceleration is not amazing - 10.2 seconds to 100 km / h - the Boosterjet "rides" perfectly, there are no problems with fast overtaking.

In the city, the SX4 is very happy with liveliness, but the suspension is too “squeezed”. However, without this, the character of the Rossover would not be solid, so you have to “listen” too much detailed information about minor bumps and learn to slow down in front of speed bumps. Otherwise, there are no problems - directional stability is maintained even in a rut, transverse rolls very small. The electric power steering is set up well: there is enough information, and a somewhat artificial effort on the steering wheel does not interfere with enjoying how confidently the crossover “writes an arc” in corners.

GEOMETRY CAN'T BE DECEIVED

Oddly enough, the "petty" character suspension Suzuki SX4 on a moderately broken grader changes into better side- up to 50 km / h is quite comfortable and quiet enough.

"Crickets" in the cabin, it seems, do not "live" at all, I have never heard squeaks and vibrations of the panels. True, it is impossible to “yawn” large irregularities - there are not enough suspension moves for gullies, it is easy to grab a “breakdown” or “smash” a long and low front bumper on some kind of bump during compression.

Clearance - only 180 mm, you won't clear up. Despite its short wheelbase (just 2,600mm between wheels), the SX4 is a lousy climber, squandering almost the full potential of its all-wheel-drive system. This is especially offensive, because the system is good! "Smart" all-wheel drive AIIGrip 4WD perfectly imitates wheel locks, works quickly and gently, has several modes. True, there is only one conditionally off-road one - “snow”, but on the other hand, the clutch can be blocked in it, and the torque will be distributed equally along the axes.

Turning off the ESP, I almost crawled into a slippery climb with traction, but in the middle of the hill the road tires did not have enough grip, all four wheels were honestly rowing, but idle - I had to roll back down and look for another trajectory. The ill-fated front bumper-I didn’t want to “stick” it into the ground at the lower inflection.

Yes, not a lot, but real life The SX4 is unlikely to meet off-road, but well-tuned AIIGrip 4WD electronics give you a much better chance of getting out of the city slush than less “smart” systems.

UNCLEAR POSITION

In the top configuration, the Suzuki SX4 with a “turbo engine” will cost 1,599,000 rubles. For this money you can buy "much more cars." For example, a two-liter gasoline 150-horsepower KIA Sportage with all-wheel drive and a six-speed "automatic" in Comfort configuration costs 1,564,900 rubles, and the prices for the ubiquitous Renault Duster do not exceed 1,019,990 rubles. Internal competition is also strong: Suzuki Vitara S with the same 140-horsepower Boosterjet and a six-speed automatic transmission costs 1,585,000 rubles. True, it has even less trunk - from 375 to 1120 liters, but the SX4 is not a truck either. If you approach the choice with soul and heart, and not with a tape measure and a calculator, then the Suzuki SX4 noticeably pales next to the Vitara, whose appearance does not conflict with the driver's character.

Suzuki Vitara, 4th generation, 10.2014 - 03.2019

I am an attentive picky driver, but not nervous, experience constant driving since 2008, glass and headlights can not be wiped by car washes, the aggressiveness of driving depends on my mood. Before Vitara were budget puzoterki Nexia and Accent. I thought it would be tougher, it turned out to be generally more comfortable. For the year mileage 7t.km. But where I used to slow down and leisurely “roll over” now I don’t notice without slowing down the speed. Doesn't lean when turning. Very pleased with the car. At urban speeds, it is pleasantly torquey (it was tested for comparison with the Duster and Sportezh). Nothing creaks anywhere. Visibility and mirrors are good, and near and high beam good. The salon is wider than the previous cars by 10 cm and longer by the same amount, it is convenient to get in and out (my height is 178) by back seat even in winter I sit down and sit quietly, quiet, warm, comfortable, on Idling If you do not look at the tachometer, it is not clear whether the engine is running or not. Power windows on the front doors and mechanical on the rear (children can, without turning on the ignition, regulate the ventilation of the passenger compartment in the parking lot). The radio with CDs and MP3 with steering wheel controls is very convenient, the sound is excellent.

In my configuration there is no trunk light. Installing engine protection reduces clearance by one and a half to two centimeters.

Did not have. I will add pluses. The seats are comfortable with heating, but the skin material is such that heating is not required up to -10grd (does not cool). Shock absorbers do not knock in the cold, "warm up" after 10 minutes of driving. Engine compartment half empty, unusually small engine, good visibility everywhere, Japanese minimalism and durability. In summer, the consumption of AI95 gasoline in the city is more than a million inhabitants 6.5l. In winter, with warm-ups and traffic jams 7.5l. In the summer, on the long distance 80 - 90 km per hour, the revolutions are 1300 - 1600 and without frequent overtaking, the consumption is 4.5l. When the temperature dropped below -24 degrees, I didn’t risk it, I set it to periodically warm up. For the winter I bought a second set of Chinese metal wheels original sizes for 1500 rub. I really liked the built-in ESP anti-skid system. In winter, in snowfall and ice, it accelerates and maneuvers steadily and confidently. The weight of the machine is the same as that of the B-class puzoterki, but it takes on board a weight of 130 kg more. I have never seen such an effective headroom in any model of a similar class of crossovers (I studied all similar models of all brands represented in Russia before buying). The Wart's battery is unusually smaller than usual, and always showed a good charge.

Mileage 45,000 km. Steering rack rattled. Contacted the dealer. Examined, took a photo did not find any mechanical damage.
Invited for re-examination. According to the dealer, one of the anthers of the steering rack broke. And on this basis, they refused warranty repairs, they said that the rail was faulty, the rods were rusted. They offered to purchase a new one at a price of 46,000 rubles, plus replacement work. It turns out during the passage of TO 2, there was no hole on the anther, then it appeared and within 15,000 the rail failed.