Suzuki SX4 1.6 SZ3 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Inside the SX4 it’s easy to find a good driving position with the adjustment available on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good all round, aided by the window insets into the strengthened front pillars and large door mirrors. The dash design works well; everything is clear and simple to use and it’s well laid out.

This SX4 SZ3 is fitted with the 119bhp 1.6-litre 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol unit. It’s not very flexible, as most of the 115lb-ft of torque is available higher up the rev range. However, it’s powerful enough and is capable of a top speed of 115mph, 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds, and gives good average fuel economy of 45.6mpg. A five-speed manual gearbox comes fitted as standard. There are also 1.6 and 1.9-litre diesel versions available which offer even better fuel economy.

Handling is predictable and it feels more like a small car with its good body control and responsive steering. While the ride is firm, it’s never uncomfortable and the suspension soaks up bumps well.

The engine has to be revved hard to get the best out of it, making it a bit noisy at times. Road and suspension noise are nicely suppressed in the cabin, but wind noise when travelling at speed is obvious.

With classic Suzuki curves and styling, the SX4 is smart and modern looking all round, and looks chic enough for urban use or rugged enough for the country.

The SZ3 entry level version is reasonably well equipped and comes with power steering, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric windows, immobiliser and a CD with steering mounted controls. Alloy wheels, keyless-entry and fog-lamps are also included as standard but metallic paint is an optional extra, costing £399.

As a four-seater the SX4 is comfortable enough, but it doesn’t have enough space to get a fifth adult inside. The space available in the boot is not massive – only 270-litres, although this can be extended to 1,045-litres by folding the rear seats down.

EuroNCAP awarded four-stars for occupant safety, three-stars for child safety and three-stars for pedestrian safety in their crash-tasting of the SX4. It comes with six airbags as well as ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution system) and ISOfix child seat mountings as standard.

Anti-theft measures include an engine immobilizer and deadlocks.

The cabin interior and controls all have a nice durable feel to them, however the trim isn’t very impressive and there’s a lot of hard plastic on show. Suzuki generally has an excellent reputation for reliability, and the SX4 certainly feel well built and durable enough.

The SX4 is covered by a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and has regular service intervals of 9,000 miles.

The SX4 SZ3 1.6 has decent fuel economy (45.6mpg) and its CO2 emissions of 141g/km are also good for its class, so it won’t cost you much to run. Insurance in group 18 and Road Tax in VED band F are on a par with its rivals. However, if you take away the roof bars and scuff plates then it’s essentially a two-wheel drive hatchback, and it seems a bit expensive at £11,995.

The SZ3 which comes with good equipment makes more sense (as a two-wheel drive option) than the more expensive SZ4 version.

So if you’re looking for a dependable run-around, the SX4 is an attractive proposition. As a four-wheel drive it makes good sense and is well priced. Two-wheel drive versions have less to differentiate them from other hatchbacks - but they’re still fun to drive thanks to their excellent handling.