2010 Suzuki SX4 Review
Price
from: RM88,888
to: RM93,888
Installment
from: RM848/mth
to: RM895/mth
2010 Suzuki SX4 at a glance
The 2010 Suzuki SX4 is likely to give B-segment rivals a good run for their money: its competent handling, class-leading ride comfort, adequate room and generous equipment count will see to that.
2010 Suzuki SX4 quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Suzuki SX4 ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
For a sedan, being tall and narrow means an awkward stance. Not helping is the 2010 Suzuki SX4's supposedly sporty wedge-shape stance. But at least Suzuki has given the SX4 an aggressive front end to distract from all that. The contoured headlamps and muscular arched fenders are nice touches, but the boring rear end should have received more attention.
Handling
Using the same extended Suzuki Swift chassis as the SX4 Crossover, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 handles competently, with expectedly lower dynamic limits and less sharpness than the Swift. Despite its height, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 corners with little body lean, turns in with surprising eagerness, and grips on decently through corners. The steering is also surprisingly weighty relative to rivals'.
Comfort
With long-travel suspension, 15-inch tyres and softer suspension than the SX4 Crossover, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 rides the most pliantly in the class. Cabin refinement has also been improved over the crossover's, with less engine noise intrusion, but some wind noise is still noticeable. Seat-height adjustments are available, but the steering column is only tilt-adjustable. The driving position is one of the highest among sedans, though forward visibility is restricted by the split A-pillar. The simple dashboard lays everything out clearly for easy navigation.
Quality + Reliability
Carrying over the SX4 Crossover's cabin, the 2010 Suzuki SX4's cabin feels similarly stylish, solid and durable, though not particularly classy, which boils down to the hard plastics used in a number of places. Fit-and-finish are however largely brilliant, and controls operate with slickness. Given Suzuki's reputation for building reliable cars, major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission should pass the test of time with little problems.
Performance
The 1.6-litre's output of 101 bhp and 140 Nm is hardly impressive by class standards. But the on-road performance can be described as adequate, thanks to sufficient low-end torque. Push the engine too hard though, and the raucous engine note will be unleashed. The responsive four-speed automatic shifts smoothly and is rarely caught in the wrong ratio.
Roominess
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover has more rear legroom and a larger boot than the Swift. And the 2010 Suzuki SX4 adds a massive 515-litre boot that is easily class-leading. Being the tallest in the class means headroom will not be an issue, while rear legroom is adequate, although rear shoulder room remains tight for three passengers. The rear seats can 60/40 split-fold for additional loading space when needed.
Running Costs
Maintenance and repairs should be affordable. Fuel consumption and depreciation are higher than for the Honda City and Toyota Vios, however. As it stands, the Suzuki brand is still not the most desirable in the second-hand market, although the newer crop of Suzuki models are definitely improving the brand's credibility, which would then lead to better value retention for the Suzuki SX4.
Value for Money
Unlike the SX4 Crossover which is less clear-cut in its positioning, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 is positioned in a lucrative segment that also contains established stalwarts such as the Honda City, Toyota Vios and Nissan Latio. Besides a slightly awkward stance and hard cabin plastics, there is everything to like about the 2010 Suzuki SX4; the competent handling, class-leading ride comfort, decent performance, adequate room and generous equipment count are qualities that will attract much attention.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, leather steering wheel, power windows, child seat anchorage, front fog lamps, alarm system with immobiliser, reverse sensor, 15" alloy wheels, steering wheel audio switches, MP3/CD/radio player and eight speakers. Safety kit includes dual front SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Premier package adds window tint, boot lid spoiler, door visor and leather seats.
Environment
The carbon dioxide emissions level is average by class standards. Being fully imported from Japan makes the 2010 Suzuki SX4 more polluting compared to the locally assembled Honda City and Toyota Vios.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Competent handling
Class-leading ride comfort
Generous equipment count
Slightly awkward stance
Hard cabin plastics
Modest engine output
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