To be honest a lot of the hype at the Geneva Motor Show centres on ‘exotic’ this, ‘concept’ the other and ‘hydrogen’ something else – unless you’re Suzuki. Of greater interest to Australian SUV buyers is the all-new Suzuki SX4.
While current generation SX4 compact SUV has not long ago scored a 2.0-litre engine and CVT transmission, the all-new model is larger, (longer, wider and higher) moving into Europe’s C-segment and adopts a new, more aerodynamic body in contrast to the outgoing boxy look. Larger means more space and while the current Suzuki SX4 is certainly no jumbo in the cargo area, the all-new model delivers an impressive 430-litres (rear seat in place) in the luggage department.
Styling is certainly more sophisticated with a modern rounded bonnet, LED DRLs in the headlights and a curved roofline. Suzuki is claiming a ‘world-first’ for the all-new SX4’s double sliding glass panoramic sunroof.
Inside, the all-new Suzuki SX4 goes upscale over the current model with modern looks, high quality material and abundant soft-touch trim.
Under the bonnet, European models will be powered by 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines driving via a five-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic with seven-speed manual mode. The petrol powerplant delivers 88kW/156Nm (the current 2.0-litre is good for 112kW/190Nm) while the diesel is rated at 88kW/320Nm.
The driveline features Suzuki’s new ‘Allgrip’ 4WD technology. This system defaults to two-wheel-drive in the ‘Auto’ setting for everyday use but 4WD is available in the other three ‘Sport’, ‘Snow’ and ‘Lock’.
While European Suzuki SX4s are built at the company’s plant in Magyar, Hungary, and go on-sale within weeks, there’s no word yet on Australian plans. The current Suzuki SX4 starts at just $18,990 for the front-wheel-drive ‘Crossover’ model, the all-new larger model will probably start a little north of that.
You can see the all new Suzuki SX4 in action below:
