Suzuki SX4

Suzuki SX4
Overview
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	2006–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car Compact crossover SUV
Body style	4-door sedan (2006–2013) 5-door hatchback (2006–2013) 5-door wagon (2013–present)
Chronology
Predecessor	Suzuki Aerio Suzuki Forenza/Reno[1]
Successor	Suzuki Ciaz (sedan)

The Suzuki SX4 is a compact car and crossover developed jointly by Japanese automaker Suzuki and Italian automaker Fiat, sold since 2006. It was available as a hatchback and sedan, with the former available in both front and four wheel drive. In 2013, a new generation was launched, called Suzuki SX4 S-Cross — now exclusively a mini SUV, with a sedan version not offered. The first and second generation SX4s sold alongside one another until 2014. The second generation SX4 has not been marketed as a Fiat, and the SX4 sedan was replaced with the Suzuki Ciaz.

The original model was sold in certain European markets as the Fiat Sedici, and in some Asian markets as the Maruti Suzuki SX4. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign Giugiaro studio and has been produced since 2006. Although originally intended solely for Europe, the SX4 is sold in most of Suzuki's international markets. Especially as a 4WD hatchback, the SX4 occupies a specific market niche of mini SUVs. Depending on the market, it was available with petrol engines in the 1.5 to 2.0 litre range, and Fiat's 1.3 to 2.0 litre diesels.

First generation (2006–2014)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Changan-Suzuki SX4 Fiat Sedici Maruti Suzuki SX4 Suzuki Neo Baleno [2]
Production	2006 – March 2014 (Japan, hatchback) 2007 – March 2014 (Japan, sedan)
Assembly	Esztergom, Hungary Sagara, Shizuoka, Japan Manesar, India (Maruti Suzuki)[3] Chongqing, China (Changan Suzuki) Bekasi, Indonesia (Suzuki Indomobil Motor)[4]
Designer	Italdesign Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car (hatchback, sedan) Compact crossover SUV (hatchback)
Body style	5-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L M15A I4 (petrol) 1.6 L M16A I4 (petrol) 1.8 L M18A I4 (petrol) 2.0 L J20A I4 (petrol) 2.0 L J20B I4 (petrol) 1.3 L D13A I4 (diesel) 1.6 L DV6ATED4 I4 (diesel) 1.9 L D19A I4 (diesel) 2.0 L D20A I4 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic CVT (2010 model)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	4,115 and 4,135 mm (162.0 and 162.8 in) (Hatchback, 2010–) 4,150 mm (163.4 in) (Hatchback, 2007–09) 4,490 mm (176.8 in) (Sedan, manual) 4,511 mm (177.6 in) (Sedan, automatic)
Width	1,730 and 1,775 mm (68.1 and 69.9 in)
Height	1,575 and 1,605 mm (62.0 and 63.2 in) (Hatchback) 1,545 mm (60.8 in) (Sedan)
Chronology
Successor	Suzuki Ciaz (sedan)

SX4 continues Suzuki's tradition of mini SUVs and compact SUVs, like SJ, Jimny, and Escudo.^[5] It was introduced in Japan on 1 December 2005, and internationally at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio, the SX4 (an abbreviation of "Sports X over 4 all seasons ") replaces the Aerio (Liana in some markets). The "SX/4" designation was previously used (1981–83) by American Motors (AMC) for a sporty liftback model in its all wheel drive AMC Eagle passenger cars.^[6][7]

Pre facelift Suzuki SX4 hatchback (US)

Although originally intended solely for the European market, the SX4 is sold in most of Suzuki's international markets. It falls within Japanese regulations concerning vehicle external dimensions and engine displacement for a car classified as a "compact". It is manufactured at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary; Manesar, India; and Sagara, Japan.^[8]

Production in Hungary was expected to be 60,000 units per year — two thirds to be sold by Suzuki and one third by Fiat, badged as the Sedici.^[9]

The SX4 Crossover has also been sold in Indonesia since 2007. Earlier models were directly imported from Japan (Completely Built up/CBU), however, locally assembled versions were introduced a year later, to meet the higher than expected market demand. The locally assembled versions are then equipped with some new features, including four wheel disc brakes and Multi Information Display.

Base engines are the 1.5 litre gasoline unit identical to the one used in the Swift, 1.6 litre gasoline (with VVT) with maximum output of 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) (which powers Suzuki SX4 Sedan sold in India by Maruti), the new 1.6 litre VVT seen in the new Grand Vitara, and a 107 PS (79 kW; 106 hp), 1.9 litre DDIS — along with the Fiat diesel engine with a maximum output of 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) and maximum torque of 280 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft).

The SX4 was initially released as a five-door hatchback body style, marketed as the SX4 Crossover. With boot space of 300 liters (270 liters VDA) and 60:40 split fold rear seats, they have a tumble/roll configuration that allows for a flat load area up to a maximum volume of 1,045 liters (625 liters VDA).^[10]

Pre-facelift Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan, US

The sedan model, marketed as the SX4 Sport, debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show and was released in Japan, India, and a few Eastern European markets. It replaced the Suzuki Aerio sedan and also the Daewoo-based Suzuki Forenza sedan and station wagon.^[11]

2007

The North American market model arrived in 2006 as a 2007 model year, as Suzuki's entry level AWD vehicle. Differences from the European model are the offering of AWD as standard (2WD Version available in Canada, Europe, Israel, and China while AWD is optional in Canada) and only with the 2.0 litre J20A 143 hp (107 kW; 145 PS) inline-4 gasoline engine with timing chain instead of timing belt.

In 2007, Suzuki Auto posted the best year end close in company history, with SX4 sales a primary contributor to this success.^[12]

2008

The United States base price (model year 2008) for the five door hatchback (marketed as the SX4 Crossover) included "intelligent" All Wheel Drive (iAWD), power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, CD player with MP3 capability, and keyless entry. Available were anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, fog lights, and an advanced key in a Touring package.

2009

The model year of 2009 saw SX4 sedans with standard GPS navigation systems manufactured by Garmin with Bluetooth, weather, and a gas station locator.^[13]

The United States sedan of the SX4 (marketed as the SX4 Sport) is only available in front wheel drive (FWD). Except for the absence of iAWD, the option packages for the SX4 Sport closely matched those available for the SX4 Crossover. The sedan's boot has 515 liters of cargo capacity.

Both the 1.6 litre FWD hatchback^[14] and 1.6 litre FWD sedan models^[15] available in Israel (four speed automatic only) and Malaysia, are fully imported from Japan.

In Indonesia, only a two-wheel FWD drive CKD version with 1.5 litre engine for both sedan and hatchback is offered, available in five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission option. Later, SX4 hatchback in Indonesia is offered in two variant : the standard SX4 Crossroad and the fully optional SX4 Crossover.

Both two wheel drive and all wheel drive versions of the SX4 are available, although not all combinations of drivetrain and body style may be available in a given market (for instance, until the latter part of the model year of 2008, the United States SX4 Crossover was only available with iAWD). The AWD models use an electronically controlled iAWD three mode four wheel drive system, user selectable between front wheel drive 2WD mode, automatic AWD AUTO mode, and AWD LOCK 50:50 split permanent AWD LOCK mode which can only be used up to 64 km/h (40 mph), after that it switches to AWD AUTO mode.

2010

Pre facelift Suzuki SX4 hatchback (Europe)

The 2010 SX4 received changes to the grille, taillights, instrument cluster, climate controls and door trim, as well as a restructured cargo hold, removing the fold up rear seats in favour of an 'arena seating' raised rear seat layout. Non-fleet all-wheel-drive models added new rear skid plates. They were also upgraded with front (ventilated) and rear (solid) disc brakes, six airbags (front, side and curtain), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cruise control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - optional in 1.6 litre models.

A new SportBack model offers a lowered sport tuned suspension, body kit, rear spoiler, and also removes the roof rack.^[16]

Since the 2010 model year of 2010, the SX4 five door hatchback is available with a 1.6 litre DOHC VVT engine, 2.0 litre DOHC VVT engine J20B (significantly different than the J20A used in 2007 to 2009; not interchangeable) and 2.0 litre DDiS diesel engine (16 valve, 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) with 320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) torque) on the AWD version.

The 1.6 litre DOHC VVT engine revised to the new CO₂ emission control standards Euro 5 regulations. Engine power was increased from 107 to 120 bhp. The United States received a new 2.0 litre engine (J20B), with the power increased from 143 to 150 bhp, and also lower fuel consumption.

The car is offered with either a new six speed manual, four speed automatic transmission for 1.6 litre engine cars. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters comes with a 2.0 litre inline-four engine that makes 148 hp (110 kW; 150 PS) at 6000 rpm. On standard six speed manual transmission the same engine produces 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) at 6200 rpm.

Production of both body styles ended in Japan in March 2014, with stocks available for sale until October 2014.

Maruti Suzuki version

Maruti Suzuki SX4

In 2007, Maruti Suzuki launched the Indian version of the SX4 sedan with minor cosmetic differences compared to the models assembled and marketed elsewhere.

The cars were initially equipped with the 1.6 litre gasoline engine, without VVT, with 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 5,600 rpm and 140 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. It was later updated to the 1.6 litre engine with VVT.

Maruti introduced a compressed natural gas (CNG) factory fitted kit in August 2010.

In February 2011, a diesel version was introduced.^[17] It uses the Fiat 1.3 litre (DDiS) engine with variable geometry turbo. This engine is also used in the Fiat Linea and Punto.

Model	Displacement	Cylinder	Power	Torque	Top speed	Consumption	Years
Petrol engine
1.6 VVT 2WD	1,586 cc (96.8 cu in)	4	105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5600 rpm CNG mode: 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp) at 5600 rpm	145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 4100 rpm CNG mode: 122 N⋅m (90 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm	180 km/h (112 mph) CNG mode: 170 km/h (106 mph)	6.8 l/100 km (42 mpg‑imp; 35 mpg‑US) CNG mode: 4.8 kg/100 km (21 km/kg; 6 mi/lb)	since 2008 CNG kit: since 2010
Diesel engine
1.3 DDiS 2WD	1,248 cc (76.2 cu in)	4	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4000 rpm	200 N⋅m (150 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm	170 km/h (106 mph)	4.7 l/100 km (60 mpg‑imp; 50 mpg‑US)	since 2011

SX4-FCV

Suzuki SX4-FCV (Fuel-Cell Vehicle) shown at 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition in Yokohama, Japan

An experimental Suzuki concept car using alternative power includes an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell and 68 kW electric motor. The car has top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) with 250 km range. The car was unveiled in 2008 Hokkaido Tōyako summit,^[18] and later in 2008 Paris International Motor Show.^[19]

Suzuki SX4 WRC

Toni Gardemeister's Suzuki SX4 WRC at the 2008 Rallye Deutschland

At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki announced it would enter the FIA World Rally Championship, with the factory backed Suzuki World Rally Team in the World Rally Car category in 2007, using the SX4 WRC with AWD and the J20 engine producing 320 hp (239 kW; 324 PS) and 590 N⋅m (440 lb⋅ft) of torque. However, due to WRC calendar changes Suzuki officially debuted in 2008, using the season of 2007 as further development time for the SX4.

The SX4 competed on a test basis in two 2007 WRC events: the Rallye de France in October 2007 (finishing 31st overall) and the Rally GB in November 2007 (finishing 27th overall).^[20] In the first event of 2008, the Rallye Monte Carlo, Suzuki driver Per-Gunnar Andersson finished eighth.

A race car called 'Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special' was used at the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It was a specially adapted Suzuki SX4, with a twin turbocharged 3.1 litre V6 engine producing 910 hp (679 kW; 923 PS) and 890 N⋅m (660 lb⋅ft) of torque. Driver Nobuhiro Tajima won the event in Suzukis for six years running, the last three of which were in the SX4 HCS, and set the track record time of 9:51.278.^[21]

Second generation (2013–present)

Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Suzuki S-Cross Fengyu (China)[22] Suzuki SX4 Crossover (Taiwan)[23] Maruti Suzuki S-Cross (India)[24] Chevrolet S-Cross (Ecuador)[25]
Production	2013–present
Assembly	China: Chongqing (Changan Suzuki) Hungary: Esztergom India: Gurgaon (Maruti Suzuki)[26]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Body style	5-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.0 L K10C I3 (petrol) 1.4 L K14C I4 (petrol) 1.6 L M16A I4 (petrol) 1.3 L DDiS I4 (turbocharged diesel) 1.6 L DDiS I4 (turbocharged diesel)[27]
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,300 mm (169.3 in)
Width	1,765 mm (69.5 in)
Height	1,575 mm (62.0 in)

At the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, Suzuki unveiled S-Cross Concept, a futuristic study of a compact crossover, as introduction of an upcoming production model.^[28][29] At that time, Suzuki announced that the S-Cross would be a new model, not a replacement for SX4, whose production was scheduled to continue.^[30]

The new SX4 S-Cross design, loosely based on the S-Cross concept, was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Compared to its predecessor it grew in all directions, being 4,300 mm (169.3 in) long, 1,765 mm (69.5 in) wide and 1,575–1,580 mm (62.0–62.2 in) tall. The wheelbase measures 2,600 mm (102.4 in), 100 mm (3.9 in) more than the earlier model. These dimensions provided additional interior and boot space, 430 litres (15 cu ft) compared with 270 litres (9.5 cu ft) liters.^[31] The SX4 S-Cross is built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary.^[32] Production of the old SX4 was continued in parallel.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross GL (Australia)

Interior

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 DDiS (2016)

Facelift Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (Europe)

Facelift Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Turbo (Australia)

The European model went on sale in the autumn of 2013. Early models include choice of 1.6 litre petrol engine or 1.6 litre diesel engine, based on Fiat Multijet technology, with manual or CVT transmission.^[33][34][35] The new model is Suzuki only, as Fiat was replacing the Sedici with the new 500X.

The SX4 S-Cross is not available in the United States or Canada, since Suzuki has withdrawn from these markets,^[36][37][38] but it is offered in Brazil and Mexico.^[39] It has been launched in India in September 2015, as the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.^[40][41] For the Indonesian market, the SX4 S-Cross based on the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross was launched at the 24th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 August 2016.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Suzuki SX4.

• Official website