Review: Suzuki GY SX4 (2007-13)

Review: Suzuki GY.I SX4 (2007-09)

Overview

Released in February 2007, the Suzuki GY Series I (GY.I) SX4 was initially available as a five-door hatchback, with a sedan following in August 2007. Manufactured in Shizuoka, Japan, the GY SX4 was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five speed manual transmission.

J20A engine

The SX4 was powered by Suzuki’s 2.0-litre J20A petrol engine which had a cast iron block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Sharing its platform with the Mk.5 Swift , the SX4 hatchback was 4135 mm long, 1730 mm wide, 1585 mm tall and had a 2500 mm long wheelbase. In comparison, the SX4 sedan was 375 mm longer (at 4150 mm) and 40 mm lower (1545 mm), though width and wheelbase dimensions were unchanged. Furthermore, the SX4 had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

AWD system

The SX4 hatchback was available with Suzuki’s ‘i-AWD’ (Intelligent All Wheel Drive) system which utilised an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch coupling. In ‘4WD Auto’ mode, almost all of the engine’s torque was directed to the front wheels; if required, however, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be redirected to the rear axle. The driver could also engage front-wheel drive only (‘2WD’) and permanent four-wheel drive modes (‘4WD Lock’, for speeds up to 60 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the SX4 included dual front airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Initially, the S and AWD variants were further equipped with front seat-mounted side (thorax) airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants).

In August 2008, however, an-entry-level AWD hatch was introduced which omitted these items (i.e. it was similarly equipped to the entry-level FWD models).

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2006 SX4 hatchback – equipped with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.33 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants and the driver’s head bottomed out the airbag. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the SX4 received maximum points.

Features: SX4, S and AWD

Standard features for the SX4 included an eight speaker sound system with a CD player and WMA/MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows, a trip computer, cargo cover and an immobiliser.

The SX4 S and SX4 AWD models – the latter until August 2008 – were further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and proximity key (with keyless entry and ignition). After August 2008, the entry-level AWD models were similarly equipped to the entry-level front-wheel drive models.

2008 SX4 Adventure

In September 2008, a limited-run Adventure edition of the SX4 AWD hatch was released; it was distinguished by its roof racks, boot protector, bonnet protector, cargo tray and ‘Adventure’ decals.

2009 SX4 100th Anniversary edition

From March 2009, a limited-run 100th Anniversary edition of the SX4 hatch was released, adding front fog lamps, integrated Bluetooth mobile phone kit and anniversary badging; AWD models were also fitted with a bonnet protector.

Review: Suzuki GY.II SX4 (2010-12)

Overview

Released in February 2010, the GY Series II (GY.II) SX4 introduced a revised line-up, a more powerful engine, new transmissions and improved fuel economy and safety equipment. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was enhanced with variable valve timing and a higher compression ratio. Furthermore, the five-speed manual transmission was replaced with a six-speed unit, and the four-speed auto was replaced with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six preset ratios. Inside, the GY.II SX4 featured a new instrument panel with an integrated digital display, digital climate-control panel and backlit steering wheel audio controls.

Safety equipment

Compared to its GY.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the GY.II SX4 was extended to include electronic stability control and traction control. From February 2011, the entry-level FWD hatchback was also fitted with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags as standard.

Features

Standard features were substantially the same as the GY.I SX4, though sedans were fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and a bootlid spoiler, while hatch models were fitted with 16-inch wheels (alloys for the S variants). Furthermore, S variants with the CVT were fitted with steering-wheel gearshift paddles.

From February 2011, Bluetooth connectivity was standard across the range.

August 2011: SX4 update

In August 2011, the SX4 underwent a minor update as the front-wheel drive models were fitted with wheelarch flares and underbody fenders as per the AWD models. Furthermore, standard features extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails.

September 2012: SX4 update

In September 2012, the SX4 underwent a minor update as standard features were extended to include cruise control; the S variants were also fitted with a satellite navigation system (with touch screen) and voice recognition. Visually, these updated models could be identified by their revised front masks, new alloy wheels, new seat fabrics and door-mounted indicators.

Brochure and specifictions

• Brochure: Suzuki GY.II SX-4 Sedan (March 2010)
• Specifications: Suzuki GY.II SX4 (March 2011)

Review: Suzuki GY.III SX4 (2012-13)

Overview

Released in September 2012, the GY Series III (GY.III) SX4 introduced a revised range as the sedan models were discontinued. Visually, these updated models could be identified by their revised front masks, new alloy wheels, new seat fabrics and door-mounted indicators.

Features

Compared to their GY.II predecessors, standard features for the GY.III SX4 were extended to include cruise control; the S variants were also fitted with a satellite navigation system (with touch screen) and voice recognition.

2013 SX4 Navigator

In early 2013, limited-run front-wheel drive Navigator variants were released. Compared to the standard SX4, the Navigators were further equipped with a satellite navigation which had a 6.1-inch touch screen, Lane assist with junction view, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration.

Brochure

• Brochure: Suzuki GY.III SX4 (September 2012)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Suzuki GY SX4