KEY POINTS:
The Suzuki SX4 launched last year was quite a special little car - a small hatch that not only looked like a mini-off-roader, but also had decent ground clearance and a trick electronic all-wheel-drive system to go with the rugged visual style.
But some fuzzy logic from the people at Suzuki has eroded that unique character somewhat.
First, there was a new entry-level 1.6-litre car, with less body addenda, a lower ride height and front-drive-only.
Now, Suzuki has added a further front-drive SX4 to the line-up, with the 2.0-litre engine and extra cabin equipment from the flagship versions.
It's all getting kind of confusing, but here's the really simple version.
The 2.0 FWD Limited featured here is $2000 cheaper than the 2.0 i-AWD and has identical cabin specification - including quality sound system and nifty keyless entry/start - but rides 25mm lower and misses out on some of the macho exterior detailing, such as the plastic wheel arch flares. Although it does get a body kit to set it apart from the humble 1.6-litre version.
Tempted? Two grand in the pocket is never a bad thing - especially when Suzuki's "Real Value" pricing policy is so strong to start with - but you are giving up a lot in the SX4 FWD and not getting much in return.
True, you still get that astonishingly roomy cabin and a seating position about 100mm higher than you average hatch, however the exterior looks undernourished without the extra plastic and the handling is heavily biased towards understeer without the benefit of all-wheel drive.
But it must be lighter, faster and more economical, right?
Well, kind of. Suzuki was way too smart to engineer an overly heavy AWD system to start with, so deleting it saves a mere 65kg.
And since it's an on-demand system (or you can simply switch it to front-drive anyway if you please), there's very little in it for fuel consumption. Not that the SX4 2.0 is a particularly thrifty machine in any guise.
This new SX4 is certainly an interesting and excellent-value alternative to the likes of a Corolla.
But without that clever all-wheel-drive system and impressive chassis balance, the SX4 2.0 is simply a good car rather than a truly special one.
SUZUKI SX4 2.0
How much? $24,500.
Engine and transmission: 2.0-litre petrol four producing 107kW/184Nm, 5-speed manual, front-drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds, Combined economy of 7.1 litres per 100km.
- Detours, HoS
