The Suzuki SX4 GLX Sporthatch has been given a more aggressive stance with newly acquired body enhancements.
The practical and distinctive 2.0-litre SX4 Sporthatch inherits the exterior detailing previously only fitted to the four-wheel-drive GLX and LTD i-AWD version.
Included in the upgrade are black wheel arch extensions, black under-body protection mouldings front and rear, and sports roof rails. Ground clearance has also been increased from 160 mm to 175 mm.
Eight versions of the SX4 are available, with the latest improvements providing a boost to the appeal of the entry-level GLX variant.
Adding the i-AWD body features provides the GLX with a more sports oriented appearance that contrasts with the higher grade two-wheel-drive SX4 LTD Sporthatch.
Despite a modest price increase of $500, the GLX Sporthatch is still highly competitive, with the 6-speed manual transmission model retailing at $25,990, and the CVT automatic listing at $27,500. Unlike most rivals, these recommended prices include all on-road costs and five-year Suzuki roadside assistance.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, remote control door locking with answer back, steering wheel audio controls with back-lighting and driver’s seat height adjustment.
There are body-coloured bumpers and the electrically adjustable door mirrors are also colour-keyed to the bodywork.
The Giugiaro-designed SX4 is Suzuki’s second best-selling model in New Zealand and took 4 per cent of the small car market in the first seven months of this year.
All new SX4 models sold here are powered by the low piston friction J20B engine which was introduced last year. The 112 kW twin overhead camshaft power unit is more powerful, uses less fuel and emits lower levels of CO2 than its predecessor.
The SX4 body incorporates Suzuki’s TECT safety design with a rigid frame directly energy around the cabin and away from the occupants. Further safety features helped give the SX4 a 4 star crash protection rating including the fitment of 6 airbags.
All SX4s are fitted with four wheel disc brakes and ESP (an electronic stability programme), ABS braking with an electronic brake-force distribution function.
Available with two body configurations - either five-door hatchback or four-door sedan - the SX4 range is a bigger brother to the top-selling Suzuki Swift.
The SX4 blends the characteristics of a practical, compact car, exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight sport utility vehicles (SUVs), such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, creating a popular small car alternative.
All other versions of the SX4 range continue, including two specification levels for the on-demand All Wheel Drive model with a sophisticated 4WD system accessed by a switch beside the handbrake.
