News Release
Revised Suzuki SX4 with More Performance, Better Economy
27 January 2010
Better fuel economy, more performance and greater refinements are key elements of the revised range of Suzuki SX4 models just introduced to the New Zealand market.
In addition, the face-lifted SX4 five door hatchback and four door sedan are quieter open road cruisers and emit less CO2 emissions.
A strong seller in the compact small car class, the SX4 is unique in being available in either two or four-wheel-drive, and its tall body, crossover configuration adds to the car’s distinction.
A new engine, revised transmissions and upgraded interior enhance the new 2010 model SX4. Three of the eight versions offered in New Zealand are equipped with a three-mode four wheel drive system.
A new grille and freshly designed aluminium alloy wheels distinguish the new model from its predecessor, but the major changes are found under the skin.
Gone is the 1.6-litre engine version, and the full range is now powered by the new 2.0-litre J20B motor, replacing the 2.0-litre J20A unit.
The double overhead camshaft, variable valve power train produces 112 kW of power, an increase of 4.7 per cent over its predecessor, while engine torque is up from 184 Nm to 190 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Even more spectacular improvements have been achieved in fuel consumption and in lowering emissions, not only because of engine gains but due to more efficient manual and automatic transmissions.
Manual transmission models boast a new 6-speed gearbox in place of the 5-speed unit, while the automatics are newly equipped with a continuously variable transmissions (CVT) in place of the four-stage automatic.
In the official combined fuel cycle test, the SX4 manual achieves 7.3 litres/100 km (38.7 miles per gallon) compared to the outgoing model’s 8.2 litres/100 km (34.4 mpg) - an 11 per cent improvement.
The new SX4 CVT auto is 16.5 per cent more economical, lowering its fuel consumption from 9.1 litres/100 km (31 mpg) to 7.6 litres/100 km (38.2 mpg).
CO2 emissions are 17 per cent lower in the SX4 CVT, producing 178 grams/km against 215 grams/km for the outgoing SX4 automatic.
The manual transmission model’s 170 grams/km CO2 emission level is 11.9 per cent lower than the 193 gram/kms of the previous model.
Improvements in fuel economy and lower emissions have been achieved by revising engine parts and redesigning the exhaust catalyst.
Newer engine technology and lower piston friction have enhanced fuel efficiency, output and torque. The engine is lighter, has better rigidity and enhanced thermal efficiency.
Compression ratio increases from 9.5 to 1 to 10.2 to 1 and the motor uses new low-tension piston rings, low load valve springs and a chain adjuster.
Better coupling rigidity between the engine and transmission allows power to be transmitted to the wheels. The new engine block is stiffer and lighter and this, along with a plastic cylinder head cover, has reduced the overall weight.
Suzuki has developed a new intake variable valve timing arrangement which enhances mid to high rev range performance through better optimisation of valve timing.
Extra measures have been taken to lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to further improve comfort.
Extensive new noise-reduction measures include a larger engine under-cover, an improved propeller-shaft damper and revised shift-device cover. Body rigidity increases and engine noise and other external noises are more effectively kept out of the cabin.
The latest SX4s are safer, with newly fitted ESP standard on all but the entry-level GLX model Sporthatch. Four wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes with EBD and brake assist are standard on all versions.
All i-AWD SX4 models now feature revised five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels while the Ltd Sporthatch and Sedan are fitted with attractive 17” factory alloy wheels.
Interior improvements move the SX4 further upmarket, and include upgraded texture for door trim and armrests and new seat and door-trim upholstery.
A new light-emitting meter cluster has an integrated digital information display, and the control panel for the climate-control air conditioning system has been revamped. In response to customer demand, Suzuki has fitted backlighting for the steering wheel mounted audio switches.
The highly specified range-topping CVT Ltd model has new shift paddles built into the steering wheel.
The optional SX4 intelligent all-wheel-drive (i-AWD) system is one of the most affordable four-wheel-drive cars available and adds to the versatility of the Suzuki. At the touch of a button, the driver can switch from two-wheel-drive mode to four-wheel-drive auto mode or 4WD lock mode, without sacrificing fuel consumption at other times.
Despite the improvement, prices are up only slightly. The SX4 GLX manual Sporthatch, for example, increases by less than $200 to $24,990, including on-road costs.
Other SX4 models are the GLX CVT hatch ($26,500), Ltd manual hatch ($27,500) Ltd CVT hatch ($28,990), GLX manual hatch i-AWD ($27,500), GLX CVT hatch i-AWD ($28,990), Ltd hatch CVT i-AWD ($31,500) and Ltd CVT sedan ($29,500).
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