REPORT: 2010 Suzuki SX4 to gain front-drive SportBack trim, power boost
Suzuki's upstart SX4 Crossover has continually surprised and delighted the automotive press with perky driving dynamics and nifty features like standard pop-up navigation. While we enjoyed the SX4 Sport we tested last year, we prefer the usability and all-wheel drive capability of the five door Crossover. AWD does add cost to the modestly priced SX4, though, and the added weight and parasitic drag have a negative impact on fuel economy.
Suzuki is reportedly further addressing that situation for the 2010 model year, as it is planning a front-drive SX4 hatch with SportBack trim. The front-drive SportBack, available only in Touring trim, will lose the Crossover's roof rack while gaining the sporty demeanor and lower ride height of the sedan.The Car Connection says that Suzuki will also raise the power output of the SX4's 2.0-liter engine across the range, bringing the stallion tally to 150. Without all-wheel drive, the SX4 SportBack will be lighter and more efficient, and without a roof rack, sitting lower to the ground, it figures to be more aerodynamic, too.
[Source: The Car Connection]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kev 10:39AM (7/15/2009)
What about the Swift???
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akboss302 10:38AM (7/15/2009)
I have been meaning to test drive one of these. It's not a must-have car, but it checks a lot of boxes for winter drivers on a budget.
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James 3:06PM (7/15/2009)
Suzuki should bring over the Swift 1.3LDDiS or the Splash...
adam1drift 2:06PM (7/16/2009)
the swift is nice and will be here around 2012... but the SX4 AWD is really nice... one of my fav small cars!
rwcmick 10:47AM (7/15/2009)
I'm a bit confused, the SX4 hatch has been available with front drive for a little bit now. They quietly added this as an option
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blackmage439 10:59AM (7/15/2009)
Too bad practically every consumer ratings company considers Suzuki's reliability lower than crap on the bottom of your shoe.
It doesn't matter how awesome a car is if it can't go 1000 miles without a repair.
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JC 12:39PM (7/15/2009)
The SX4 is recommended by Consumer Reports. Suzuki was also ranked higher than Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, BMW, etc. in JD Power's IQS Study.
Aloysius Vampa 11:41PM (7/15/2009)
Unfortunately, I find crap -- especially the kind from dogs -- on the bottom of my shoes to be quite reliable.
housegsx 1:51PM (7/15/2009)
They should have kept the awd on the hatch version, but added the option to have the sport package like available on the sedan. Lower ride height, better wheels, etc.
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fulsxy85 11:01AM (7/15/2009)
think of the hatch with the sports sedan ride height and front body trim bumpers skirts etc might look better than the sedan.
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Rick 11:09AM (7/15/2009)
That sounds good. The sedan looks nice for what it is. The hatch always seemed too cute, and I hope the sportier changes also include losing the dumb plastic wheel arch trim.
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SubcompactCulture 11:25AM (7/15/2009)
@blackmage439
A couple of things to consider with Suzuki with regards to
reliability:
1. Until this year, Suzuki was saddled with GM/Daewoo products in its
lineup which dragged down reliability (Reno, Forenza, Verona).
2. In the latest J.D. Power ratings (for what it's worth), Suzuki was
most improved brand up to 10th place out of 37.
Keep in mind the SX4 is on an extended Swift platform, too.
Here's a photo of the "Sportback"
http://tinyurl.com/kssp63
Transmission options are also changing to a six-speed manual of CVT.
I have an '09 SX4 AWD and love it thus far (6,500 miles with zero
problems).
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jb 11:52AM (7/15/2009)
The few things I did not like on that car was the AWD (useless here in NJ), the ride height and the very mediocre gas mileage that was a result. It is a very nice car otherwise. Good size, good utility.
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Adamb 11:34AM (7/15/2009)
I'll be in the market in a few months, I have been telling myself I need to test drive this car, I have kept up with Edmunds' Insideline, and they have/had this car, From what I have read, the reviewer's only complaint was the color they had given him, the baby blue color.
Suzuki has great things coming for it with their new sedan almost here, it HAS to be a game changer
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TKE 11:39AM (7/15/2009)
In Canada, cars "available" elsewhere with all-wheel drive are often equipped solely with all-wheel drive. Strangely enough, Suzuki has been offering front-wheel drive SX4 hatchbacks from the beginning. Shell out $21,195 for the cheapest all-wheel driver or $17,395 for the cheapest front-driver.
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anthonypbhs 11:43AM (7/15/2009)
150 HP is not the boost I was hoping for. Other than that it's a nice little hatchback.
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tgriffith 12:35PM (7/15/2009)
I have a 2007 SX4 that I bought new. I'm up to 23,000 miles and haven't had a problem. It's great in the NW snows and comfortable enough for road trips. Great little car... Suzuki should have a hit with this one.
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Art 3:58PM (7/15/2009)
pop up navigation? you serious! its a garmin nuvi!
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Avinash machado 1:01PM (7/15/2009)
The SX4 I think is more reliable than the rebaged Dawoo's that Suzuki used to sell.
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samsam5886 1:18AM (7/16/2009)
Eww of course not. I would never do that! What makes you think I did that?