Suzuki SX4 Gets A New Look And Even Lower CO2 Emissions in Europe

BENSHEIM, Germany, 8 October, 2009: Suzuki has updated its urban sport crossover, the SX4, giving the compact hatchback with big-car attitude a great new look and under-the-skin revisions including refined, Euro 5-compliant engines—all ensuring that the plucky crossover will continue to shine in the urban jungle and on rough terrain.

With sport-utility-vehicle sales suffering around the world due to the economic downturn and environmental concerns, the SX4 hatchback is ideally placed in the emerging crossover sector. An ideal combination of style, space, high driving position, hatchback practicality, and fuel economy has made the SX4 hatchback a winner with the buying public. And its strong, eye-catching exterior styling shows that it’s an urban warrior with a sense of fun.

Short turning radius, short gear ratios A short turning radius, relatively short gear ratios, a highly rigid body structure, and suspension tuned for the road make for a nimble, fun driving experience that has endeared the SX4 hatchback to the motoring media and customers alike.

Two-wheel drive (2WD) and intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD) system But the SX4 hatchback is not just fun in the city; it can handle the great outdoors, too. With two-wheel drive (2WD) and an optional intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD) system, the SX4 hatchback caters to every lifestyle and is one of the most affordable four-wheel-drive (4WD) cars on the road. The i-AWD system allows the driver to switch from 2WD mode to 4WD auto mode or 4WD lock mode at the press of a switch, so the enhanced grip on rough terrain is achieved without sacrificing lower fuel consumption in the city or on a long run.

And now, the SX4 hatchback has become even better.

Building on the SX4 hatchback’s success, Suzuki has updated it — starting with the powertrain. The 1.9-litre DDiS (Direct Diesel injection by Suzuki) engine has been replaced with a 2.0-litre intercooled, turbocharged DDiS engine, which raises maximum torque from 280N•m/2,000rpm to 320N•m/1,500rpm while cutting CO2 emissions from 166g/km to 129g/km*. Its combined fuel consumption amounts to just 4.9l/100km (with 2WD and a six-speed manual transmission). In fact, Suzuki has cut CO2 emissions and raised fuel economy across the engine line up. Most impressively, a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing (VVT) has CO2 emissions of just 139g/km* with fuel consumption (combined) of just 6.1l/100km (with a five-speed manual transmission).

Extensive new noise-cutting measures Extensive new noise-cutting measures promote occupant comfort. In the powertrain, Suzuki’s engineers included a larger engine undercover, refined propeller-shaft damper and a new shift device cover. In the body, they included increased body parts rigidity and refined internal materials. These yield higher noise-insulation and noise-absorption performance, thereby keeping engine noise and other external noise out of the cabin more effectively.

Safety features Rear disc brakes are newly fitted to the SX4 hatchback (except for the basic GA grade). And with an ESP®** (Electronic Stability Program), the SX4 hatchback has become one of the most affordable cars to have an antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution function and up to six airbags***.

New exterior parts sporting a more refined look There are changes on the outside, too, with a number of exterior parts sporting a more refined look without detracting from the distinctive SX4 identity. Notably, the SX4 hatchback has a new front bumper and grille and new front and rear skid plates that can handle the rigours of outdoor life.

Alloy wheels and a new ‘Aero’ styling package The SX4 hatchback also has all-new five-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/60R16 tyres, which look the part and make driving more fun. For the full sporting effect, a new ‘Aero’ styling package gives the SX4 hatchback a sporty look and race-bred aerodynamic efficiency. Plus, eight body colours satisfy any tastes. The high level of fit and finish combines with a 1,605mm overall height (with 2WD) and a 2,500mm wheelbase to help make the SX4 hatchback an outstanding choice both for the city and for rough terrain.

Major interior revisions The interior has come in for major revisions as Suzuki takes the SX4 hatchback upmarket. There’s a new meter cluster with an integrated digital information display. The control panel for the climate-control system has a completely new design. And in response to customer demand, Suzuki has provided backlighting for the steering-wheel-mounted audio switches and for the headlamp levelling device for enhanced convenience.

High-quality seat materials soften the ride, and the rear seat has a 60:40-split, tumble-folding design for passenger- and luggage-carrying flexibility. Ample interior space provided by the high roofline combines with the flexible seating to enable the SX4 hatchback to carry five adults in comfort or an impressive amount of luggage - 1,045 litres (VDA/manufacturer data) with the rear seatback tumble-folded. Newly added touches of luxury include soft pads on the door armrests, chrome-plated door handles for the range-topping GLX grade, and a dashboard centre speaker. The range-topping grade also has a keyless start system and other features that make for an even better driving environment and riding experience.

Winning concept SX4 Sedan Suzuki has further refined the SX4 sedan without altering the winning concept of a compact sedan with a highly rigid body and the visibility and comfort benefits of an upright design. The acclaimed 1.6-litre VVT engine incorporates enhancements that yield better performance for the driver and for the environment: Higher power makes for stress-free driving in and out of the city. CO2 emissions are down from 165g/km to 143g/km*. And fuel consumption is down from 6.8L/100km to 6.2L/100km* (with a five-speed manual transmission). A newly designed front grille conveys a sense of elegance, and front, side, and rear underspoilers contribute to a sportier, tougher look. Meanwhile, a newly designed cockpit surrounds the driver with convenient equipment that includes a new meter cluster, a digital information display integrated into the meter cluster, a redesigned control panel for the climate-control system, backlit steering-wheel-mounted audio switches, and a headlamp levelling device. Plus, soft pads on the door armrests and newly improved seat-upholstery materials offer added luxury to everyone in the cabin.