SUZUKI SX4 CROSSOVER REVIEW

For The Suzuki SX4 is good to drive, well equipped and attractively priced. It also gives you 4x4 looks without the high running costs.

Against It doesn't look as funky as other crossovers, the 1.6-litre petrol engine is noisy and the boot is small.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

The SX4 is fun to drive and offers you a cheap crossover alternative, but it isn't particularly practical.

Reader review rating

4

The Suzuki SX4 Crossover full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
The 1.6 petrol can struggle
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Fine handling and good off-road
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Engine noise is the biggest problem
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Keenly priced; good discounts
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Solid, but interior is dour
Safety & Security
3 out of 5 stars
Lack of stability control a big omission
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Clear dash; visibility is restricted
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Decent four-seater, but boot is small
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Even entry-level car is well equipped

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There are 5 Suzuki SX4 versions available

Suzuki SX4 Crossover 1.6 SZ3 2WD 5dr	£11,995	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki SX4 Crossover 1.6 SZ4 2WD 5dr	£12,665	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki SX4 Crossover 1.6 SZ-L 2WD 5dr	£13,145	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki SX4 Crossover 1.6 SZ5 4WD 5dr	£14,900	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Suzuki SX4 Crossover 2.0 DDiS SZ5 4WD 5dr	£16,700	TBA

Suzuki SX4 Crossover 1.6 SZ3 2WD 5dr

Our pick of the SX4 range – for now. We've driven the capable four-wheel-drive models, and we reckon a properly cheap off-roader makes sense. A supermini with some chunky styling? Not so much.

What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

To begin with, the SX4 will be offered with one engine and two trims. The 1.6-litre petrol engine isn't particularly flexible, but its rev-hungry nature suits the SX4's smart-handling characteristics.

These come courtesy of the car's Swift-based underpinnings. Body control is good, if a touch firm, and wind- and road noise are stifled reasonably well. The quick steering adds to the fun as well.

Of the trims, we'd recommend the base SZ3, because it's a good bit cheaper than the SZ4 and still has most of what you need.

However, the two-wheel drive versions are no more than hatchbacks with a few styling touches bolted on. If we're honest, we don't think the SX4 provides the same chunky visual impact that other crossovers do. So, we reckon you're better off waiting for the SZ5 models, which have a surprisingly capable four-wheel-drive system. We think the SX4 makes more sense as a small, cheap off-roader than a not-particularly-convincing crossover.