Suzuki has launched an updated SX4 line-up, promising more creature comforts and a bold new look.

Suzuki fans will be pleased to know the SX4 stays true to its ground breaking roots, and continues to deliver an excellent combination of style, space, high driving position, practicality, and fuel economy.

Arriving in Suzuki dealers this month, the new SX4 comes with a strong new front end, new alloy wheels, new seat fabrics and mirror-mounted indicators.

Two bold new colours have been added to the range – plasma yellow and boost blue. Plasma yellow is a strong metallic tone sure to be popular with younger buyers, while boost blue returns a familiar favourite to the SX4 palette.

In addition, cruise control and bluetooth are now standard on all models in the SX4 range.

The top specification S models will come complete with a new touch screen satellite navigation system, complete with a host of features including Bluetooth and voice command.

A further evolution of the ground breaking 2007 original, the new SX4 range maintains the powerful, but fuel efficient 2.0-litre engine, six-speed manual  or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and outstanding safety from six airbags and ESC stability control across the range.

"SX4 set a new vision for small crossover vehicles when it launched and this update guarantees the new version continues to offer small car customers a value-packed choice combining performance, efficiency and Suzuki's legendary reliability," said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

A small turning radius, well matched gear ratios, a highly rigid body structure, and suspension tuned for the road make for a nimble, fun driving experience.

But the SX4 hatchback is not just fun in the city; it can handle the great outdoors, too. With an optional intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD) system, the SX4 hatchback caters to all lifestyles and is one of the most affordable all-wheel-drive (AWD) 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 low fuel consumption in the city or on a long run.

The "intelligent" 4WD controller constantly monitors driving conditions in order to deliver the most efficient division of power. The key delivery component is an electronically controlled wet-type multi-plate clutch coupling, in which the degree of magnetic clutch action is modulated to match traction needs. 

The electronic coupling device works according to instructions from the AWD controller, which collects the information from the switch mode, ABS controller and engine management system.

Drivers can also select from three driving modes, via a console-mounted rocker switch. Like its predecessor, the new SX4 AWD boasts three driving modes:

2WD – Only the front wheels provide the drive in this mode, which is the most economical setting. The 2WD drive mode is ideal for driving conditions on dry surfaces, while the addition of ESP® stability control ensures high safety levels.

4WD Auto – The standard mode for driving, with almost all the torque distributed to the front wheels. Torque going to the rear is automatically increased or decreased to match traction requirements in variable conditions such as when driving on slippery surfaces.

The value of this system can be seen when taking off, with the 4WD Auto sensors constantly monitoring the throttle sensor and the speed of both the front and rear wheels. If the system senses the front wheels starting to spin, it automatically sends torque to the rear wheels to ensure a smooth – and safe – take-off.

4WD Lock – Lock mode provides ample torque to rear wheels from start up for effective escapes in low traction conditions such as mud, snow or beach driving. The system automatically switches over to - and remains - in 4WD Auto at speeds over 60 km/h.

In both 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock, torque to the rear wheels is capped at a maximum 50 per cent. 

SX4 model walk
The new SX4 range now comes only in hatchback, and will be known as the Crossover and Crossover AWD.

The range starts with the SX4 Crossover / Crossover AWD hatch, featuring:

• Electric power steering
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Power windows, front and rear
• Adjustable, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Remote control door key
• Air-conditioning with pollen filter
• Eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack
• Backlit steering wheel-mounted audio control
• Speed sensing volume control
• Trip meter with external temperature, instant/average fuel usage, distance to empty
• Six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• ESP® with TCS
• Three-point ELR seatbelts, front and rear
• Power mirrors
• Roof rails

The Crossover S / Crossover AWD S adds the following features

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Remote keyless entry and start
• Steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles (CVT version)
• Digital climate controlled air conditioning
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Front fog lamps
• Integrated touch screen satellite navigation with Bluetooth and voice activation
• USB auxiliary input

Recommended retail pricing

About Suzuki Australia
Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd was founded in 1980 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in Australia through a network of approximately 90 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle and ATV distributors.
With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2011, SMC sold more than 2.9 million new cars and trucks to be one of the top 10 global manufacturers. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions.