There are some changes under the hood for 2010. The 2.0-litre engine gets a power increase and now develops 150 horses and 140 lb-ft of torque, a small but always welcome improvement. Both horsepower and torque peaks occur at higher revs, so we’re not sure that we feel a real difference under normal driving conditions.
Last year, I stated that the 4-speed automatic felt like a CVT by its inability to choose a gear and hold it. Well I guess Suzuki took that for constructive criticism because also new this year is—yup, a CVT automatic transmission. We’re not big fans of CVTs when mated to 4-cylinder engines, but it works better than the old 4-speed and keeps the engine revving low on the highway. It also includes wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Our fuel consumption average is 10.4 L/100 km, but we’re testing the SX4 during a very cold winter week, which usually means lower-than-usual fuel economy. In nicer weather (read: anytime other than winter), except an average around 8.5 L/100 km, or a little higher than a couple of well-known competitors. The SX4’s engine isn’t the sweetest-sounding either.
Those who are capable of driving a manual transmission should consider it over the CVT in the Suzuki. We tried out both and found that the 5-speed manual is a better dance partner for the engine; its throws are precise and the clutch is light. The manual's gear ratios seem suited for fuel economy rather than performance, but the pedal placement is great for heel-and-toeing, if that's common practice for you of course.
The Suzuki SX4 sedan starts at $17,695, while our automatic Sport model lists for $20,795. It includes features like heated front seats, keyless entry and start, automatic climate control and the aforementioned 6-CD changer. Stability control is a $550 option.
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| Trunk space is commendable for a car of this Suzuki’s size. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Last year, I stated that the 4-speed automatic felt like a CVT by its inability to choose a gear and hold it. Well I guess Suzuki took that for constructive criticism because also new this year is—yup, a CVT automatic transmission. We’re not big fans of CVTs when mated to 4-cylinder engines, but it works better than the old 4-speed and keeps the engine revving low on the highway. It also includes wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Our fuel consumption average is 10.4 L/100 km, but we’re testing the SX4 during a very cold winter week, which usually means lower-than-usual fuel economy. In nicer weather (read: anytime other than winter), except an average around 8.5 L/100 km, or a little higher than a couple of well-known competitors. The SX4’s engine isn’t the sweetest-sounding either.
Those who are capable of driving a manual transmission should consider it over the CVT in the Suzuki. We tried out both and found that the 5-speed manual is a better dance partner for the engine; its throws are precise and the clutch is light. The manual's gear ratios seem suited for fuel economy rather than performance, but the pedal placement is great for heel-and-toeing, if that's common practice for you of course.
The Suzuki SX4 sedan starts at $17,695, while our automatic Sport model lists for $20,795. It includes features like heated front seats, keyless entry and start, automatic climate control and the aforementioned 6-CD changer. Stability control is a $550 option.
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| The 2.0-litre engine gets a power increase and now develops 150 horses and 140 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |