Better equipment and good value: the Suzuki SZ5 (From Hereford Times)

Better equipment and good value: the Suzuki SZ5

7:00am Sunday 27th November 2011 in Road Tests

IF you live in rural parts and rely on your vehicle to get to work or school on time in all kinds of weather then a new breed of SUVs could be just up your street.

Suzuki’s five-door SX4 hatch may not have the ability to ferry you across the most difficult terrain but its intelligent four-wheeldrive system should be enough to successfully tackle some of the worst road conditions you might encounter.

And if running costs are also an important consideration then there is all the more reason to put the little Suzuki on your shortlist.

In 2.0-litre diesel form the Suzuki will return up to 60mpg and a pleasing 53.3mpg on the combined everyday cycle.

New Suzuki models like the SX4 and Swift hatch are proving good sellers during the present difficult economic times as they possess much-improved build quality, more efficient motors, better equipment levels and better value.

The SX4 should prove spacious enough for most family needs while it is also small enough to slot easily into tight parking spaces in busy town centres.

For the UK there are two engine options – a revised 120PS 1.6-litre petrol, also available with 2- wheel-drive and automatic transmission, and the latest 2.0 diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The SX4 boasts intelligent allwheel drive technology in three modes – 2WD, 4WD auto and 4WD lock – with competitive pricing, starting at £11,995 on the road for the 1.6-litre petrol SZ3 five-speed manual to £16,700 for the 2.0-litre diesel SZ5 with six-speed manual transmission.

The Suzuki is a trendy looking vehicle with side protection mouldings, wheel arch extensions and front and rear skid plates to give a 4x4 look. True to its styling, it is good off-road, though no doubt the vehicle will spend most of its time being driven on the tarmac.

The 2.0-litre diesel is an excellent choice. The motor pushes out 135PS and 320Nm of torque (or pulling power) at just 1,500rpm and has plenty of zip for quick and smooth overtaking.

It handles well, too, and from a comfortable and fairly commanding driving position there is a good view of the road ahead.

The steering is sharp, body roll is kept in check and the suspension remains surprising well controlled over indifferent road surfaces.

But not everything gets high marks. Engine noise does enter the cabin and the thick windscreen pillars can hamper vision at times. But overall the SX4 is a competent performer with the ability to put a smile on the driver’s face.

It’s bigger than the normal supermini with a decent boot and the added practicality of splitfolding rear seats that can be tumbled forwards to increase floor space markedly.

The looks of the latest models have been enhanced on the outside with a redesigned front bumper and grill together with new alloy wheels while inside there have also been improvements.

The two-tone interior is roomy and airy and although the seating is arranged for four, the hatch does have sufficient room for five.

There is a quality feel to the upholstery and the dash area where robust-looking plastics are used to good effect.

The Suzuki comes with generous levels of standard equipment with the lowest grade SZ3 offering six airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, air conditioning, MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, electric windows, driver’s information display and illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls.

A special edition SX4 that went on sale last July offers colour satellite navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, special alloys and electric folding door mirrors.

AT-A-GLANCE

Suzuki SZ5 2.0-litre diesel 6- speed manual.

Price: £16,700.

Top speed: 112mph.

0-62mph: 11.2 seconds.

C02 emissions (g/km): 139.

Fuel: 53.3mpg (combined figure).

Verdict: Attractive family transport, low running costs, comfortable, handles well, impressive build quality, well equipped, affordable.