Every time I drive our long-term SX4, I'm reminded of the old Toyota Corolla All-Trac wagon. From the droning engine note to the rudimentary four-speed automatic to the utter lack of power under all circumstances, the Suzuki's powertrain is a dead ringer for the Corolla All-Trac's.
It's a shame, because otherwise this is a neat little car. Maybe a saboteur got to our SX4 before it was delivered and swapped in an All-Trac powertrain, and the actual SX4 engine and transmission are top notch. I hope so. This car deserves better.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 6,253 miles
subytrojan says:
12:29 PM, 05/27/09
got boost?
jason25 says:
12:42 PM, 05/27/09
Maybe they will offer a turbocharged version of the 2.0L? About 180-200-hp? Would be sweet...
carguy622 says:
01:06 PM, 05/27/09
I guess you can't have it all for the price? I wonder if the stick improves the performance much?
subytrojan says:
01:25 PM, 05/27/09
Road Race Motorsports' turbo kit could help.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/
subytrojan says:
01:26 PM, 05/27/09
Never mind. It's only for 5MT-equipped SX4s. :(
http://www.roadracemotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=31_33&products_id=345
wmurrin says:
03:11 PM, 05/27/09
I have to agree with the author here. I've often thought how great our SX4 would be if it had a good quality diesel or a Honda 2.4L gas engine.
Joeinboston says:
03:11 PM, 05/27/09
over at sx4club (dot) com, there is a thread that the 2010 SX4 will have the option of a brand new 2.4 liter with variable valve timing, as well as the current 2.0l.
So Suzuki is observing the same thought: many are happy with the 2.0, some might prefer a little more.
thehardcard says:
05:43 PM, 05/27/09
I see so many blog posts saying what a nice car this is, but I never see why. I read the whole posts, but I never read anything that makes me go, "yeah, that is nice."
awcmtl says:
06:18 PM, 05/27/09
You wont find out by reading posts. Go drive one! And BTW, yes the stick makes a big difference. And RRM DOES make a turbo kit for the automatic. Information, information...
hobings714 says:
07:58 PM, 05/27/09
Power in the manual is adequate, not a dog like the auto. Most 4cyl cars with auto are underpowered.
Agree with awcmti, go test drive one. Even a slow car can be fun to drive. The SX4 is practical, fun and comfortable. It reminds me of some cars I drove in Europe.
foxtrot685 says:
08:42 PM, 05/27/09
the 2.4 liter engine that went into the 2009+ grand vitara is supposed to become and available option in this vehicle in the near future. thats about 17 more horses and a nice boost in torque
stephen987 says:
03:33 AM, 05/28/09
@foxtrot685: If this is the same engine that's going into the Grand Vitara, isn't it a GM Ecotec? That's not an engine noted for its torque, nor its refinement.
subytrojan says:
11:20 AM, 05/28/09
"And RRM DOES make a turbo kit for the automatic. Information, information..."
Link, awcmtl?
awcmtl says:
12:52 PM, 05/28/09
here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xW_346KGB4
desmolicious says:
03:54 PM, 05/28/09
Why doesn't Suzuki's car division spend some time talknig to the boys at the motorcycle division?
There they'll find a 1.3 liter naturally aspirated motor that puts down 175hp to the wheels. Sure it's gonna be a little bit low on the torque (about 100lbft), but imagine if they used just a bit of that know how on the 2.4 liter motor in the SX4.
Instead of know how, they're apparently using no how...