The Suzuki SX4 I Sedan, produced between 2007 and 2009, represents Suzuki’s entry into the competitive compact sedan market. While not initially sold in the United States under the SX4 Sedan name, the SX4 as a broader model range – including hatchback and crossover variants – was offered in North America. The SX4 I Sedan was primarily aimed at the European and Asian markets, offering a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It served as a key model in Suzuki’s lineup, demonstrating the company’s commitment to building versatile vehicles for everyday use.
Suzuki SX4 I Sedan: An Overview
The SX4 I Sedan was positioned as a mainstream compact car, competing with models like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a reliable and economical vehicle for commuting and family transportation. The “I” designation denotes the first generation of the SX4, which underwent a significant redesign in subsequent years. The 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was a common configuration in many markets.
Engine & Performance
The Suzuki SX4 I Sedan 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD is powered by the M16A engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 107 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 145 Nm (106.95 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine utilizes a variable valve timing (VVT) system to optimize performance and fuel efficiency across a wider range of engine speeds. The power-to-weight ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 8 kg/Nm. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, the SX4 I Sedan achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.3 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 11.7 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 170 km/h (105.63 mph). Fuel economy figures are respectable for its class, with combined fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg or 37.2 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The SX4 I Sedan features a traditional four-door sedan body style with seating for five passengers. Its design is characterized by clean lines and a relatively conservative aesthetic, typical of compact cars from the late 2000s. The interior is functional and focused on practicality, offering adequate space for passengers and cargo. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 515 liters (18.19 cu. ft.), providing ample space for luggage and other items. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, offering a balance between ride comfort and handling. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels with 195/65 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | SX4 S-Cross |
| Generation | SX4 I Sedan |
| Type | 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD (107 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 107 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4000 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M16A |
| Engine displacement | 1586 cm3 (96.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1165 kg (2568.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max load | 445 kg (981.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 515 l (18.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4490 mm (176.77 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1545 mm (60.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear track | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Suzuki SX4 I Sedan, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, provided a solid and reliable option for buyers in its segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability made it a popular choice in markets where it was offered. Although it didn’t achieve widespread recognition in the United States, the SX4 platform, in its various forms, demonstrated Suzuki’s ability to compete in the global automotive landscape.
