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 practical and affordable option for buyers seeking a no-frills, reliable vehicle. This generation of the SX4 was notable for its relatively spacious interior and decent fuel economy for its time. The 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD variant, detailed here, was a common configuration, prioritizing efficiency and affordability.
Suzuki SX4 I Sedan: An Overview
The SX4, standing for “Sporty Cross-over,” was a collaborative effort between Suzuki and Fiat, sharing a platform with the Fiat Sedici. The sedan version, while less common than the hatchback and crossover, offered a more traditional body style appealing to a wider range of consumers. The SX4 I Sedan aimed to provide a balance between practicality, fuel efficiency, and a reasonable level of comfort. It served as a stepping stone for Suzuki in establishing a stronger presence in the global compact car segment.
Engine & Performance
The SX4 I Sedan 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD is powered by Suzuki’s 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 multi-port fuel injection system and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with 16 valves, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 91.8 Hp/tonne, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 124.5 Nm/tonne. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the SX4 I Sedan offered adequate power for everyday driving and commuting. The 1.6-liter engine delivers 67.5 horsepower per liter, a respectable figure for a naturally aspirated engine of this displacement.
Design & Features
The SX4 I Sedan is a four-door, five-seater sedan with a conventional design. Its exterior styling is understated and functional, prioritizing practicality over aggressive aesthetics. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4490 mm (176.77 in) in length, 1730 mm (68.11 in) in width, and 1545 mm (60.83 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2500 mm (98.43 in). The interior is designed to maximize space and comfort, offering adequate legroom and headroom for passengers. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 515 liters (18.19 cu. ft.), providing ample space for luggage and cargo. The suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, offering a comfortable ride quality. Ventilated discs are used for the front brakes, while drum brakes are employed at the rear.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | SX4 I Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD (107 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Power | 107 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.5 Hp/l |
| 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 | 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 (Back) track | 1495 mm / 58.86 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m / 34.78 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual 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 1.6 i 16V VVT 2WD, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, offered a solid and reliable transportation solution for buyers in its target markets. Its combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it a competitive option in the compact sedan segment. Although not widely available in the US market as a sedan, the SX4 range as a whole gained recognition for its value and versatility.
