The Suzuki SX4 I Sedan, produced between 2007 and 2009, represents Suzuki’s foray into the compact sedan market. While not widely sold in the United States during its initial production run, the SX4 was a significant model for Suzuki in Europe and other international markets, offering a blend of practicality, affordability, and a relatively sporty driving experience. It served as a competitor to vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus, aiming to provide a value-oriented alternative with distinctive styling. The “SX4” designation stood for “Sporty Cross-over 4 seasons,” hinting at the vehicle’s intended versatility.
Suzuki SX4 I Sedan: An Overview
The SX4 I Sedan was part of a broader SX4 lineup that also included a hatchback and, later, a crossover variant (the SX4 S-Cross). The sedan version was primarily targeted at buyers seeking a traditional three-box design with a focus on comfort and fuel efficiency. It was positioned as a step up from Suzuki’s smaller models, offering more space and refinement. The vehicle’s development involved collaboration with Fiat, resulting in shared platforms and components, though the SX4 maintained a distinctly Suzuki character.
Engine & Performance
The SX4 I Sedan 2.0 L was powered by Suzuki’s J20B engine, a 1.995-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 143 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 186 Nm (137.19 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively smooth operation. Power delivery was adequate for everyday driving, and the engine was known for its reliability. The SX4 I Sedan 2.0 L achieved a combined fuel economy of 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers (34.6 US mpg or 41.5 UK mpg). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 10.7 seconds, with a calculated 0-60 mph time of 10.2 seconds. The vehicle had a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout and front-wheel drive configuration were standard for vehicles in this class.
Design & Features
The SX4 I Sedan featured a conventional sedan body style with four doors and seating for five passengers. Its design was characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated aesthetic, aiming for a broad appeal. The interior was functional and well-equipped for its price point, offering features such as air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly standard in this segment. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 515 liters (18.19 cubic feet), providing ample space for luggage and other cargo. The McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension provided a comfortable ride, although handling was not as sporty as some competitors. The vehicle’s dimensions included a length of 4490 mm (176.77 in), a width of 1730 mm (68.11 in), and a height of 1545 mm (60.83 in). The wheelbase measured 2500 mm (98.43 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | SX4 S-Cross |
| Generation | SX4 I Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 L (143 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 143 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 4000 rpm (137.19 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | J20B |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 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 | 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 |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Suzuki SX4 I Sedan, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid offering in the compact sedan segment. Its combination of affordability, practicality, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice in markets where it was available. Although it didn’t achieve significant sales volume in the United States, it contributed to Suzuki’s global presence and reputation for building reliable and value-driven automobiles.
