With its annual automobile production now past the 2.2 million mark, Suzuki Motor has certainly been zooming to new heights in many markets, especially with a range of fresh new models that started with the Swift a few years back. Besides the Swift, the company also has another global strategic model known as the SX4 which made its debut here late last year. Initially offered as a hatchback, the SX4 is now also available as a sedan.

Launched recently, the new SX4 Sedan shares the same platform as the hatchback but the upper body rearwards of the B-pillar is entirely different. Instead of the bulbous rear end that gives the hatchback its distinctive appearance, there is a ‘formal’ notchback profile. While the 2500 mm wheelbase is identical in both bodystyles, the sedan’s body is 375 mm longer at 4510 mm. As would be expected of a sedan, in contrast to the hatchback which is intended for mild off-roading, the overall height is lower and ground clearance is also 10 mm less (partly due to the use of 15-inch wheels instead of 16-inch wheels that the hatchback has).

Rear half of sedan differs from the hatchback but both ride on the same platform

In some markets, the SX4 Sedan has a 2.0-litre engine but the one sold in Malaysia has a 1.6-litre M16A DOHC 16-valve engine, same as that in the hatchback. This is a detuned version of the engine in the Swift Sport and has an output of 75 kW/101 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. It has variable valve timing on the inlet side and from the experience driving the hatchback, detuning the engine has not resulted in any ‘holes’ in the torque curve and basically, it is just a lower powered version. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available.

Safety, both active and passive, are well addressed and in the independent EuroNCAP crash test, the SX4 Sedan was rated 4/5 stars, a commendable rating for a car in this class. For those who are paranoid about rear-end collisions, the presence of the ‘third box’ means that there is additional crumple space to absorb impact forces.

Inside the cabin, dual airbags are standard and the provision of ISOFIX childseat  anchorage points is also highlighted. Common in European models, not all manufacturers provide them but Suzuki, keen on winning more customers in Europe, has ensured that it puts in whatever customers expect. ISOFIX is a internationally-recognised specification for childseat anchorage points so that manufacturers of childseats do not have to make different type of anchorages. By having a single specification, motorists are also assured that if they buy an ISOFIX-compliant childseat, it can be secured properly.

For active safety, the SX4 Sedan comes with ABS and EBD, along with Brake Assist which boosts braking pressure.

The Premier version, which costs an extra RM6,000, gets you window tinting, leather upholstery, a bootlid spoiler and door visors.

Suzuki highlights the boot capacity as being the largest in its class with 515 litres. The rear backrests are divided 60:40 and can be folded down to extend the boot length for longer items.

At this time, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) has no plans to assemble the SX4 Sedan. It is already assembling the Swift in Pekan, Pahang, but that is able to achieve sales of around 500 units a month, a volume which is acceptable from the investment point of view.

“We would certainly like to assemble this new model locally so that its price can be lower,” said Ibrahim Maidin, Managing Director of SMA, “but there must be enough volume to justify the investment.” Nevertheless, he said that the price of RM88,888 (without insurance in Peninsula Malaysia) is already quite good, considering that it is imported from Japan.

He added that although Suzuki has a long history in Malaysian (especially with its motorcycles), the company (which is a joint-venture with Suzuki Motor) is actively carrying out brand-building exercises to gain greater acceptance among Malaysians. Furthermore, it is not aiming to compete in the mass market for now and is focusing on the niche market where buyers have additional disposable income and are more discerning.

Scenes from the launch of the SX4 Sedan

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