2010 Suzuki SX4 gets improved M16A engine

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The Suzuki SX4 compact crossover has been reasonably popular in urban areas such Klang Valley, thanks to its trendy pseudo-SUV looks and competitive pricing for a fully-imported from Japan model. The awkward looking sedan however, has failed to create any impression whatsoever on the Vios/City buyer – it’s truly a rare sight.

For 2010, Suzuki has refreshed the SX4 crossover for Europe. Blink and you’ll miss the redesigned front bumper and grill. Inside, the climate control panel has been revised and now incorporates a display strip and ring lights for the temp and fan knobs. The new instrument cluster comes with a full trip computer while the steering wheel audio buttons are now illuminated. Comfort is said to be improved, thanks to cushioned armrests on the doors, additional sound insulation and new design carpets. Other measures include a larger engine under shield cover together with improved transmission damping and increased rigidity of body parts.

The UK gets two engine options – a 89 bhp/215 Nm Peugeot-sourced 1.6-litre DDiS oil burner and the M16A 1.6-litre which should be familiar to local SX4 owners. However, the petrol engine has been improved for 2010 – it’s now Euro 5 compliant and has a new cylinder head and block for improved cooling and ‘knock’ or detonation control limits. The new max output of 118 bhp is achieved by extending the intake and exhaust valve lift and utilising a variable inlet manifold. The result is improved intake efficiency throughout the rev range. Max torque is 156 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

In comparison, our own Malaysian-spec SX4 has only just recently been upgraded to a 110hp and 150Nm engine in October 2009 up from a previously weaker 101hp and 140Nm engine.

More pictures after the jump.

sx4-3
sx4-1
sx4-2


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About the Author

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

Comments

  1. xvr says:

    the looks of this car is just awkward… :P

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 8
  2. Juan says:

    oooo..any idea when these new specs cars coming in to malaysian shores? ive been eyeing on the SX4 :P

    Reply Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  3. ppyhb says:

    Perodua Nautica better…

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 8
    • Aby112 says:

      Nautica is not available anymore. Really liked the styling.

      Now, just wating for Kia Soul, SX4 Xover will be a second option

      Reply Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  4. awak says:

    i just dont like the look of this car.

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 6
  5. dejavu says:

    Test driven d SX4 n SX4 sedan last yr. Should b on d shopping list of those with budget 80k-100k for quality n steering responsiveness.

    Personally felt is a better deal over Nautica, n City

    Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  6. I-HATE-PROTON-SOHAI says:

    get a PUG 308 better~

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  7. ST says:

    this SX4 crossover car look good on the road, and looks better than vw croospolo (both of them is 1.6l) but at the end im looking forward to a car that can easy parking, not a heavy petrol drinker, relatively safe like fiat panda and its 1.4Litre hmm…

    Reply Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  8. gyu says:

    ppyhb said,

    January 26, 2010 @ 2:59 pm

    Perodua Nautica better

    —————–

    crazy~~zzzz…

    Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Justified says:

      pls wake up dear sir, the perodua nautica has the sales figures of an expired can of sardine. its a pointless malaysian car which is the rebadged of the REAL toyota compact SUV RUSH/Daihatsu Fox(UK). And for the record dear malaysian, the SX4 has better safety feature and ride dynamic than that badly named malaysian car which i refuse to pronounce its name a second time.

      Reply Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  9. NiceCar says:

    At lease the improvement activities is going on for the engine performance but not only minor facelift.

    thsi car should be RV class, rite? Should not compare it with Nautica.

    Btw, how long the Nautica been launch? I not see any one on the road!

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  10. Norhita says:

    It would be better if i could get more info on how and where to get this car?

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • SeXy 4ever says:

      Norhita, U can visit any of the Suzuki Showroom nationwide, or log on the following wedsite: http://www.suzuki.net.my.It‘s a very nice car, its overall rating is 9.2/10 in USA market (2.0 AWD version). I’ve book one already, will be getting it around May.Bravo Suzuki Malaysia for bring in this very nice car into Malaysia…

      Reply Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • rolyong says:

        when & where u book it

        Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • SeXy 4ever says:

          at Cheras Tmn Connaught showroom, I got my on the month of June this year, now 3 months already, so far no problem, also fuel economocal, very fun to drive..

          Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • Justified says:

        i just received my red SX4 last week. SUCH A HUGE RELIEF over my old proton persona which i traded in for the 2010 SX4. The suzuki has much better response, NVH insulation and to mention better fuel economy figures which i think beats the perodua nautica and the persona put together. Btw i bought the SX4 from an authorized Suzuki Motor’s dealership in Bangsar which i booked in early July

        Reply Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  11. ahmadJB says:

    the front panel + dashboard almost look a like the swift.

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  12. Jes says:

    With Perodua Nautical and Suzuki SX4, i believe Suzuki will be a better choice. SX4 is so gorgeous and easy handling. Never tried on Nautical but i already fall in love with this stylish SX4.

    Reply Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  13. Bk Tan says:

    Any posibility for this car to be assembled in Malaysia so that we can have a more affordable price?

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  14. Bk Tan says:

    The look of this car is cute! No comment, but the gear plafform has to be raised higher to reflect a better artisitic design.

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  15. Haldane Chin says:

    Will we ever have the chance to get 2.0 verison?? WTF are we suppose to do with a measly 1.6 engine on such a nice car >.<

    Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Justified says:

      look at it this way, its already kinda pricey (at RM90,000 for standard) in malaysian terms. also lower engine capacity means less stress on on your wallet for petrol, road tax and etc. btw what do you mean by a MEASLY 1.6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????? have you test driven the new SX4????? Im a proud owner of one and so far i smoked quite a lot of vehicles in its engine capacity range :P

      Reply Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  16. Jamie Tang says:

    I would like to get info any comment from the existing owner who buy SX4? I am thinking to buy one….

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Pekasam says:

      my mrs has one since Dec 2009. Reasonable price, so worth buying – won’t regret ma … good luck jamie. Suzuki – you owe me some percent …. ha3x joking but telling the truth.

      Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Justified says:

      Two words for u; GREAT CAR! i suggest u opt for the standard version as the premier version comes with leather seats which is unsuitable for our malaysian climate and not to mention the increasing global warming issue :O

      Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  17. Justified says:

    *sigh* i wish mine came in manual transmission and that nice looking black exterior door panel at the side. oh well time to look for them parts and change the transmission :P

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  18. Aby112 says:

    Hi Justified,

    Can you tell me more about this / your car!! :)
    I’ve seen more and more of this little cutie one the road, the white one always catches my eye. I like the back, not really into the front design. I’m waiting for Kia to launch Soul, which is like forever.
    If the deal with Soul is not on, I’ll very much go for SX4, since both are crossover. How spacious is this car? it looks almost the same size as a Myvi.. How’s the handling? How’s the pick up at the traffic lights?

    Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Justified says:

      the SX4 beats the Myvi by a quarter mile in terms of spaciousness. Handling wise, it almost mimics the kia forte with the back sliding a little if u take a corner at 75+ km/h :P
      its an easy fix though, by installing wider tyres. The pick-up/acceleration u ask? its definitely quick on its heels or tyres in this case : ) The car is revv-happy, lots of torque to put a smile on ur face. Oh by the way, the white colour on the SX4 makes it look bigger. Dont bother bout the upcoming Kia Soul, its generally almost the size of the SX4 but wif a sharper design language. wat interest me though is that the soul that’ll be arriving will most probably only come with a 1.6 Gamma engine(same in kia forte) with a slush box transmission(auto). but trust me if u wan a better 2nd hand value, the SX4 is a safer bet

      Reply Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  19. ikanbilis says:

    we went to selayang show room yesterday looking for swift but my wife felt in love with this car. We didn’t decide yet still, looking for review…

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  20. SX4 ever says:

    I got my since June, it’s a very fun to drive car, It is more spacious then Myvi, hopefully Suzuki Malaysia can bring in more accessories for this model, which i have seen the word “coming soon” on their website.

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  21. Aby112 says:

    will try to go LDP showroom for a test drive this coming weekend..

    how is the fuel consumption?? is it noisy on the high way above 100km/h??

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • frank says:

      having this car since June. So far full tank only 400km (100%city drive), just normal. I actually expect better fuel consumption from this car. Wind noice is not very noticeable unless over 120 or more, but engine sound is sometime annoying while accelerating. Too bad there is no much accessory in market….

      Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • SX4 ever says:

        Yes, agreed with u, I’m trying to get a full set of splash/mud guard (front & rear) to install on my SX4 but in KL I don’t Know where can I get it, any idea?, I only saw a original one under the following website: http://www.suzukiauto.com but this is for America market, Will ask Suzuki during my next service. Those sell in the accessories shop with other brand name don’t know wheather can fix in or not? Any one know? please advise..TQ

        Reply Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
        • zee says:

          hi, i would love to get more reviews on fuel consumption, maintenance, is there any sx4 forum that i can check on?

          fyi, i am considering this car and going for a testdrive next week :)

          thanks alot…

          Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  22. tm says:

    Is the SX4 crossover 1.6 in msia an AWD ?

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • SeXy 4ever says:

      no, currently the model available in msia is an 4×2 FWD (front wheel drive)

      Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  23. martin says:

    i dont like the fuel cap cover. it is thinner than the ngau lie mak (milk tin)

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  24. fandangofreddie says:

    i had a chance to test drive a unit of sx4 last week. The acceleration is adequate, but steering is too light for my liking. Anyway, my wife decided she wants this car, and we booked on that very day.
    I must say that my humble naza 206 bestari handles better than sx4.
    Nevermind…… We sold our faithful proton for an sx4. Just curious, will a torsion beam handle better than multilink? Any sx4 owner out there can share some experience?
    Hope it

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  25. alex says:

    Hi,

    what colour is the Sx4 from the pictures? I like that colour.

    It looks like Silky Silver Metallic 2 (ZCC) or Galactic Gray Metallic (ZCD).

    Reply Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  26. aero_solitude says:

    I wonder if the spare parts are readily available? With the tsunami & radiation looming in japan, everything is uncertain

    Reply Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  27. Uteh says:

    I bought the first model (April 2008), it is a good car.. a good price for a CBU car at it’s class… So far, no problem, just get to the workshop only for service.. just changed battery & tyres after more than 3 years.

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  28. sudutgamat says:

    what about maintenace….affordable?

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  29. signals says:

    how is the resale value like for this car?

    Reply Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

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