Power and torque

The 1.6-litre petrol engine has been improved to comply with Euro 5 emissions with a new cylinder head and block which offer improved cooling performance and improved 'knock' or detonation control limits; the higher power output (120PS vs 107PS) over the previous engine has been achieved by extending the intake and exhaust valve lift with variable valve timing and utilising a variable inlet manifold.

The variable intake system is similar to that used in the Grand Vitara 2.4-litre engine in which rotary valves in the intake manifold change the length of the intake ports according to engine speed. The result is improved intake efficiency throughout the rev range.

The variable intake system adjusts intake port length in three stages, Low, Mid and High engine speeds; thus gaining the maximum potential from the intake manifold. Optimising intake efficiency in this way means the engine delivers higher torque at the right time and subsequently delivers lower emissions across the engine speed range.

The engine also utilises a thin walled exhaust catalyst to also help achieve higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions; this is particularly relevant after start up from cold as the exhaust catalyst is able to reach it's correct operating temperature in less time.

The 1.6-litre DDiS engine, sourced from Peugeot, delivers 90PS and 215Nm of torque at just 1,750rpm to ensure lively, flexible performance and strong fuel economy. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and driving through the front wheels, it achieves an impressive 57.6 mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km. Nought to 62 mph acceleration is achieved in 12.2 seconds, with a top speed (where permitted) of 109mph.

i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive)

The signature feature of the Suzuki SX4 4x4 is it's i-AWD switchable three-mode all-wheel drive system. An Electric Control Coupling Device allows the driver to select 4WD-Auto, 4WD-Lock, and 2WD modes to suit driving conditions, giving excellent traction on low grip surfaces.

In 4WD-Auto mode in normal driving conditions there is no torque transfer to the rear wheels, so the Suzuki SX4 effectively operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle. As soon as any pronounced front wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically apportioned to the rear wheels to give all-wheel traction and improve vehicle stability.

4WD-Lock mode maintains full traction up to around 40mph, before automatically switching to 4WD-Auto mode for smooth cruising. Selecting 2WD (drive through the front wheels) optimises fuel economy.