2012 SUZUKI SX4 CROSSOVER RETAINS VERSATILE VALUE
12/01/2011
Suzuki
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover has maintained a loyal following by effortlessly blending the nimble handling of a compact five-door with the 'adventure sport' capability of all-wheel drive. Since its introduction, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover has proven itself to be a versatile year-round standout in all driving conditions and has received numerous awards, including the New England Motor Press Association's (NEMPA) "Yankee Value Award."
For 2012, the Premium and Tech trims carry on with minor upgrades. The SX4 Crossover Premium adds standard alloy wheels, while the SX4 Crossover Tech package gets an upgraded navigation system and available rear bumper cover. Both trim levels will now offer a Brilliant Blue Metallic and Crimson Red Metallic as exterior color options.
As with all 2012 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the SX4 Crossover is backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
Attractive Hatchback Exterior
Outside, the AWD SX4 Crossover benefits from muscular wheel arches. A high roofline adds extra space, versatility and expressiveness and the SX4 Crossover's roof rails increase functionality. For Suzuki's 'confident explorer' target customer, sport accessories include crossbars and roof rack, with attachments for a skis or a bicycle. Fog lamps and heated outside mirrors are also available.
Versatility Within
The SX4 Crossover is efficiently designed to provide interior accommodations for five, with generous front and rear legroom and headroom. Wide door openings allow easy entry, and raised theater-style seating enhances the roomy, airy feeling for rear seat passengers. In addition, the SX4 Crossover comes equipped with an automatic-dimming rear view mirror with compass; standard AM/FM/CD four-speaker audio system with MP3 and XM Satellite Radio(R)1 capability; air conditioning with available automatic climate control; remote keyless entry; reclining split-folding second row; driver information center and integrated navigation system.
Confident Dynamics
The SX4 Crossover is equipped with MacPherson struts in the front and a rear torsion beam in the back. It comes standard with all-wheel drive: Suzuki's advanced and effective three-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD) system, which continues the SX4's tradition as America's most affordable AWD automobile.
Sure-footed Power
The good news continues under the hood. Since its introduction, the SX4 has benefited from a full 2.0 liters of displacement. That capacity, a little more than 120 cubic inches, provides a competitive edge when contrasted with the bulk of the SX4's competitive segment; there, a displacement of 1.8 liters is more often the norm. In the EPA Cycle, this engine delivers 32 highway miles per gallon (manual). In a larger 2.4-liter displacement application, the same engine architecture is sported by Suzuki's technologically advanced Kizashi.
As before, the 16-valve valvetrain is controlled by dual overhead cams. From the same company building the world's fastest production motorcycle, one expects competitive performance, and this new 2.0 liter delivers: 150 horsepower at 6,200 rpm in combination with 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm for manual transmission models (148 hp with CVT). Beyond the numbers are a fluid delivery, instant responsiveness and a much smaller carbon footprint than the reliable predecessor.
Connecting its powerplant to the SX4's wheels is the choice of a six-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With the addition of an extra cog, the SX4 Crossover driver benefits from six degrees of separation, especially when placing the Suzuki in its competitive segment. Lower ratios are more closely spaced, allowing the driver to stay in the sweet spot of the powerband throughout the acceleration cycle. Moreover, while the closely spaced ratios improve acceleration when merging or passing, the overdrive sixth allows for relaxed cruising at highway speeds, improving the driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency.
For added urban convenience, the CVT optimizes both performance and efficiency via a console-mounted gear selector or paddle shifters, better maintaining the engine's rpm 'sweet spot' over a wide range of both in-town and freeway driving.
A Sound Safety Story
Class-leading active safety features in the SX4 Crossover include the electronic stability program with traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake-force distribution. Together with the traction control system, stability control helps ensure vehicle stability when cornering, accelerating, driving on slippery roads or conducting emergency maneuvers.
Passive safety starts with a reinforced body offering front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb impact energy. Eight airbags are standard, including driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags designed to provide additional protection for front-seat and outboard rear-seat passengers. With the rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, the SX4 family of vehicles meets 2014 side impact standards. In addition, front three-point seatbelts include pretensioners and force limiters.
The SX4 Crossover is also equipped with ISOFIX-compliant child seat anchors and the LATCH system (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) in rear outboard seat positions. Daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system are also standard. Together, all of this safety equipment makes the SX4 Crossover one of the best-equipped vehicles in its class with respect to safety.
2012 SX4 Crossover Trim Levels and Packages
The SX4 Crossover is one of the best-equipped vehicles in the segment, inviting comparisons from small SUVs and CUVs costing far more. Standard features include power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 XM Satellite Radio-compatible audio system; tilt steering wheel; trip computer; fender flares; and roof rails.
The Premium Package adds the performance-tuned Continuously Variable automatic Transmission (CVT) plus cruise control, steering wheel audio controls and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Tech Value Package adds advanced technology to the navigation system, including Bluetooth(R)2 hands-free communication; real-time traffic; weather forecasts; movie times; lowest gas price finder; stock updates; headline news; local entertainment finder and airline arrival/departure times. It also delivers heated front seats, a rarity among compacts. Alloy wheels and fog lamps distinguish the package's exterior.
In the SX4 Crossover the standard audio system is XM Satellite Radio-capable and an accessory iPod(R)3 interface is available. A connected iPod works seamlessly through the radio and the steering-wheel-integrated controls, with playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.
Technical Specifications - 2012 Suzuki SX4 Crossover
Wheelbase: 98.4 inches
Overall Length: 162.0 inches
Overall Width: 68.1 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
Horsepower: 150 hp @ 6,200 rpm (manual)
148 hp @ 6,000 rpm (CVT)
Torque: 140 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission, Manual: 6-speed manual transmission
Transmission, Automatic: Continuously Variable
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes and four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (available Electronic Stability Control)
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 22/30 AWD MT with 16-inch wheels
23/29 AWD CVT with 16-inch wheels
1 XM Satellite Radio is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
2 Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
3 iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.
About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 250 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 47 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2010, SMC sold more than two and a half million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).