New car sales price Suzuki SX4

The move, dropping the sedan, reverts to the body shape with which it first launched the car in early 2007. 

Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers says the sedan has fallen victim to the market segment's stronger demand for the hatch. “We've taken the sedan out of the range, the hatch market is so much stronger so that's the direction we're taking,” Mr Devers says. 

“We're trying to keep the value in it, it's a competitive market out there, we're confident that pricing and the extra spec will help it,” he says. Mr Devers says the model update offers small car customers a value-for-money package and a new TV campaign in October will raise its profile. 

“We need to increase SX4 volumes, we've maintained the lower price from earlier this year, and with added spec, so we're expecting a 20 per cent increase in sales, we know the two-litre engine is a ripper, we've just got to get a higher profile for the SX4,” he says.

NEW LOOK

Due in showrooms this month is the new model, boasting a facelifted front end, new-look alloys, new fabric seat trim and exterior rear vision mirrors with indicators.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

Pricing is largely unchanged, starting from $18,990 for entry-level manual, rising (like the rest of the range) by $2000 for the CVT version; $24,290 buys the S model, which is a CVT-only proposition. The all-wheel drive range starts at $21,990 for the manual or $23,990 for the CVT, while S buyers will pay $24,490 for the manual and $26,490 for the S CVT. 

The standard features list now includes cruise control and Bluetooth, as well as power windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated controls, remote central locking, air conditioning, an eight speaker sound system, a trip computer, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and brakeforce distribution systems, six airbags and power mirrors.

The S models adds 16in alloys, remote keyless entry and ignition, wheel-mounted gearshift paddles for CVT models, climate control, a touchscreen satnav with Bluetooth and voice activation and a USB auxiliary input.

ENGINE

The engine bay is still inhabited by the two-litre powerplant teamed with either a six-speed manual or a continuously-variable automatic transmission.

SAFETY

The little hatch boasts six airbags and stability control across the range and will also be available in two new colours - a metallic "plasma” yellow and boost blue, which is back on the colour choice list.