Suzuki Problems

Just when it seemed Suzuki was about to drop off the radar the company launched a whole new range of cars to kick-start its presence in the market.The rebirth if the brand began with the new Swift, which was greeted with great enthusiasm by the motoring press and public alike, and that was followed up by the SX4.  The sports-crossover SX4 had proved popular when launched in Europe and Japan and the company hoped it would restart sales here as well.MODEL WATCHInitially there was just one SX4 model, a cute four-wheel drive go-anywhere five-door hatch, but it was joined a few months later by front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive sedan and hatch variants.That first hatch was a pretty little car with neat, modern lines, and lots of glass for an airy cabin. By contrast the later sedan and hatch versions weren't as attractive with slabby sides and a rather clunky appearance.All models had a 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine, which boasted 107 kW at 5800 revs and 184 Nm at 3500 revs, enough to make it a willing performer for anyone prepared to stir it along through the gears.  The gearbox choices were a five-speed manual or four-speed auto, and both were geared to get the SX4 moving off the line.Final drive varied depending on the model. There were the regular front-wheel drive models, the all-wheel drive that drove through the front wheels with drive going to the rear on demand, and the four-wheel drive model.The latter used Suzuki's intelligent all-wheel drive system, which was controlled by an electromagnetic wet clutch and was selected using switch on the centre console.It could operate in front-wheel drive mode, active all-wheel drive mode, in which drive varied as needed from 95 per cent to the front to a 50/50 split front to rear, or as a locked diff with a fixed 50/50 split for better traction in the harder going.  Three models made up the range, including the base model, the S and the 4x4.All were quite well equipped. The base model boasted air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, eight-speaker CD sound, remote central locking and immobilizer.  Once you took the step up to the S you also got cruise control, 15-inch alloys, fog lamps, and a leather steering wheel.At the top of the pile there was the 4x4 that had climate controlled air, 16-inch alloys, rear spoiler and cloth trim as well.IN THE SHOPWhile they've always been diminutive Suzukis have generally been reliable, thanks mainly to their quality engineering. The same can be said for the SX4.  Few complaints land at CarsGuide and readers tell us they're happy with their cars.The only time they see the inside of a workshop is when they're due for a service.  Servicing is very important on today's cars, which rely on fresh oil for a long life. Check for a service record that confirms regular oil and filter changes.  Also inspect the bodywork for damage that might be attributed to a crash.IN A CRASHThe SX4 had the basic safety features with dual front airbags, ABS brakes, brake force distribution and emergency brake assist across the range.  The S and the 4x4 hatch were better equipped than the base model; they also had side and curtain airbags.What was lacking across all models was stability control. When tested by ANCAP in 2007 the SX4 was awarded four stars out of a possible five.UNDER THE PUMPFuel economy was regarded as acceptable rather than special. Suzuki claimed it would average 9.5 L/100 km.OWNERS SAYWhen they road tested the SX4 Alec and Lynne Jones were immediately impressed by its comfortable, supportive seats, roomy cabin, easy-to-use controls, standing-start performance, and fuel economy. There only criticism is that they say the paint chips easily compared to cars they've previously owned. Everything else, they say, is excellent, and they rate it nine out of 10.Young mom Kim Maxwell downsized from a much-loved VS II Commodore Berlina V8 to a front-wheel drive Suzuki SX4 and after some misgivings about the Suzuki's size and four-cylinder engine she says the move was a great one.She loves the economy she gets, and says it has been perfectly reliable in the 37,000 km she has done to date. Her only criticisms are of the front quarter windows, which create a large black spot that requires care when making a turn, and the rear seat belts that aren't child seat friendly.If it weren't for the blind spots she would be happy to buy another one, but until Suzuki changes the design in that area she won't.LOOK FOR. Nippy performance. Good economy. Very reliable. Blind spots from front quarter windows . Four-star safetyTHE BOTTOM LINEA well-built and reliable small car that would serve the family well.  70/100Have you owned a SX4? Tell us your experience in the comments below.

No more so than in Australia, where some of the best breaks in the land require a vehicle that can eat up the miles and take some bumps and knocks in order to reach the spots where the waves are rolling in.Holden SandmanOne of the vehicles that immediately springs to mind is the Holden Sandman. Famous, or perhaps infamous, for its cavernous rear load space, the Sandman was devised to take advantage of the expanding "recreational" market and had room for boards, gear and sleeping bags in the back.First seen in the early 1970s, the genuine Sandman was on offer in two V8 models but it was the often lurid paintwork that caught people's attention.Holden resurrected the idea of the Sandman with a Ute-based concept car done by Reg Mombassa (and Mambo) for the 2000 Sydney motor show. It also made a trip to the North American motor show circuit but had the nude artwork on its flanks tamed before getting its U.S. visa.Price (when new): from $4156-$9554.Sold: 1974-1979Engines: 4.2-litre and five-litre V8sGearbox: four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.Ford Escort SundownerFor those who couldn't stretch to the full-size models, Ford's Escort panel van, the Sundowner, had potential as a surf trip machine.Ford did its own Australian version of the Escort van with 1.6-litre and two-litre engines as well as full stripe kits and side "bubble" windows, as well as things like a full headlining, carpet, not to mention better fuel economy as the supercar and fuel crisis scares sent shockwaves through the industry.Ford improved the rear sleeping space by allowing the front seats to tilt forward for more rear space for the drive-in or beach.Price (when new): from $5712-$7891.Sold: 1978-1982Engines: 1.6-litre and two-litre four-cylinderGearbox: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Volkswagen KombiVolkswagen's Kombi, or Type 2 as it was supposed to be known, was an icon of the anti-war movement but had fans beyond those just putting flowers in their hair and giving peace a chance.Early T1 versions had split front windscreens and barn-style side doors (and are worth a pretty penny now if you have one sitting under a sheet in the shed) but it was the T2 that built the legend in Australia.Also known as the Kombi - a name also used in Brazil, where it was also built - the VW Kombinationskraftwagen (or combined-use vehicle) lent itself to carrying boards and crew, with the campervan versions also becoming popular as surf safari vehicles.Volkswagen also tried to resurrect the Kombi surf machine with a sharp-looking Microbus concept car in 2001 and more recently a Kombi Beach model that went on sale for two years from 2006.Price (when new): from $2440-$9995.Sold: 1965-1980Engines: 1.4-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and two-litre four-cylinderGearbox: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Bedford vanWave-chasers have also been known to go large by means of a 1970s Bedford Van, some of which had 173cu in (2.8-litre) Holden engines in them. Perhaps most famously used by TV's The A-team, the Bedford could be made into a muscle car or an all-rounder to cart boards and entourage.Price (when new): from $3635-$11,283.Sold: 1970-1981Engines: two-litre four-cylinder and 2.8-litre Holden six-cylinderGearbox: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Suzuki SierraSuzuki is well-known for its motorcycles and little cars, but for many the icon of the brand is its little Sierra off-roaders, which many saw as a good machine to get to surf breaks limited by access.The lightweight Sierra - available with a hard-top or a removable soft-top - weren't the ideal vehicle for an overnight stop (swags or tents a must) but if you needed cheap, economical transport to a great (but remote and inaccessible) surf break, then the little Suzuki was a good bet.The company has even recently resurrected the Sierra nameplate, albeit on a model within the Jimny range.Price (when new): from $6429-$16,990.Sold: 1981-1999Engines: one-litre, 1.3-litre four-cylinderGearbox: four-speed and five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.

The cars were produced between September 2010 and last month, with 55,146 shipped to the domestic market and 53,801 others that were exported to countries including to Australia, Mexico, and Europe.Suzuki said that an inadequate connection on the rubber fuel filler hose could cause petrol to leak. Four cases of such leakage have been reported in Japan, but they did not lead to any accidents, the statement revealed."There have been no reports of such defects abroad,'' the spokesman added. "About the exported cars, we will deal with them in keeping with local procedures of the countries concerned.''In March, Suzuki recalled about 93,000 Swifts, including 11,000 in Australia, to repair the fuel filling system.