Small car specialist Suzuki has
released its 2010 all wheel drive SX4 hatch with an all new engine
and new transmission options. At the same time the company has
launched a new two wheel drive model which will come under the SX4
banner in all states but Queensland, which elected to capitalise on
the Liana name, dropped in 2008.
Suzuki Auto Co Queensland's
independent Suzuki distributor - launched both vehicles to the
motoring media at the Mt Cotton Driver Training Facility, south of
Brisbane. The inclusion of the Liana name in Queensland separates the
all wheel drive SX4 AWD from the two-wheel-drive-only Liana. In all
states but Queensland the 2WD variant will be known as the SX4 while
the all wheel drive model will continue with the SX4 AWD naming.
Names aside, the new Liana (SX4) and
SX4 AWD will share the new 2.0 litre, four valves per cylinder
Variable Valve Timing engine as well as new Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) transmission and a new six speed manual
transmission. Liana will come in sedan and hatchback models while the
SX4 AWD is hatch only.
The 2010 version of the SX4 AWD will be
available in two equipment grades GLX and S-Series while there
is an entry level Liana GLX hatch and S-Series hatch and sedan.
Pricing starts at $20,490 (before on road costs) for the Liana and
$23,490 for the SX4 AWD.
In addition to the new engine and
transmission options the SX4 AWD has been given a minor facelift for
the 2010 model year: there's a new egg-crate style front grille, new
colours, new instrument cluster with more information, improved
illumination for the steering wheel switches, new black seat fabric,
front seat arm rests, extra padding for the door arm rests, centre
mounted dashboard speaker, MP3 socket, single fold rear seat (was a
tumble fold) and new automatic air-conditioner control panel.
Suzuki has not only added the CVT
transmission but also the optional changing methods with a
traditional sequential shifter plus F1 style steering-wheel mounted
paddles on the higher grade models. The CVT automatically gives the
driver a near-unlimited number of transmission ratios. These are
controlled according to engine torque, gear speed, load, the driver's
input through the throttle and shift lever or brakes. The system is
identical in the Liana.
Both cars also have the new six speed
manual transmission for those who like doing the work themselves. On
all models of both the Liana (SX4) and SX4 AWD the CVT transmission
plus other upgrades add $2000 to the bottom line over the cost of the
six speed manual. The new engine has a 21 per cent power advantage
over the old Liana. The CVT slashes the previous figure for Liana
automatic from 8.5 litres/100 km to 7.6 litres/100 km in the 2010
model.
Both Liana models feature four wheel
disc brakes. Liana GLX hatch gets driver and passenger airbags only
while both sedan and hatch S-Series gets side and curtain airbags.
Other than the GLX also misses out on Electronic Stability Program,
all other safety features are identical. The top of the line S series
gets alloy wheels, folding centre arm rest on front seats, rear
spoiler. Fog lights, leather steering wheel, cruise control, keyless
start, auto climate control and chrome features, also set the S
series apart from the GLX. All models have a CD with auxiliary
socket for MP3 players, centre speaker incorporated into the
dashboard and air conditioning with digital climate control. GLX gets
power windows, remote central locking, 16 inch steel wheels, ABS and
EBD.
Suzuki Auto Co managing director, Keith
Carroll said those wanting iPod as well as Bluetooth were catered for
by these being on the optional accessories list. Liana's overall
value packaging, specifications, price, performance, four doors, and
elevated seating position were cornerstones
of it's market success, he said. More than 2600 were sold in
Queensland. Liana now has an additional sporty flair as well as the
performance and fuel economy advantages delivered by an entirely new
range of engine and transmission combinations.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Our first drive of the Liana (SX4) and
SX4 AWD was confined to ABS tests runs, ESP wet-top testing and a
short gymkhana run at the Mt Cotton facility. The new engine puts out
a modest 112 kW at 6200 rpm and an equally modest 190 Nm of torque at
4000 rpm . As such this is not the fastest crossover or sedan on the
market.
The Liana is a much sportier looking
vehicle than that which Suzuki marketed here previously although it
still sits a little high. Behind the wheel it is functional like all
Suzuki product and the new CVT gets the most out of the engine. We
like the tiptronic shifter which seems to harness the power in a more
elegant way than simply leaving the car in auto with the fairly
typical `slipping clutch' sensation you get with many CVT
transmissions. The six speed manual is light and smooth. Despite the
car's high stance it corners quite well, although both the SX4 AWD
and the Liana have some body roll and both understeer under hard,
tight cornering.
PRICING
SX4 AWD
GLX hatch 2.0 L man
$23,490 (incl GST)
GLX hatch 2.0 L CVT
$25,490
S-Series hatch 2.0 L man
$25,690
S-Series hatch 2.0 L CVT
$27,690
Liana 2WD (SX4)
GLX hatch 2.0 L man
$20,490
GLX hatch 2.0 L CVT
$22,490
S-Series hatch 2.0 L man
$23,490
S-Series hatch 2.0 L CVT
$25,490
S-Series sedan 2.0 L man
$23,990
S-Series sedan 2.0 L CVT
$25,490
(Prices do not include some Government
and dealer charges)
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