The new Suzuki SX4 is not sold in Russia as smartly as its creators would like. The owners find an average of 150 cars a month. And there are several reasons for this. In addition to a rather trivial appearance and the only modest motor "one and six", popularity is also hampered by a considerable price tag. The optimal version of the GLE 1.6 CVT 2WD costs 1,039,000 rubles. For similar money (1,065,000 rubles), you can buy the Vitara subcompact crossover. Such a novelty, unfortunately, will be much more modestly equipped. But it will be a car of this year of production, and not 2014, like all SX4s sold in Russia now.
What is the Vitara car? The Japanese borrowed the name from the universal off-road vehicle, which is well known to many Suzuki fans, which forged the brand's glory since the 80s of the last century. Interestingly, in the domestic market, the novelty responds to Escudo. The model is based on the SX4 crossover platform, perhaps docked by 100 mm (up to 2500 mm). It is all the more surprising that in terms of the spaciousness of the back sofa, the Vitara stands almost on an equal footing with the donor. And in fact it claims to be a crossover with the most spacious interior in the B-class. Thanks to the layout engineers for offering a slightly more vertical seating arrangement than the SX4.
The interior design of both crossovers is almost the same. Only the finishing of plastic inserts on the front panel in bright colors orients "Vitara" to a younger audience. However, the high level of ergonomics does not suffer from this. A Japanese car with an equally European-style competently equipped interior is not often met to this day. It is a pity, the trunk of the younger model was 9 cm shorter and 6 cm narrower. This inevitably caused a loss of useful displacement (375 versus 430 liters).
But the short wheelbase and more compact overhangs had a positive effect on the geometric cross-country ability. On those bumps where the SX4 runs the risk of scratching the bumpers and denying the sills, the Vitara driver will be able to drive more confidently. And perhaps most importantly, all two-pedal versions of the novelty are equipped with a 6-speed "automatic", while the SX4 is equipped with a variator. It is more convenient to control traction in any modes on the Vitara.
On the asphalt, both cars are far from being racers - each could use a sharper steering wheel. Although, in general, Vitara handling is probably more accurate. However, in place of the 117-horsepower engine, which is the same for both cars, a faster engine asks. By the way, a more lively turbo version should appear on Vitara in 2016. In the meantime, the SX4 accelerates a little more confidently at city speeds, and the Vitara is preferable when the speedometer needle exceeds a hundred. Thanks to the "stronger" top gear in the automatic transmission.
InteriorOutcome
More fashionable, faster and with “automatic” - this is how a novelty can be described in a few words in comparison with a donor. It is a pity that behind the brighter wrapper, it hides, in fact, the same flaws as in the SX4: a weak engine and budget materials for finishing at an overpriced price. You should wait for discounts at Vitara. Some of the dealers, by the way, are already offering to bargain. But those who are aiming at the SX4, on the contrary, should hurry up: there are not many discount cars from 2014 in showrooms.
- Vitara is brighter in detail. SX4 is slightly richer due to climate control and leather on the steering wheel
- In the city, both are not athletes at all, but Vitara's maximum speed is higher
- For the B-class, the Vitara is surprisingly comfortable, but the SX4 is still quieter and softer
- The "Vitara" has a 10 cm shorter base and "automatic" instead of the variator.
General equipment
ABS, ESP, seven airbags, two electric windows, electric drive and heated mirrors, heated front seats, driver's seat height adjustment, steering wheel adjustable in length and angle, air conditioning, radio, trip computer. The advantages of equipping the SX4: rear power windows, climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control, leather steering wheel, parking sensors, keyless entry system Advantages of equipping the Vitara: slope assistance systemIn Karachay-Cherkessia, where the test drive of the Suzuki lineup took place, the paradigm shift occurs with the first breath of mountain air. To get there not faster, and further, not to show yourself, but to see the beauty around. Finally, not to be isolated from the world, but to experience it in its entirety.
Day 1. Power transmission towers, Elbrus and dynamics of Suzuki SX4
On the first leg of the journey I got a Suzuki SX4. While we are not yet in the mountains, I pay attention mainly to the usual values. Last year, the crossover received a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (140 hp and 220 Nm of torque). Paired with the classic "automatic", the motor works smoothly, the steps change smoothly and imperceptibly, only occasionally there is a small delay when the gear is reset before accelerating.
The hitch can be easily treated by putting the car in sport mode: this is a comprehensive program that not only makes the gearbox keep lower gears longer, but also sharpens reactions to the gas pedal, and also reconfigures the all-wheel drive system and ESP. Now the rear wheels are connected not only when the front wheels slip, but also in turns and during sharp acceleration: the electronics are guided by the readings of the sensors for the steering angle, speed and position of the gas pedal.
Still, according to my Moscow habit, I try to get there as quickly as possible, so I use this mode every time I overtake. While there are serpentine asphalt under the wheels, the serious and businesslike growl of the engine provokes hooliganism, which you generally don't expect from a car of this class. Dance music sets the mood in the car: the phone instantly connected to the multimedia system via Apple CarPlay and immediately switched on the last playlist. Touch control with gesture support works great here and does not cause any inconvenience with false positives or, conversely, lack of reactions.
But then the road suddenly ends, and hilly fields appear in front of the Suzuki SX4, dotted with cunning ligature of tracks from cars. They all converge, then diverge, and the line of power transmission towers stretching beyond the horizon “works” as the guiding Thread of Ariadne. Have you ever driven with such a landmark? If so, you will understand me. It is at the moment when everything disappears on the navigator screen in general, except for the icon with a typewriter, a compass and speed, the perception of the world finally sharpens.
The Suzuki crossover has a ground clearance of 180 millimeters. This is not so little, but the eye gauge works without interruption: is that stone exactly less than 18 centimeters? And if you go around that steep hill over there, we won't strike a bumper? But in fact, the road, which looked terrible, turned out to be quite passable for an urban crossover. In especially unpleasant areas, I turn on the center differential lock - here it works at speeds up to 60 km / h, which allows you not to change the transmission modes several times per hour.
Two crossovers, both Japanese, rolled off the assembly line of the Suzuki factories. Identical engines, similar dimensions and specifications. It would seem, what is there to choose? But there are nuances, serious differences that, despite the similarity, make the cars completely different. Like Yin and Yang, sun and moon, man and woman. And now we will reveal these secrets to you.
Suzuki Vitara - everything you need to know in brief
When the Suzuki company began producing cars in the fifties of the last century, not only throughout Southeast Asia, but also in Japan, the state of the roads was deplorable. Therefore, the emphasis was on SUVs. The kind that the citizens of a post-war country could afford, that is, very simple and cheap. This is how the company became one of the world's foremost experts in four-wheel drive and economy.
The first Vitara appeared in 1988 and was positioned as a small SUV, but with a claim to design and comfort. In the second generation, the prefix "Grand" was added to the model name and took a serious step from off-road to city streets.
Yes, Suzuki started making crossovers even before it hit the mainstream. Now every self-respecting brand has from one to three crossovers in the lineup. And in those days, the Japanese manufacturer actually created a new class of cars from scratch. How successful the model turned out to be can be judged by the number of brands that were not afraid to hang their nameplate on it. At different times in different countries, Suzuki Vitara was sold under the names:
- Mazda proceed levante
- Santana 300/350
- Daewoo vitara
- Chevrolet Tracker
- Geo Tracker
- GMC Tracker
- Pontiac sunrunner
- Asüna Sunrunner
Now Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV with a five-door crossover body. The fourth generation of the model. The production is worked out to the smallest detail, the technologies are time-tested.
Suzuki CX4 - all the most important, briefly
The model was born from the mutual love of Japanese Suzuki and Italian Fiat. Asians had a hard time in the conservative European market. Therefore, they decided to turn to local old residents. The design work was entrusted to the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. The master, defining what is "beautiful" in the auto industry since the forties of the last century. It was he who came up with the design of the DeLorean DMC-12, the "flying" car from the movie "Back to the Future". And the very first Volkswagen Golf is also it. And a Ford Mustang. And almost all of them are Alfa Romeos. As well as Nikon cameras, Beretta weapons and Ducati motorcycles.
The first version of the SX4 rolled off the assembly line in 2006. For a long time, the manufacturer could not decide on the class - crossovers, sedans, compact cars, and combi appeared. They stopped only in 2013, choosing the class "mini-SUV" and the body "five-door compact crossover". The last update of the model is quite recent, last year. A facelift was carried out and a number of technological solutions were added. The maximum safety rating is "five stars" from Euro NCAP.
What do you get anyway
Whichever Suzuki you choose, in any case you will have:
- Four-wheel drive is one of the best in the world. You choose the mode, the electronics do the rest. Good electronics. The rear axle is connected directly on the move, there is even a complete center differential lock.
- Branded 1.6-liter gasoline 16-valve aspirated with variable valve timing. So economical that you start to forget the addresses of the gas stations. Of course, you cannot squeeze much out of it, but it is extremely difficult to overtake Suzuki. “One hundred” is gaining in a little more than 11 seconds, the speedometer needle is brought to 170.
- Large, for its class, back seat. Even two tall men don't have to curl their legs. Three will not be very happy, but they will fit. And children will have no problems with the place at all, even the dog can be put with them.
- Good visibility from the driver's seat. The rear window is neither lowered nor cut, there are very few blind spots, you look down on the road.
- The total carrying capacity (driver + passengers + cargo) is around 650 kilograms. Yes, you heard right. If you do not take passengers, then this little Suzuki can load as much as half a ton.
- Japanese build quality. Of course, in this class it is difficult to require wood and leather. But the details are tightly fitted to each other, nothing creaks or rubs anywhere.
- The lowest price on the market for a four-wheel drive crossover and even from Japan.
- Flexible picking system. No one will force you to pay for unnecessary benefits. You can drive four-wheel drive, you can front. There is a machine gun and a mechanic. Choose them in any combination.
What is the difference
Style
SX4 S-Cross - beautiful from birth, the best designer in the world worked on it. But, with Vitara, it opens up scope for creativity. Its manufacturer has completely entrusted its customers - it offers as many as 14 different configurations and 14 colors. Moreover, you can choose not only the exterior, but also the interior. If you want, everything will be a strict combination of black and gray. No? A riot of colors please - Atlantic Pearl Turquoise Metallic dashboard details. Subtle creative people will have a place to roam - even white is presented in two shades, "Cool White Pearl" and "Superior White".
This is probably why SH4 is more often bought by the older generation, and Vitara - by young people.
Class difference
If you put cars next to each other, you will immediately understand what this is about. Suzuki Vitara is a Compact SUV, a "compact SUV". And the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is a mini SUV, “mini SUV,” one notch below. In fact, it was Suzuki who created both classes, starting to produce such cars ten years earlier than other manufacturers. "Compact" ones are needed by those people who want more sports, are ready to go on a trip even now, but more often ride on city asphalt. And "Mini" is for those who like this very asphalt more, but sometimes you have to go out of town. The difference in approach is enormous, although the differences are not significant.
If you spend every weekend fishing, it is better to take Vitara. If you go out of town rarely and reluctantly, but since you have already left, you can get into the wilderness - take the CX4.
Storm and calm
Cars give completely different emotions. If you want the car to surprise you, you need to take Vitara. And if you need rigor and clarity, full compliance with the declared parameters - your choice of SX4 S-Cross. The first one will bring you to a hill where you never thought to get out. The second one will definitely pull you out of that ravine. This difference is felt as soon as you get behind the wheel. You yourself will understand everything when you order a test drive in Kharkov, from the official representative of Suzuki, the TECHNIK-CENTER company.
➖ Rigid suspension
➖ Noise isolation
pros
➕ High level of security
➕ Roomy trunk
➕ Economy
The advantages and disadvantages of the Suzuki CX4 2018-2019 in a new body are revealed based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Suzuki SX4 II with mechanics, automatic transmission and 4x4 front and all-wheel drive can be found in the stories below.
Owner reviews
Here are the advantages of my Suzuki SX4:
1) Fantastic consumption of 6.7 l / 100 km in summer in a million-plus city in traffic jams, in winter - within 8 with warm-up.
2) Comfortable fit - the SX4 new is lower than most SUVs in terms of ground clearance, you don't need to jump into it, your trousers don't get dirty, at the same time, it doesn't have a puzoterka and copes with our uncleaned and not repaired roads.
3) Safety: 7 airbags and the stability control system are already in the database, 5 Euro points NCAP, ESP intervened more than once when you were about to be thrown out of the rut, which we have everywhere in winter and summer.
4) A large salon and the largest trunk in the class (430 l) with not large dimensions, I moved to a new apartment without ordering a gazelle - I moved everything in it.
But there are also a couple of shortcomings:
1) There is not enough heated windshield.
2) The salon heats up longer than on a Zhiguli, I did not own other foreign cars, I do not know.
Radmir Sirazdinov, drives a Suzuki SX4 1.6 (120 HP) CVT 2014
Video review
Suzuki SX4 new with a CVT just captivated me ... There are no frills in the car, but all the announced options are in order and quite suit. Most of all, it is characterized by low fuel consumption.
I drove from Murmansk to Petrozavodsk with a flow rate of 5.3 liters per hundred. At the same time, I tried to drive 110 km / h on cruise control on sections with a good road ... How it will be further unknown, but after a year and a half of operation, no problems arose at all. I am very satisfied.
Sergey Podgorny, drives a Suzuki CX4 1.6 (120 hp) CVT 2014
Great car! Acquired Suzuki CX-4 New in October 2014. I drove 10,000 km - no complaints. Consumption is striking: 4.9 - 5.2 outside the city, in the city - 6.5. Mixed 5.9 - 6.0 liters. 95th gasoline is preferable, since the dynamics and consumption are excellent. You can and 92nd gasoline. The dynamics are slightly worse.
One small drawback - when driving on rough roads (not fast), the rear shock absorbers are harsh. The machine is very good. I put it next to Qashqai - the difference in size is 5 and 8 centimeters (height and length). A fully packed machine costs 300,000 rubles less than the standard Qashqai!
The owner drives a Suzuki SX4 1.6 (120 hp) MT 2014.
Where can I buy?
At first the overall impression was positive compared to the previous model, BUT! Faced a problem that CROSSES out all the advantages of this 2014 model.
What we managed to pay attention to in a short driving period: the seat backs fold comfortably flush with the boot floor, there is a USB input for listening to music, there are more airbags, the trunk is larger, the side pillar of the front glass has decreased - more comfortable and better visibility!
A very sensitive gas pedal, after the 2006 Suzuki SX4 I had to get used to it - several times the car stalled in traffic jams, annoying. The suspension is very rigid, any lying policeman at a speed of more than 5 km / h - well, very sensitively overcome.
And now the problem is more serious: I bought a car in early October 2014, by which time more than one hundred cars of this model had been sold. October 14 - hooliganism broke the right front side window (the one that goes down).
Through long calls to 5 official dealers in Moscow who sell this model, it turned out that in all of Moscow there is NOT ONE glass for a car of my model, and even in the warehouse of the official representative of Suzuki there are no such glasses! Generally not in Russia! (2 weeks of waiting for replacement).
Irina drives Suzuki SX4 1.6 (120 hp) on mechanics 2014
The car is not for its own money - a trough is cheap, but it costs a lot of money. About cheapness: the rear bumper is solid bullshit and plywood. Cannot be compared with DEU Sens.
The torpedo is already creaking in full, although the mileage is only 2,000 km. Plastic is bullshit! So far, all the joys of a two-week ownership of this unit, although the same Daewoo Sens pleases me more after 11 years of operation than this expensive trough!
Of the advantages of this car, only stability, good suspension performance and acceptable fuel consumption (depending on driving style) can be noted.
Review of Suzuki SX4 1.6 (120 hp) on a variator in 2015
Changed the 5 year old SX4 to a new one this year. It immediately became more fun to ride on the track. And in general - a lot of modern and useful options have been added. More economical than the old one about a liter in the city. When driving mainly through traffic jams, I fit into 11 liters per hundred (calculation for refueling), and the computer lies less here - the error is up to 5%, in contrast to 15% for the old one.
But the off-road qualities have deteriorated a little, the geometric cross-country ability is not enough. After installing the steel protection of the motor and clutch, the ground clearance became less than 15 cm. I would not advise anyone to meddle in a rut.
Of the merits, I note a powerful motor for a relatively heavy body. There is a modern interior and nice options. Excellent LED light. Nice trunk, lots of niches and pockets in the cabin.
The disadvantages include a seat that is not very comfortable for a high landing, while for a low landing there is not enough steering wheel reach. The extended warranty translates into significant additional maintenance costs every 5,000 km.
Review of Suzuki SX4 1.4 (140 hp) automatic transmission with all-wheel drive 2016
Comparative test of three Suzuki - SX4, Grand Vitara and JimnyThe car is good! For 6,000 km, I added a little fluid to the washer. In addition, the automatic machine after the manual transmission frightened at first, but already got used to it. It seemed at first that the automatic transmission was terribly slow, but people who drive the automatic transmission practically "from childhood" open their mouths in surprise: the automatic, they say, is very playful.
Now the main thing: the salon. Compared to the previous car, the interior is very spacious. The trunk is no less than in the Roomster, the stove is much cooler, it drives the heat immediately, without warming up, 20 km.
The visibility due to the racks is not very good, it makes you constantly turn your head and body, but again, there is experience. The motor is mad! Buzzing loudly (on overclocking), eating too little criminal, even in comparison with the Skoda.
My family went to a small "dalnyak" - 1,500 kilometers. Well, we're happy. We drove at night, my wife and son were very good at taking a nap, because there is a lot of space in the cabin, that is, it allows passengers to sleep.
In general, the car is still very, very pleased. Around so far I have seen only one machine like mine. The suspension is… loud but powerful, meaning it rattles and the car runs very smoothly. Apparently, the wheels also play a role here, since the radius is still larger than in Skoda. In general, I do not regret the purchase yet.
Review of Suzuki SX4 1.6 (117 HP) with automatic 2017
Suzuki jimny
Suzuki jimny
1.3 (85 HP) 4AT, price 669,000 rubles.
Suzuki grand vitara
2.4 (169 hp) 4AT, price 910,000 rubles.
Although they bear the same surname. Of course, Suzuki Motors is by no means the only company that produces four-wheel drive vehicles in several classes. But competing firms usually have a more linear range - from large to small, but with a more or less similar concept. And here in three models we see a "look at the subject" from completely different angles, but at a quite comparable price. Come on and we will admire, the more there is something
In principle, all utilitarian all-terrain vehicles initially had a "main customer" in the form of the Ministry of Defense. Gelaendewagen, Defender, Land Cruiser, Patrol, UAZ, etc. were created not for the needs of fans of off-road sorties, but primarily as field command vehicles, which will have to drive on the roads and without and which are difficult to spoil, and not a pity to scratch. This is their charm, but over the past 20-30 years "pacifists" have noticeably pressed the "militarists" behind the wheel of simple, tall and usually compact SUVs. And, of course, as soon as commerce intervened, these models began to grow overgrown with bourgeois fat - after all, you can't ask for a lot of money for an absolutely utilitarian skeleton car without doors, a roof, amplifiers, electric drives and an air conditioner. Therefore, well-known models appeared on their bases, sometimes growing to the premium segment, and the charm of masculinity and brutality slightly increased. And these formerly paramilitary means of transport are often ruled by blondes and glasses.
Faithful to yourself
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In this company, the Suzuki Jimny has not "broken away from its roots" too far. Compactness, high ground clearance, practically absent overhangs, four-wheel drive without differential - as you know, Jimny spun off from the primitive Samurai (from this name alone blows the Japanese military - harakiri there, kamikaze, Kamikashvili ... - although, sorry, it's from another opera!). Still, a hard roof and a sufficient set of "asphalt" options are present.
Has your "half" looked at this cute little eyeball?
- Dear, look what a pupsik, it will be easy and pleasant for me to park on it in the yard: no curbs are scary, it is not a pity and it is not expensive to peel off the black plastic bottoms. Well, come on, take it, take it!
Damn, as if the cute puppy looked after!
But in her arguments she seems to be right. All of the above advantages are present here. How to explain to a woman that this car, although short, inexpensive and quite "cute" outwardly, has a completely different target audience, which differs not even in gender, but in the place and type of operation? .. Just Jimny has nothing to do in the city, but especially on the track. He does not like these modes and is not made for them. By nature, he is a peasant. However…
1300 cubes, 85 hp and 17 seconds to "hundreds" do not inspire optimism before traffic light starts. But practice shows the opposite: from a place the machine, if it does not "tear", then "takes away" quite cheerfully. This is generally a property of light, low-power cars - they are ready to leap forward when starting off briskly no worse than their more powerful, but heavy counterparts. And somewhere up to 50-70 km / h acceleration goes on the leading edge of the stream rushing to the next traffic light, and then the pace noticeably dies down. But Jimny has a few other trump cards to overcome urban obstacles. One of them is unexpected - nice, although not plaintive, but cocky appearance. And they willingly let him go forward, and do not press, as larger "predators" could do with another small machine. I have repeatedly caught the approving smiles of drivers of various transport "castes" - from personal drivers in dick cars to summer residents in VAZs. Even the "Vadytel" "Gazelle" made an approving wave of his hand. Although, maybe he drove away the fly.
Another trump card is more obvious - modest dimensions, especially in width. Most road users, no matter how hard they push and puff out their cheeks, would not be able to seep through such narrow cracks in traffic jams. And the ultra-short base allows you to turn around almost on a patch, despite the small maximum steering angle of the front wheels. And, finally, if the city has completely stopped (10 points), that fantastically high landing above the road will help to break through to the side of the road - you can also leave through high obstacles. Even if with a deviation from some norms and rules - well, if there is nowhere to go!
Driving on the highway on Jimny is unlikely to give pleasure to anyone - there is almost no opportunity to accelerate quickly when the speedometer needle is at 100 km / h. We are speeding up, of course, but just barely. And this notorious compactness ... How does it "goat" in the pits! And on any - large, medium and small. And in the ruts it sausages and strives to throw it sideways! In tight corners, especially on wet roads, the tendency to skid in a rear wheel drive short wheelbase tall and narrow car is simply menacing. After all, four-wheel drive here, as it should be according to the classics of the genre, can be activated only at low speeds and not on dry surfaces. Okay, okay, we reduce the speed to 80, and even though we get in the way of our neighbors downstream, we go quite safely and almost comfortably. Rather, it would be on a country road, and then we can connect the front axle to help. Then we will show who is the boss! Mouse tears will pour out to the cat!
Now a few words about ergonomics - a couple not because there is not enough space, just Jimny has a little ergonomics too. Close to the shoulders at the doors, the range of longitudinal movement of the driver's seat is too small (when the driver is 185 cm tall, he had to be put on the last "click"). Behind you, not only can you not put "behind yourself", but in general, a child larger than eight years old will not fit. I would call the landing formula 3 + 1 here. That is, when the front passenger drives forward so that his knees rest against the dashboard, another average citizen of the same type may be behind him. And only a child is behind the driver. And in the width behind, two large passengers will be too tight.
Suzuki jimny
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The power unit of the Suzuki Jimny is located longitudinally in front. The bridges have simple symmetric differentials (D). There is no center differential in the transfer case. Power is transmitted to the propeller shaft of the front axle drive using a toothed chain. The driver has the ability to directly influence the power distribution in the transmission. The central panel houses three servo keys: 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-L. In 2WD mode, the front wheels are driven, power is not transmitted to the front axle. In 4WD mode, the front axle is connected. In 4WD-L mode, a lowering row is activated in the transfer case. In both four-wheel drive modes, the link between the axles is tight. Therefore, the manufacturer does not recommend using them when driving on roads with hard surfaces: due to the overloads arising from the circulation of power, the probability of failure of one or another transmission element is extremely high. Note that the modification with automatic transmission will allow an unprepared driver to overcome off-road sections with less problem.
Our shot
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SX4 opened a class named after itself. Only, unlike the Golf, it is not called that yet and is unlikely to be called, if only because the alphanumeric name does not encourage it. And, in my opinion, it would still be worth it!
He hit right on target. More compact than other SUVs (even half a class less than Qashqai, which recently set its own standards and starting points for competitors lagging behind), the SX4 is "one warrior in the field." There are four-wheel drive cars in the golf class, but not raised above the road, but, on the contrary, sitting high, such as the Kia Soul, but exclusively with front-wheel drive. In this sense, Suzukovites are great! Although at first, when this model entered the Russian market, they offered a 4x4 option exclusively in a complete set with a manual transmission. And the machine could only be equipped with a front-wheel drive version. Now please rejoice: everything is in one bottle!
With all the positives of the model (I liked it from the first landing behind the wheel), it was the four-speed automatic transmission that caused the most irritation. The vigor of the engine here is compensated by the stupidity of the box - it is in no hurry to change gears, and the car loses pace. You need to accelerate with a steady movement - you sharply press on the gas, and the enumeration of gears down (at least one, if we don’t know how to two!) Does not occur with the necessary efficiency. Unpleasant, but not fatal.
But otherwise, everything is extremely worthy. Proportion of smoothness - handling here is close to ideal in its class. The SX4 rolls well, predictably but not perfect swings. The dense suspension conscientiously fulfills all irregularities - from small things to large gentle waves. And only large irregularities on the off-road, when you are forced to overcome them by "running", cause breakdowns "all the way." It feels like an ordinary (in the good sense of the word!) Passenger car. I also liked the rather accurate informative steering wheel, which turns the control process into drive. And the steering wheel itself of a convenient diameter, section, location and finish contributes to information content and driving pleasure. The seat in the chair is tight, but spacious, the back is also not crowded. From a car with small triangular windows behind the A-pillars, you expect visibility to deteriorate in these areas. But the SX4 has managed to avoid this disadvantage. True, there is nothing to look at through the triangles, they could be made generally deaf, but the design would suffer.
In general, the SX4 is what I would love to buy for my wife. And then he himself would have used it for pleasure ... After the company Suzuki offers me a new automatic transmission instead of the current thoughtful chetyrehstupka!
Suzuki SX4
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The power unit of the compact crossover Suzuki SX4 is located transversely in front. The all-wheel drive version of the car differs from the front-wheel drive by the increased ground clearance by 15 mm. But the rear suspension for both versions is the same, that is, on an all-wheel drive car, the rear wheel suspension is semi-independent (torsion beam).
The bridges are equipped with simple symmetrical differentials (D). A multi-plate friction clutch (M) is responsible for taking off power to the rear axle. The driver has the ability to control the power distribution in the transmission - the mode selection key is located on the central tunnel. In 2WD mode, all power is transferred to the front wheels. In AUTO mode, the electronics engage the rear wheels as needed if the front wheels slip. The LOCK program implies almost complete compression of the clutch discs (slippage is still there as protection against overloads), but when a speed of 64 km / h is reached, it is disabled. Another way to improve the properties of the machine off-road is to deactivate the stability control system.
"For garlic"
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The current Grand Vitara is the third generation of the model. And unlike competitors of the same class, who entered the field in the mid-nineties, Suzuki did not slide to the "parquet". The Grand Vitara has a full off-road drivetrain. And again, unlike many other firms, Suzuki retains the choice between five-door and three-door bodies. For the test, we decided to take exactly the short version of the design - because of the greater approximation in size and price to the other two participants. It came out even 9 cm shorter than the quite compact SX4 hatchback! Although they buy three-doors from us several times less than five-doors, many simply due to their own taste or the composition of the family have so many doors and do not need anything.
Of course, first of all, a rather short body allows you to park confidently, and for greater cross-country ability, a decrease in the base (and therefore an increase in the ramp angle!) Is an extra argument. Of the obvious drawbacks: very wide doors (protruding too far when opening) and it is too far to reach for the seat belt - even further than in other cars with a similar layout. Well, a review back - they sacrificed a lot for the sake of design. The wide B-pillars and rear pillars leave such large dead zones that not only a cyclist, but also a bus can hide there. You will have to put up with this or drive faster so that the backward view interests you less than the perspective.
And Grand Vitara can drive fast! Well, naturally, in comparison with the two Suzuki described above. All the same, the 2.4 liter engine no longer forces the driver to constantly drown the pedal to the floor. And the same as in the SX4, the automatic transmission is no longer so annoying with its braking. The car itself is tightly knocked down, driver's. A rigid body (thanks to wide struts and fewer doorways!) Does not walk on actively overcome irregularities. Despite the high center of gravity, the side rolls are small, but the suspension cannot be called oak - only moderately harsh. Longitudinal road waves do not throw up this car - it squeezes tightly to the roadway, not unloading the wheels and, therefore, not impairing grip on the asphalt. I liked the effective brakes, including again the lack of pronounced dives when slowing down.
It is also quite quiet here - aerodynamic noises and sound from the road are muffled, and the baritone of the engine only pleases the ear. And the acoustics of the stereo system are quite decent.
Suzuki grand vitara
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The power unit of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is located longitudinally in front. The bridges have simple symmetric differentials (D). An asymmetric limited slip differential (LDM) is responsible for the distribution of traction between the wheels of the front and rear axles. In a free state, it transmits 47% of the torque to the front wheels and 53% to the rear wheels. If any of the wheels starts to slip, the differential is partially blocked and provides traction through the wheels that are in the best grip conditions.
The driver has the ability to influence the distribution of traction in the transmission. On the central panel there is a toggle switch, with which you can select one of the following modes: N (in the distributor - neutral), 4H, 4H Lock and 4L Lock. 4H - direct transmission is activated in the transfer case, 4H Lock - the differential is rigidly locked, 4L Lock - the differential is rigidly locked, the lowering row is activated in the transfer case. Power to the propeller shaft of the front axle drive is transmitted to the RK by a gear chain.
To be expected
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Of course, the balance of power between the three models of the same company when driving off-road is already obvious in advance. SX4 - Grand Vitara - Jimny - so they will be positioned in ascending order of their off-road potential.
The fact that the first of these three models is just a SUV does not diminish its ability to confidently ride not only on a country road, but also on a less flat meadow, to move down to the river, overcoming shallow streams and gullies. In general, the city car SX4 instills in the driver, accustomed to ordinary cars, that extra confidence, which should not grow into a hat.
Grand Vitara can really do a lot. With a low and locked “diffs”, it crawls confidently along the clay slope in any direction. It looks like this car's flotation is mostly limited by the tires. There would be "evil" M / T class tires and a small lift, and Vitara will wipe the nose of many "serious crooks" - mainly due to its compact size. Although then it will lose the charm of a normal city car without off-road costs! No, let's leave the complete set of this car as it is. And we are pleased to state that the Grand Vitara is not just a compromise and "golden mean", it somehow magically absorbed both urban and off-road qualities without big sacrifices in favor of one side or the other.
Jimny is just a song! Or a song. He is ready to drive across the furrow - he doesn't care! But the passage of a ford or viscous soil, where he is, of course, a fine fellow, is not the main place to demonstrate his supernatural abilities. And they appear where you can admire its fantastic geometric passability, for example, when overcoming deep ditches that give way to a slope, crossing over fallen tree trunks, passing rocky areas with serious relief. And not only SX4 and Grand Vitara can't think of getting in here, but few of the "crooks" of other manufacturers would argue with him! And there is no need for him to go off-road onto the asphalt, perhaps for a beer or a service.
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| The results of geometric and weight measurements made by the editorial experts in the conditions of the auto-polygon | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki jimny | Suzuki SX4 | Suzuki Grand Vitara 3dr | ||
| C | Clearance under the front axle in the center, mm | 200 | 160 | 190 |
| Clearance under the front axle in the shoulder area, mm | 230 | 170 | 205 | |
| Clearance under the rear axle in the center, mm | 190 | 180 | 230 | |
| Clearance under the rear axle in the shoulder area, mm | 280 | 320 | 270 | |
| D | Minimum clearance inside the base, mm | 255 | 170 | 220 |
| Clearance under the frame or spar, mm | 265 | 200 | 270 | |
| Clearance under the fuel tank, mm | 280 | 220 | 290 | |
| B1 | Front passenger compartment width, mm | 1240 | 1350 | 1430 |
| B2 | Rear interior width, mm | 1230 | 1350 | 1390 |
| B3 | Trunk width min / max, mm | 920 | 1020/1120 | 1000/1150 |
| V | Useful trunk volume (5 persons), l | 110 | 252 | 188 |
* From R point (hip joint) to accelerator pedal
** The driver's seat is set at L1 \u003d 950 mm from point R to the accelerator pedal, the rear seat is moved to the end back
| Technical characteristics of cars | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki jimny | Suzuki SX4 | Suzuki Grand Vitara 3dr | |
| MAIN CHARACTERISTICS | |||
| Length, mm | 3665 | 4150 | 4060 |
| Width, mm | 1600 | 1755 | 1810 |
| Height, mm | 1705 | 1605 | 1695 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2250 | 2500 | 2440 |
| Front / rear track, mm | 1355/1365 | 1500/1495 | 1540/1570 |
| Curb / full weight, kg | 1075/1420 | 1275/1685 | 1539/1890 |
| Maximum speed, km / h | 135 | 170 | 170 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h, s | 17,2 | 13,1 | 11,5 |
| Fuel consumption, l / 100 km | |||
| Urban cycle | 9,9 | 9,9 | 11,9 |
| Country cycle | 6,6 | 6,2 | 8,0 |
| Mixed cycle | 7,8 | 7,6 | 9,4 |
| Turning circle, m | 9,8 | 10,6 | 10,2 |
| Fuel / fuel tank volume, l | AI-95/40 | AI-95/45 | AI-95/55 |
| ENGINE | |||
| engine's type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Arrangement and number of cylinders | R4 | R4 | R4 |
| Working volume, cm 3 | 1328 | 1586 | 2393 |
| Power, kW / hp | 62,5/85 | 82/112 | 124/169 |
| at rpm | 6000 | 5600 | 6000 |
| Torque, Nm | 110 | 150 | 225 |
| at rpm | 4100 | 3800 | 3800 |
| TRANSMISSION | |||
| Transmission | A4 | A4 | A4 |
| Reduction gear | 1,320/2,643 | - | 1,000/1,970 |
| CHASSIS | |||
| Front suspension | Dependent, spring | Independent, spring | Independent, spring |
| Rear suspension | Dependent, spring | Independent, torsion bar | Independent, spring |
| Steering gear | Screw nut | Rack | Rack |
| Brakes Front | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs |
| Brakes Rear | Drum | Disk | Ventilated discs |
| Active safety equipment | ABS | ABS + EBD + ESP + BAF | ABS + EBD + ESP |
| Tire dimension * | 205 / 70R15 (26.3) * | 205 / 60R16 (25.7) * | 225 / 70R16 (28.4) * |
| MAINTENANCE COSTS | |||
| Approximate costs for the year and 20 thousand km, rubles | 114 320 | 116 360 | 139 490 |
| The calculation takes into account | |||
| The cost of the CASCO policy (experience from 7 years) **, rub. | 59 000 | 63 000 | 70 000 |
| Road tax in Moscow, rub. | 1 700 | 3 360 | 7 600 |
| Basic cost of maintenance ***, rub. | 8 400 | 6 200 | 8 200 |
| We stand. first oil change ***, rub. | 4 200 | 4 500 | 4 900 |
| Maintenance frequency, thousand km | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Combined fuel costs, rub. | 38 220 | 37 240 | 46 060 |
| WARRANTY CONDITIONS | |||
| Warranty duration, years / thous. km | 3/100 | 3/100 | 3/100 |
| COST OF THE CAR | |||
| Test set ****, rub. | 669 000 | 750 000 | 910 000 |
| Basic equipment ****, rub. | 641 000 | 720 000 | 795 000 |
** Averaging based on data from two large insurance companies
*** Including consumables
**** At the time of preparation of the material, taking into account the current discounts
| Expert assessments based on test results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index | Max. score | Suzuki jimny | Suzuki SX4 | Suzuki Grand Vitara 3dr |
| BODY | 25,0 | 11,2 | 15,2 | 14,8 |
| Driver's seat | 9,0 | 4,7 | 4,9 | 6,1 |
| Seat behind the driver | 7,0 | 4,0 | 5,4 | 4,3 |
| Trunk | 5,0 | 1,0 | 1,9 | 1,4 |
| Safety | 4,0 | 1,5 | 3,0 | 3,0 |
| ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT | 25,0 | 16,0 | 18,4 | 18,3 |
| Governing bodies | 5,0 | 3,9 | 4,2 | 4,2 |
| Devices | 5,0 | 3,8 | 4,2 | 4,2 |
| Climate control | 4,0 | 2,4 | 2,9 | 2,9 |
| Interior materials | 1,0 | 0,5 | 0,7 | 0,7 |
| Light and visibility | 5,0 | 3,8 | 3,9 | 3,8 |
| Options | 5,0 | 1,6 | 2,5 | 2,5 |
| OFF-ROAD QUALITIES | 20,0 | 16,6 | 7,3 | 14,7 |
| Clearances | 4,0 | 3,0 | 1,4 | 2,8 |
| Corners | 5,0 | 5,0 | 1,6 | 3,5 |
| Articulation | 3,0 | 2,3 | 1,7 | 2,1 |
| Transmission | 4,0 | 3,3 | 0,9 | 3,5 |
| Security | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,0 | 1,5 |
| Wheels | 2,0 | 1,0 | 0,7 | 1,3 |
| FORWARDING QUALITIES | 20,0 | 14,0 | 15,1 | 15,0 |
| Controllability | 3,0 | 2,3 | 2,6 | 2,7 |
| Ride comfort | 3,0 | 1,6 | 2,5 | 2,6 |
| Accelerating dynamics | 3,0 | 2,1 | 2,5 | 2,7 |
| Fuel consumption (combined cycle) | 3,0 | 3,0 | 3,0 | 2,7 |
| Cruising on the highway | 2,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 |
| Lifting capacity | 2,0 | 1,0 | 1,2 | 1,0 |
| Length unfolded. trunk | 2,0 | 1,0 | 1,3 | 1,1 |
| Spare wheel | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,0 | 1,2 |
| EXPENSES | 10,0 | 9,6 | 9,3 | 9,0 |
| Price in test set | 4,0 | 3,9 | 3,8 | 3,7 |
| Operating costs | 4,0 | 4,0 | 4,0 | 3,7 |
| Resale prospects | 2,0 | 1,7 | 1,5 | 1,6 |
| TOTAL | 100,0 | 67,4 | 65,3 | 71,8 |
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| Suzuki jimny | Suzuki SX4 | Suzuki Grand Vitara 3dr | |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
| pros | Fantastic geometric cross-country ability. Unpretentiousness. Compactness | No alternative in its class at a reasonable price. High quality materials | Quite good off-road performance. High-torque motor. Precise handling |
| Minuses | Rigid suspension. Low dynamic qualities. Cramped second row of seats and trunk | Thoughtful automatic transmission. Units under the bottom not too protected. Oiled steering reactions | Large blind spots in the back. The trunk is almost absent. Not too comfortable chairs |
| Verdict | Need an inexpensive and effective way to get out of civilization? It's Jimny! | Balanced compact hatchback enables successful driving on all types of roads | A full-fledged, very compact SUV, which also has normal passenger properties |
text: Vladimir SMIRNOV
photo: Roman TARASENKO
