Suzuki's SX4 already has plenty of Italian influence - it was developed with Fiat, after all - but it now contains a slug of French too, in the shape of a Peugeot-sourced diesel engine.
The new oil-burning motor, a 1.6-litre unit, produces 89bhp and 159lb ft of torque. It adds a lower-cost diesel option to the SX4's range, because it joins the existing 118bhp unit instead of replacing it. Suzuki claims that the new unit will propel the front-drive SX4 from 0-62mph in 12.2sec and on to a top speed of 109mph, while returning 53.3mpg on the combined cycle, and producing 139g/km of CO2 emissions.
Spec for the baby diesel is similar to the 1.6 GL petrol model - but the £11,999 1.6 DDiS adds manual air conditioning, heated door mirrors, 16in alloy wheels, roof rails, front fog lights and wheelarch extensions.
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Re: Baby diesel for Suzuki SX4
Bought one! Delivered Dec. Sunlight Copper, trim level is same as GL but with Aircon (Manual-1 button job). Alloys, side trims and wheel arch mouldings plus silver under-valance trim pieces which look neat but everyone seems to be copying now including the Nissan Cashcow and a big mercedes thing that someone was roadtesting near Derby the other day.
Love mine though. Had a Swift before. The new 1.6 diesel (Peugeot sourced unit) is ideal for me, 60mph at a very relaxed (and economical) 2000rpm. 70mph at only 2500rpm too. Nice and torquey, it won't pull your arms out of their sockets but I'm getting a combined 47mpg (only done 1300 miles from new) and this gets better every week as the engine losoens up. I expect to get 50mpg or more when I've completed 2500 miles+. Road holding and cornering is superb which is no worse than the Swift despite the heavier/higher body. Slightly firm suspension helps here and potholes are no problem with the SX4 unlike the Swift which used to complain about them noisily.
Road presence is better too and I seem to have less cars pull out in front of me now and less "I'll race you!" boy racer situations than in my red swift.
Overall then, excellent value for money - rivals cost much more.
I treated myself to the leather-trimmed steering wheel - a bit of a luxury but well worth it for the look/feel. Mine was trimmed by hand in orange thread to match the car.