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The Suzuki SX4 GY is one of the cheapest and most reliable sort of off-road vehicles money can buy. But is this collaboration between Suzuki and Fiat worth buying?

If you can’t fit into a Suzuki Ignis, then the Suzuki SX4 GY is probably worth your money. In fact, I could say that the Suzuki SX4 GY is like a bigger Ignis, and with that, I could draw the curtain and go for a beer.

Or not. Launched in 2006 as an experiment between Suzuki and Fiat, the Suzuki SX4 came first as the Fiat Sedici. Basically, the Italians at Fiat didn’t have an SUV at the time and wanted something bigger than a Panda. They called Giorgetto Giugiaro from Italdesign Giugiaro (the designer of the original Golf) for the design part and then contacted Suzuki for the 4×4 system because they were 1. Japanese 2. Already experienced in the 4×4 area and 3. Suzuki was not a very strong brand in Europe and probably wanted some publicity on Fiat’s back.

However, the project, like the Almost Cars septic tank, derailed, and the Fiat Sedici was so successful in Europe that Suzuki decided to release their own version: the Suzuki SX4, which then became a permanent fixture in the Suzuki family, unlike the Fiat Sedici, which was a one-hit wonder: It came, it sang, it gathered fans, and suddenly disappeared.

For the Suzuki SX4 GY, the situation quickly reversed. While Fiat is much more popular in Europe and parts of Asia, in America, Africa, and Asia, the Suzuki brand is more well-known than even Doug‘s voice. By the way, fabulous auto channel on YouTube. Highly recommend!

Suzuki SX4 GY Engines

Gasoline

• 1.5 MPI M15A of 99 horsepower – The base engine for the first SX4, this engine is part of Suzuki’s M family and is the smallest and not very popular. You’d rather find it on the Swift or Ignis, but for the SX4, it’s like the best engine for “my first car”. Decently reliable, but not for the highway speeds. Great for beginners tho.


• 1.6 MPI M16A of 107 and 120 horsepower – Really cool on the Suzuki Swift Sport, but for the SX4 the M16A is just a work colleague with no relation, aspiration, or perspiration for the Suzuki SX4 GY. Like a potato soup, the M16A gasoline engine is a simple engine that does its job and nothing more when tasked with moving the SX4’s body around. Sometimes it leaks oil from the oil filter, but that’s about it. All the engine you’ll ever need. 


• 1.8 MPI M18A of 130 horsepower – This one was available only in China and only from 2009 to 2012, but it’s good to know that you have this option. Just a stretched M16A so nothing particular to worry about. 


• 2.0 MPI JA201 of 143 and 150 horsepower – Found more often on the Grand Vitara, and it’s better left there. Constant issues with coil packs and timing chain tensioners make this engine a choice to avoid more than unskilled labor on road works.

Diesel

• 1.6 DDiS DV6ATED4 of 90 horsepower – The mechanical failure known as the 1.6 HDi on Peugeot and the 1.6 TDCi on Ford also plagues the Suzuki SX4 GY as the 1.6 DDiS. We’ve extensively discussed about this piece of trash, having injector issues and an oil filters that doesn’t allow the turbo to cool down, so you end up changing turbos like Deauxma’s videos changed hands.


• 1.9 DDiS D91A of 120 horsepower – Known as the 1.9 JTD in the Fiat group and 1.9 CDTi in the Vauxhall group, this engine was also installed on the Vauxhall Vectra C, Fiat Croma and Alfa Romeo 159. A village bicycle of the automotive world, and a reliable one at that. Recommend. As with any Fiat diesel and beyond, it’s mandatory to replace the water pump also when replacing the timing belt.


• 2.0 DDiS D20A of 136 horsepower – This is not the engine from the Vauxhall Insignia. This is not the engine from the Vauxhall Insignia. This is not the engine from the Vauxhall Insignia. THIS IS NOT THE ENGINE FROM THE Vauxhall INSIGNIA. The 2.0 diesel engine on the Insignia was an evolution of the 1.9 CDTi engine but developed by Americans at GM. This 2.0 DDiS is Fiat’s 2.0 diesel, an evolution of the 1.9 engine but developed by Fiat.

Suzuki SX4 I Reliability issues

• Rust is a frequent issue with Suzuki, especially with the 4×4 models, so check the car thoroughly for rust underneath.


• The diesel engines come with a package that will financially kick you in the nuts and leave you crying in a pool of your own fluids, not just tears. You have a particle filter, a dual-mass flywheel, and an EGR valve, all of which can fail and/or clog if the car is often driven in the city. And they will fail and/or clog.


• Yes, sure, all versions come with steering wheel controls and manual air conditioning, but that’s about it. The plastics are Suzuki-standard, the quality is worthy of Wish and Temu, and the lack of features make the Suzuki SX4 GY a car for those who want a sturdy, budget workhorse.


• If the Fiat Sedici came straight in the 4×4 flavor, the Suzuki SX4 came with front-wheel drive, so most models are 4×2. If that matters to you, and it should. Buying an SX4 or a Duster with front-wheel drive is like having a bodybuilder who can lift a 50 kg dumbbell but can’t lift a 15-liter water canister.

Suzuki SX4 GY Verdict

You have engines from Fiat, Suzuki, and Ford. You have a 4×4 system from Suzuki, responsible for the Ignis and Jimny. It’s easy to see why the SX4 quickly became a success in Europe. You have small, reliable (not the 1.6 DDiS), economical engines, a decent 4×4 system, all in 2006. We’re a few years away from the Nissan Qashqai, and it shows. There has always been a market for small family SUVs, and the Suzuki SX4 caught the trend well. You just need to get past the dorm room-level features and ignore that wheeled tent look.

Which engines do I recommend? For gasoline, I definitely recommend the 1.6 MPI with 120 HP because it’s Euro 5, and for diesel, the 2.0 DDiS with 136 HP, with an honorable mention for the 1.9 DDiS with 120 HP.