Two-grade split for AWD SX4

Japanese importer Suzuki must have concluded that the all-wheel drive SX4 is too expensive as it stands. The company has rebadged the car in its existing specification as the SX4 'S' and introduced a low-spec version for a price reduction of $3000.

In effect, the new base grade SX4 AWD is trimmed at broadly the same level as the base front-wheel drive model, but priced at a $2000 premium for the extra drivetrain components. Scheduled to go on sale officially from August 1, the SX4 AWD pricing starts from $21,990 for the manual AWD model and rises to $23,990 for the automatic option, $24,990 for the manual 'S' and $26,990 for the auto 'S'.

Features present in the SX4 AWD 'S' which aren't fitted in the base model include: seat-mounted side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, keyless entry, cruise control, climate control, alloy wheels and fog lamps.

"With a starting price of just $21,990, the addition of an entry level SX4 AWD will significantly strengthen the line-up and make all-wheel drive even more affordable to lifestyle hungry consumers," said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

Suzuki has not revealed the volumes of front-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive SX4s, but in total, the SX4 has been selling at an average rate of 400 units per month this year, which is in line with the factory's capacity to supply the market, but not necessarily in keeping with the local arm's more ambitious plans.

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