A7

by Justin Pritchard
Pacenews

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Canadian diesel enthusiasts have it rough. Automakers seem to launch new clean-diesel engines on a nearly weekly basis these days, though for the most part, they aren't for sale in North America. Some are left to guess why those in our marketplace aren't deserving.

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A few of the diesel-powered SX4 models are on Canadian roads, imported by the automaker to solicit feedback from Canadian automotive media. The unique model isn’t for sale in North America yet, though it has been considered.

It's a matter of numbers. As a majority, shoppers on our side of the world never took to diesel power-- as it often meant being followed around by a stinky, sooty cloud and some nasty sound effects.

That's far from the case today, but much of the car-buying public still thinks otherwise.

Suzuki, a Japanese manufacturer of adventuresome vehicles, has a special diesel-powered variant of their popular SX4 hatchback. A few of the diesel-powered SX4 models are on Canadian roads, imported by the automaker to solicit feedback from Canadian automotive media. The unique model isn't for sale in North America yet, though it has been considered.

Turn the key and bring the SX4 DDiS's 1.6 litre turbodiesel engine to life, and there's little sign of anything different going on. In fact, diesel noises are barely apparent-- albeit during high-load, low RPM situations like coming quickly out of a traffic light. The sound is unmistakable- though it's easily lost with the windows up or the stereo playing.

Under further load at higher revs, the sound is slightly different than a typical gas engine-- though noise levels and smoothness are in the same ball park.

Notable is the engine's performance. The engine makes over 158 lb.-ft of torque, which is adequate to haul it up steep hills or past a slower vehicle without downshifting. Torque output is delivered in a thick slab between about 1,500 and 4,000 RPM, and it's all sent up front by a five-speed manual.

Suzuki says their SX4 DDiS will net an average 5.3L / 100km in the consumption department, thus giving potential owners the miserly efficiency of a diesel engine combined with the sporty handling and steering of the SX4. These attributes combine with the SX4's flexible, funky and surprisingly roomy interior.

There's certainly merit here. Unlike a hybrid or electric vehicle, diesel technology is proven, familiar and relatively inexpensive. When someone finally decides to expand the affordable options in the Canadian diesel market beyond the VW Jetta TDI, they'll definitely sell some cars.