[9] The car was created as a result of a joint development agreement between Suzuki and Fiat signed in April 2003.

Production in Hungary was expected to be 60,000 units per year — two-thirds to be sold by Suzuki and one-third by Fiat, badged as the Sedici.

Engines included the 1.5 L gasoline version that was identical to the one used in the Swift, a 1.6 L gasoline (with VVT) with a maximum output of 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) (which powers the SX4 Sedan sold in India by Maruti), the 1.6 L VVT version also used in the new Grand Vitara, and a 107 PS (79 kW; 106 hp), 1.9 L DDIS — along with the Fiat diesel engine with a maximum output of 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) and maximum torque of 280 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft).

In 2007, Suzuki Auto posted the best year-end close in company history, with SX4 sales a primary contributor to this success.

The model year of 2009 saw SX4 sedans with standard GPS navigation systems manufactured by Garmin with Bluetooth, weather, and a gas station locator.

A SportBack model offered a lowered sport-tuned suspension, body kit, and a rear spoiler, but does include a roof rack.

The U.S.-market cars received a new 2.0 L engine (J20B) with output increased from 143 to 150 PS (105 to 110 kW; 141 to 148 hp), and features lower fuel consumption.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters comes with a 2.0 L inline-four engine and is rated 148 hp (110 kW; 150 PS) at 6000 rpm.

With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the same engine is rated 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) at 6200 rpm.

The Indonesian-market SX4 received updates, including a new speedometer, a redesigned dashboard, new road wheels, grille design, mid-bass speaker, HID projector headlamps, and an AUX port on the head unit.

The SX4 RC1 included more accessories, such as new bumpers, a rear upper spoiler, twin mufflers, 17-inch wheels, and LED headlamps.

China only In 2007, Maruti Suzuki launched the Indian version of the SX4 sedan with minor cosmetic differences compared to the models assembled and marketed elsewhere.

[25] Suzuki unveiled the S-Cross Concept at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, a version of a subcompact crossover as an introduction for an upcoming production model.

It has four selectable driving modes and is claimed to send torque to the rear wheels before a loss in traction can occur.

The SX4 S-Cross is not available in the United States and Canada, since Suzuki has withdrawn from these markets,[41][42][43] but it is offered in Brazil and Mexico.

[48] For the Indonesian market, the SX4 S-Cross was launched at the 24th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 August 2016, being fully imported from India.

The new 1.4 L turbo engine received slightly different ancillaries and ECU and complied with the Euro 6 emission standards.

During development, Suzuki's engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in turbo power delivery by installing the specially developed compact turbocharger attached directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting.

This design ensures optimum gas flow with minimal heat loss through to the turbo unit.

The mild hybrid system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio, and air conditioning.

The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven, and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off.

A petrol model was introduced in August 2020 with a 1.5 L K15B engine with 12V mild hybrid and an option of a 4-speed automatic transmission.

[61] It is continued to be manufactured by Magyar Suzuki in Hungary for the European market and also exported to Asia, Oceania and Latin America.

[62][63] The car is heavily based on the previous generation model, with a major makeover on the exterior with a new front and rear-end design.

The driver assistance system is also upgraded with additional 360 degrees view camera, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The turbocharged 1.4 L direct injection engine with belt-driven 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) mild hybrid system is also carried over from the previous model for the European market.

The combined fuel consumption for the 1.4 L turbo mild hybrid engine is claimed more economical than its predecessor and competitors.

[64] The car achieved fuel economy rating between 5.3–6.1 L/100 km (53–46 mpg‑imp; 44–39 mpg‑US; 19–16 km/L) depending on drive layout and transmission option, according to WLTP test.