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Suzuki Sidekick Sport boosts power for tough off-road action
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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ELKHART LAKE, Wisc. -- An acre of tire-sucking mud oozed across a tough off-road course at Road America's race track, but it could not snare Suzuki's Sidekick Sport.
Sport's on-demand 4-wheel-drive system, linking to a beefed-up engine which applies leverage to each of the four wheels, makes this miniature sport-utility wagon a capable machine that can plot its own path through the rough off-road world, whether in mud, gravel or slippery trail dirt.
An enhanced engine, with four cylinders inside and twin cams on top, only generates 120 horsepower but an aluminum block compensates by paring excess weight. Torque runs to 114 lbs/ft at only 3500 rpm, so when shifted into the low range of 4-wheel-drive it keeps Sport's 16-inch radials rolling through the goo.
Sport, new for Suzuki, spins off Sidekick's 4-door wagon but packs more power.
The Sidekick label has been around since 1988 when Suzuki of Japan introduced the 2-door convertible version as upscale alternative to Suzuki's original sport-ute, Samurai. By comparison, Sidekick measured longer, wider, higher and heavier than Samurai, toted a stronger engine and behaved in a more stable manner.
A 4-door variation of Sidekick emerged in 1990 configured with a comfy cabin containing two high-back bucket seats in front of a 2-person rear bench, with space in the back for camping gear or luggage.
Since its inception, Sidekick has exhibited diverse personalities because the different 2-wheel-drive and 4x4 models can perform numerous functions.
Stripped to the base convertible, Sidekick resembles a miniature truck, with two seats up front and rear fold-down bench that makes way for cargo. With 5-door hardtop trim and 4x4 traction option, Sidekick becomes a modestly measured sport-utility wagon with conveniences like auto-locking front hubs and shift-on-the-fly action.
Then Sidekick's Sport upgrade for the 4-door wagon appeared in 1996 with 4-wheel-drive and the more powerful 1.8-liter engine, plus trim options of base JX and an ultra model, JLX.
For 1997, a third version debuts with Sport JS.
Pared of off-road hardware, it applies power to rear wheels exclusively and serves as able street wagon designed for bargain shoppers.
New Sport JS adds standard conveniences such as air conditioning, intermittent windshield wipers and a remote release for the fuel door, plus safety features found inside all Sidekicks, including dual airbags, side-door reinforcements and daytime running lights.
The bottom line looks good too, beginning at $16,700.
But Sport shows its best stuff when rigged with 4-wheel-drive and the off-road hardware which enable it to go where most vehicles cannot tread.
It works on dry pavement as well as dirt and can confidently navigate rain-slick or snow-covered streets. When properly rigged, Sport can haul a trailer weighing up to 1500 lbs, and with the wagon format for cargo may serve as helpful weekend warrior for camping and traveling.
Strengths begin with a sturdy steel frame which stretches to the length of the vehicle and uses ladder-type cross members to resist twisting and stabilize the platform when covering uneven terrain.
Adding malleable suspension components like the front MacPherson-type struts and rigid rear axle with lower trailing arm plus Sport's big 16-inch wheels and tires set up an impressive vertical ground clearance of 7.7 inches to avoid off-road obstacles like rocks, stumps and bumps.
Both approach and departure angles reach to 31 degrees, implying that steep inclines, ditches and creekbeds will not become insurmountable barriers.
Sport's 2-speed transfer case splits torque from the engine and applies it intelligently to front and rear wheels to prevent slippage. To shift from rear-wheel to 4x4 mode, you must stop Sport to throw the lever.
Sport JX uses manually locking front hubs, with hubs that lock automatically offered optionally, but the top model, Sport JLX, adds automactic hub locks as standard.
Auto-lock hubs become a convenience factor for venturing down muddy back roads or snow-clotted lanes because you don't have to get out and manually lock the hubs before shifting into 4-wheel-drive mode.
Use the lower 4x4 range for going slowly through the stickiest stuff -- like that mud pit one tester encountered during off-pavement tests at Road America.
Sport's smooth ride quality may surprise the bone-rattled off-road fan. It soothes your backside because Suzuki's independent suspension components include softer coil springs like those of an easy-riding sedan.
Another asset for comfort stems from the longer wheelbase of the 4-door Sidekick. This extra space tucked between front and rear wheels dampens up-and-down action of wheels reacting to road bumps, thus improving ride quality for riders. It means that at the end of a bumpy stretch you won't feel like the business end of a pogo stick.
A longer wheelbase also brings more legroom for rear seat riders. There's ample headroom too -- 40 inches.
Front riders sit on comfortable reclining bucket seats divided by a center console with twin cupholders and storage recesses for personal gear.
The rear bench, which folds when not needed for passengers to make more storage space for cargo, provides over 50 inches of shoulder room for two riders.
Cargo capacity expands to 45 cubic feet, assuming rear seatback folded flat, with access through a rear gate.
All editions pack a power-assisted steering system of recirculating ball design. Sport 2WD JS and 4WD JX carry power assisted brakes with front discs, but 4WD JLX gets a disc at each wheel with standard anti-lock controls.
A concealed steel frame forms a protective safety cage around the passenger compartment, with front and rear crumple zones built into the chassis structure.
Comfort and convenience features range from carpeting throughout the interior to a security alarm and overhead map lights, plus complete instruments including tachometer.
Options range from 4-wheel disc and anti-lock brakes to automatic 4-speed transmission and a compact disc player.
1997 SUZUKI SIDEKICK SPORT
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 SUZUKI SIDEKICK Specs |
| Description: |
Subcompact 4-door SUV wagon |
| Model Options: |
Subcompact 4-door SUV wagon |
| Wheelbase: |
97.1 inches |
| Overall Length: |
162.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 1.8-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
JS: Rear
JX/JLX: 4WD |
| Braking: |
JS/JX: Power disc/drum
JLX: 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
22/25 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 16,700 to $ 21,000 |
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