Press Releases

Suzuki Applies Unique Engineering to Meet Changing AUTO Market

As the auto industry shifts toward more efficient vehicles that emphasize value over needless extras, Suzuki stands poised to meet the changing demands thanks to engineering that focuses on consumers’ true vehicle usage rather than merely the vehicle’s appearance. A vehicle-by-vehicle review highlights key points that differentiate Suzuki’s models from vehicles in their respective segments.

Suzuki SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover

The Suzuki SX4 is a strong reminder that not all small cars are engineered equally. Clever vehicle design yields large cabin proportions that belie these models’ compact exterior dimensions. The raised, in-command sitting position provides the driver a better view of the road than other compacts’ low seats for confident, low-stress driving. Available rear legroom of nearly 36 inches and class-leading rear headroom are two additional engineering benefits. The four-door SX4 Sport’s trunk – boasting 15 cu.-ft. of space – offers 20 percent more trunk space than the Honda Civic sedan.

The SX4 delivers on the promise of sporty handling, while offering one of the most powerful engines in the compact segment: the 2.0-liter engine generates 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. The SX4 Sport features a lower, sport-tuned suspension, KYB performance shocks, stabilizer bars, four-wheel disc brake system and 17-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires, standard features absent on several key competitors. Value-driven Suzuki engineering makes a major statement in the five-door SX4 Crossover’s three-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD™), which delivers superior functionality by using an electronically controlled coupling mounted in front of the rear differential.

The SX4 breaks new ground in user technology. For 2009, the SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive SX4 Crossover feature an integrated navigation system as standard equipment – a feature virtually unheard of in the category. Known as the Suzuki TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), it comes preloaded with street maps and millions of points-of-interest, such as hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations and ATMs, and other Suzuki-recommended, brand-oriented destinations.

Bluetooth® capability with on-screen text messaging and other enhanced Microsoft Network-enabled features of the system, including real-time traffic, local events, weather forecasts and a gas price finder, are included as part of the SX4’s upgraded trim package. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, SmartPass™ keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, six-disc CD premium audio system with nine speakers and heated exterior mirrors can also be viewed as bonus features in the SX4’s price class.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Unique in the market today, the Grand Vitara combines the rugged capability of off-road-inspired SUVs with the packaging and pricing of a compact crossover. The Grand Vitara truly stands apart in vehicle architecture: unibody construction with an integral ladder frame (strengthened for 2009), a rear-wheel-drive-based driveline (with two available 4WD systems), and four-wheel independent suspension. This type of engineering yields a combination typically found only in premium SUVs, while providing the on-road agility and ride quality expected in a modern compact SUV.

For 2009, the Grand Vitara features a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and a new, larger, more powerful V6 that returns better fuel economy than the smaller V6 it replaces. Separating the Grand Vitara from tall wagons in the segment is the availability of a Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system with two-speed transfer case. This hardware, combined with the rugged body construction, aggressive approach and departure angles and 7.9 inches of ground clearance (4WD models), enables the Grand Vitara to keep going when the pavement ends. The Grand Vitara’s 3,000-lb. towing capacity is twice that of many car-based models, providing enough power to haul light recreational boats, ATVs or motorcycles. Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is standard for all Grand Vitara models, along with a new rollover sensor for the standard side-curtain airbags and rear disc brakes.

For improved off-road capability, Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control have been added in 2009 as a standard feature to the V6 with Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive models.

New for 2009 is the addition of an available rear vision camera. As more vehicles start to offer rearview cameras, the rear-vision display of the Grand Vitara stands apart. Rather than project the image of what is behind the vehicle to an optional navigation screen, the system displays the image on a corner of the rearview mirror. Placing the display in the mirror means the driver does not have to switch focus back and forth from the mirror to a separate screen to keep track of what is behind the vehicle.

Suzuki XL7

The XL7 carries the recognizable marks of Suzuki development in several key areas. The 2008 XL7 earned four (4) five-star safety ratings from NHTSA for driver and front passenger in a frontal impact, and front and rear outboard passengers for side impact. The XL7 features a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine with variable valve timing and new six-speed automatic transmission, helping increase fuel economy by up to 10 percent over last year’s model. The XL7 features four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and ESP. Additionally, a rollover sensor can detect potential rollover conditions and engage ESP to help control lateral forces acting on the vehicle.

The exterior design showcases the XL7’s outstanding packaging, offering three rows of seating with room for adults in the third row. When the rear seats are folded, the XL7 offers a cavernous 95 cu.-ft. of cargo capacity. Rear vision camera with rearview mirror display is standard on XL7 Limited models.

Because the spacious XL7 can carry a lot of cargo and up to seven passengers, all 2009 models are outfitted with the Nivomat® self-leveling rear suspension. The Nivomat is a compact device. All elements – the oil reservoir, pressure accumulator, pump, height sensor, control mechanism and the damping unit of the self-pumping, hydropneumatic leveling system – are completely integrated into the damper. Nivomat automatically sets the optimum ride height based on load conditions and relative movements of the axle and the vehicle’s body. Depending on road conditions, the vehicle attains its ideal height within a few hundred yards. The vehicle’s suspension performance remains constant over virtually the entire load spectrum, yielding unparalleled driving properties. The handling remains comfortable, precise and safe for the driver, passengers and cargo.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.,-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states.  With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2007, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs.  Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions.  For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com.

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Media Contacts

Jeff Holland, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, jeff.holland@suz.com

David Boldt, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, david.boldt@suz.com