Suzuki Previews New 2009 Models

BREA, CA - July 10, 2008: As gasoline prices continue their record climb, and other ongoing market challenges affect the U.S. economy, Suzuki’s diverse line of small, affordable vehicles grows even more relevant to American consumers. The upcoming 2009 model year builds on Suzuki’s growing reputation for right-sized, attractive vehicles and further demonstrates the company’s commitment to value-packed products that represent its “Way of Life!” brand philosophy.

Keenly aware – and appreciative – of its activity-oriented customer base, Suzuki brings the all-new Equator midsize pickup truck to U.S. showrooms this fall. The truck is a direct response to the needs of customers whose passions are fueled by Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine products but want to avoid the high operating cost of owning a full-sized truck to activate their weekends.

All vehicles in the 2009 lineup receive enhancements. The rugged Grand Vitara features two new drivetrains that improve fuel economy and power, while a standard six-speed automatic transmission on the XL7 provides improved NVH and fuel economy. Moreover, the addition of standard navigation on the spirited SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover makes them the first and only cars in the industry to include this feature on a vehicle priced at less than $16,000.

2009 Suzuki Equator

2009 Suzuki Equator

The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator midsize pickup truck is a fitting addition to Suzuki’s versatile, fun-to-drive product line. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, the 2009 Suzuki Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles, in addition to rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations. Suzuki will offer Crew Cab variants in both Short Bed and Long Bed configurations and will incorporate a number of standard safety features into the truck, including class exclusive standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact and rollover supplemental air bags and seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags. The Equator will arrive in Suzuki showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008.

2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport

Suzuki SX4 Sport

With features and benefits derived from the highly acclaimed five-door SX4 Crossover, and steering and suspension heavily influenced by the award-winning Suzuki Swift, the 2009 four-door SX4 Sport provides a spirited and responsive driving experience. The vehicle comes equipped with a sophisticated 2.0-liter, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 143 horsepower and features an aggressive front fascia and grille, muscular and athletic stance, and low, rising waistline, emphasizing the car’s dynamic performance. The vehicle’s in-command seating position optimizes visibility to enhance driving confidence and control, and its cabin allows comfortable seating for five, with more overall interior space than the segment’s volume leaders.

New for 2009 is the addition of a standard fully integrated navigation unit, which represents an unprecedented feature at this price point. Known as Suzuki TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), it comes with a number of easy-to-use navigation features and millions of unique points-of-interest (such as gas stations, restaurants, ATMs). Bluetooth capability with audible text message reader and other enhanced Microsoft Network-enabled features of the system, including real-time traffic, movie listings, local events listing (such as music concerts, sporting events, etc), weather forecasts and a lowest gas price finder, will be included as part of the SX4’s upgraded trim package.

Driver and passenger armrests and a split-folding rear seat are new standard amenities for 2009. The SX4’s Touring Package now includes automatic climate control and heated door mirrors. A base sedan version of the four-door SX4 also will be available in the new model year, positioned for the entry-level buyer.

2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

Suzuki SX4 Crossover

The five-door SX4 Crossover features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. Fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD), the versatile five-door is America’s most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions.

New for 2009 is a front-wheel-drive variant of the SX4 Crossover, combining the hatchback’s versatility with a lowered price and improved fuel economy. The FWD models feature better fuel economy and a larger fuel tank for a longer driving range. Several other refinements have been incorporated for the 2009 model year, including standard Electronic Stability Program on all trim levels, and new driver and passenger armrests. Heated seats also are a new feature added to the AWD Touring package.

Packing even more appeal into its bold and stylish sport compact, the fully integrated Suzuki TRIP navigation system is standard on the FWD SX4 Crossover. As with the SX4 Sport, Bluetooth and a host of MSN-enabled features will be integrated fully into the navigation system as part of the Technology and Touring packages.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara

No other compact SUV better balances off-road capability with the needs of a daily commute than the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Grand Vitara can handle both smooth pavement and off-road trails equally well with its available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive (4WD models also feature a two-speed low range transfer case on the XSport and Luxury trims).

For 2009, the Grand Vitara features a choice of drivetrains, including a new standard fuel efficient 2.4-liter inline four, 16-valve DOHC engine (166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque) coupled to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission or an available 3.2-liter V6 engine (230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque) coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, which achieves improved MPG over the outgoing 2.7L 185 HP motor.

Upgrades for the 2009 model year also include a freshened front grille and bumper, rear disc brakes, a new driver information display, illuminated steering-wheel controls, chrome interior door handles, sunvisor extenders, armrest with slide function, roll-over sensors on the curtain airbags and a strengthened frame for increased rigidity. V6 4WD models feature standard hill hold control and hill descent control and receive 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, respectively.

2009 Suzuki XL7

Suzuki XL7

Suzuki’s midsize crossover SUV, which proudly displayed a quadruple five-star safety rating in 2008, boasts a standard 3.6-liter V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission with manumatic control, available all-wheel drive and standard three-row seating. All work together to deliver the size, style, power and flexibility needed to facilitate a consumer’s active lifestyle.

In an up-market move, the Base trim level and all five-passenger configurations have been dropped from the lineup, leaving XL7 shoppers to choose from seven-passenger Premium, Luxury or Limited models. For 2009, the XL7 features a newly available, more fuel efficient six-speed automatic transmission (+1 MPG city / +2 MPG highway). Premium and Luxury trim levels receive heated door mirrors (AWD only). The Limited now offers Navigation and DVD in combination, chrome exterior door handles, heated door mirrors for both FWD and AWD, and adds a compass to the driver information center.

All XL7 models now include Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension as standard equipment. The XL7 Limited marches into 2009 with self-evident value. Standard features include leather interior, sunroof, chrome wheels, premium audio system and navigation.

Since its introduction in the 2007 model year, the XL7 has been the gold standard in the midsize crossover category, offering a full complement of standard amenities at a price point well below that of its competitors.