Suzuki SX4

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Suzuki SX4

Manufacturer	Suzuki Fiat
Production	2007–
Assembly	Esztergom, Hungary Kosai, Shizuoka, Japan
Predecessor	Suzuki Aerio/Liana
Class	Compact/Mini SUV
Body style	5-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Layout	All wheel drive
Engine	1.5 L DOHC I4 1.6 L DOHC I4 2.0 L DOHC I4 1.9 L turbo-Diesel I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	4115 mm (163.9 in for hatchback, 176.8 in for sedan)
Width	1730 mm (69.1 in)
Height	1575 mm (63.2 in)
Related	Fiat Sedici
Similar	Dodge Caliber Nissan Tiida/Versa
Designer	Italdesign

Suzuki SX4 sedan

The Suzuki SX4 is a hatchback developed by Suzuki and Fiat. Although originally intended only for the European market, the car is sold in Japan and North America as well. It was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, and is being built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary, as well as in Japan. An expected 60,000 units will be produced — 2/3 to be sold by Suzuki and 1/3 by Fiat, rebadged as the Sedici, and a Lancia sister model is expected for 2007. Design was handled by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio.

Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions of the SX4 are available. The 4WD models use an electronically controlled four wheel drive system, alternating between front drive, automatic 4WD and 50:50 split permanent 4WD. Base engines are the 1.5 L unit identical to the one used in the Swift and the new 1.6 VVT seen in the new Grand Vitara, this one capable of 107 PS (79 kW), although the sales bulk will be comprised of the Diesel version, using a sourced Fiat Multijet engine, with 120 PS (88 kW) and 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf). The SX4 will take the Aerio/Liana's place during 2006 and 2007, with a year of overlapping.

The U.S. market version will arrive as a 2007 model year as Suzuki's entry-level AWD vehicle. Differences from the European model are the offering of 4WD as standard (2WD not available) and a single 2.0 L inline-4 gasoline engine producing 143 horsepower

On February 28 at the Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki confirmed that the marque will enter the FIA World Rally Championship in the World Rally Car category in 2007, using the SX4. However due to WRC calendar changes Suzuki will now debut in 2008, using the 2007 season as further development time for the SX4.

So far, sales have been strong in the U.S, as dealerships are clearing out. The main reason is for the amount of features for the price. The $14,999 base price includes a 143hp engine, power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, and remoteless and keyless entry. This system offers the option of not even having to get your key out of your pocket to unlock the door and start the car. Suzuki is also offering traction control, electronic stability control, and an advanced key in a sport package with starting at MSRP US$16,399. Also the SX4 is currently the lowest priced AWD vehicle available in the U.S. market. The hatchback will also have a three mode awd system standard, switching between front wheel drive to 4x4 lock to automatic AWD.

A sedan version of the SX4 will be released for the 2008 model year, and will debut at the 2007 New York Auto Show. It will replace the Suzuki Aerio sedan.^[1]

[edit] References

^ 2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Will Make North American Debut (March 9, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-09.

Suzuki road vehicle timeline, North America market, 1985-present v • d • e
Type	1980s						1990s										2000s
	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact	Forsa				Swift						Swift									Swift+
Compact												Esteem						Aerio					SX4
																				Reno
																				Forenza
Mid-size																				Verona
Mini SUV	Samurai											X-90			Vitara
Compact SUV					Sidekick										Grand Vitara							Grand Vitara
Crossover SUV																	XL-7						XL7