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Suzuki
Expect more vehicles in the stable of Suzuki as this automaker from Japan expands its fleet in North America. For 2008, Suzuki delivers six distinct products. Newest is the SX4 sedan dressed in a slick Aero body kit. SX4 X-over is a sporty five-door crossover utility vehicle (CUV) for the compact class. Two other CUV wagons return under the labels of XL7 and Grand Vitara, while Forenza is a curvy four-door sedan featuring sensuous Italian styling, and a five-door hatchback variation is called Reno.
The newest model for Suzuki is a four-door SX4 sedan of compact dimensions with front-wheel-drive (FWD) traction and a four-cylinder engine displacing 2.0 liters and rigged with dual overhead cams. It develops 143 hp and ties to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. SX4 packs class-leading standard features aboard, such as air conditioning, power controls for windows and door locks, four-wheel-disc brakes with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), curtain-style side air bags and 17-inch alloy wheels. The option sheet lists a nine-speaker audio kit upgrade and electronic stability program (ESP) skid controls.
Suzuki's fun-to-drive sport compact five-door SX4 X-Over CUV comes with computer-controlled all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction, dubbed i-AWD (intelligent AWD). The high-tech device works in three modes -- FWD, AWD or AWD Lock. For zippy strength but sippy fuel consumption, SX4 packs a sophisticated dual-cam 2.0-liter four-in-line engine which delivers 143 hp through a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic with manual shift control. The cabin carries four doors for passengers and a hatch lid at the tail to access the aft cargo compartment. New optional gear for 2008 includes Bluetooth connectivity and sport pedals.
Suzuki's largest wagon is the mid-size XL7 CUV with front-wheel-drive (FWD) unibody. It shows keen styling outside, crafts a spacious cabin with optional seven-passenger seating and offers FWD or AWD traction. Powertrain is a dual-cam 3.6-liter V6 with 252 hp through a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Premium and Luxury trims apply curtain-style air bags, ABS, even the non-skid ESP device. All 2008 models roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, while a new Special Edition series adds a sunroof and six-disc CD player to leather-lined Luxury models.
Suzuki's compact-class Grand Vitara CUV begins with a rigid monocoque structure typically used to make sporty cars. Grand Vitara has class-leading safety features and options for dual-range four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. It feels frisky with a 2.7-liter V6 aboard pushing 185 hp. Suzuki builds Grand Vitara in only one well-stocked trim but offers three separate equipment packages -- Premium, XSport and Luxury. The XSport adds gear like fender flares, roof rails and a seven-speaker stereo audio kit. New upgrades for 2008 range from an air conditioning system with digital automatic climate controls to a remote release on the fuel door.
Pininfarina, the Italian car design studio, developed body styling for Suzuki's FWD compacts, which conform as the Forenza four-door notchback sedan and five-door wagon. Powertrain is a 2.0-liter four-pack making 127 hp through a five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic transaxle. In the cabin bucket seats mount up front on either side of a padded console, while the rear bench, notched with seats for two but space for three, has a seatback that splits and folds in sections. ABS and Bluetooth connectivity are Forenza's latest options, while new standard equipment includes chrome door handles inside and foglamps in the Popular package.
Suzuki's Reno compact-class hatchback acts lively and looks rather cool. It has four doors for passengers and a lid at the tail to access the cargo bay. The cabin is spacious with room for five on comfortable seats and ample convenience features are aboard. Reno rides on Forenza's platform and carries similar mechanical equipment, including the 2.0-liter four-in-line engine. New content on Reno for 2008 lists audio controls mounted on the steering wheel with the Convenience package, and optional ABS with the Convenience package.
