Autoblog

not to mention getting back at the curb as well.

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They need to make a statement, and asap.
I recenty spoke to a sales rep from Suzuki.
He said after 2008, the top selling Forenza/Reno pair will be gone, and supposedly replaced by the SX4 CUV, SX4 Sport, and a supposed FWD only SX4 hatchback in 08, as an 09 model(he said he heard, March 08, then they may wait until 4th quarter of 08).
He did mention the SX4 Sport is a nicer car(in handling, etc) than the Forenza, but, it costs nearly 18K topped out(Forenza's are going for 15-16K topped out. Have been for 6 months now, on sale/bargaining, etc).
He also mentioned that, unlike the Forenza/Reno, this has NO sunroof, even as an option(which are popular item on all cars these days) and the Sport has no fold down rear seats, either, unlike Civic, Mazda 3, and many others.
And no center console/arm rest for passenger.
These 3 things, put on a car costing 2K more than it predecessor, and having less content(well, abs is std, but as he said, abs could be had for 250-350, with traction control , on a Kia Optima, for example...so it cost very little for makers to add thsi stuff, vs say adding leather seating, or 6-8 way adjustable seating, for the driver..which others have, including the 13,000 dollar Hyundai Accent!)No Thanks.

They need this in their midsized line-up, and add stuff others have, like 8 way seat adjusters, folding rear seat, or hatch(if 5 doors), center console, sunroof options, and for some who "need" it, nav system/xm radio as optional.
And keep the MSRP down to Earth, not more costly than a Sonata or Optima, right now.
This design is kind of sharp.
I was told this and maybe 1 other version of it, could come out( a sedan and hatch, or wagon...but seeing as Chrysler is dumping their Magum wagon....who knows?).
I'd rather have a extremely unique midsized 3 door version, with "Suicide" doors, liek the Mazda sport car had, or even the Ion had... looked 2 doors, had 4.

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