Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 for Bologna 2011

Of all the major international auto shows on the calendar each year, the Bologna Motor Show may not rank among the most important. But it is vital for the Fiat Group, whose numerous brands make up more than just one lion's share of the Italian auto industry. As such, it's not a show for Fiat to take lightly, and this year, it's coming with a whole mess of new debuts.

Discounting Maserati and Ferrari (who kind of do their own thing), the Fiat Group divisions are displaying a freshly facelifted version of the Fiat Sedici, a Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition, Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red edition and four new specials from Abarth.

2012 Fiat SediciSix years since its launch, the Sedici (Italian for Sixteen, the product of 4x4 - also known as the Suzuki SX4) has been been treated to a minor facelift. Available in three trim levels, buyers can choose between a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four or a 135-hp 2.0 MultiJet diesel in either front-wheel drive or selectable all-wheel drive.

The Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition will be offered in both hatchback and convertible versions, of which a suitable 500 examples of each will be offered. The American version of the hatchback is painted blue with Stars & Stripes graphics, while the cabrio comes in white with similar graphics and a red roof.

The Black&Red edition of the Lancia Ypsilon, meanwhile, is distinguished by four color choices - two reds, a black and a two-tone black and red scheme - with either 69-hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 95-hp turbodiesel.

Finally, Abarth is coming to Bologna in full force with four special editions. The 595 Turismo and Competizione models pack a 160-hp version of the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four with two flavors of style. The 695 Assetto Corse takes 205 horsepower to the track, while the Punto Scorpione packs a 180-hp 1.4-liter four for a 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, distinguished by matte-on-gloss black finish and a special snowboard in an edition limited to 99 examples.

An additional "by Abarth" package is also on offer for the Fiat 500 TwinAir that offers some of the visual excitement of an all-out Abarth performance model without modification to the 85-hp two-cylinder engine.

Like what you see? Check out all the images in the high-resolution galleries - one above, one below and two more after the jump - along with the plethora of press releases detailing each of these new debuts.

Continue reading Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 bologna motor show2012 fiat sedici500abarthabarth 595abarth 595 competizioneabarth 595 turismoabarth 695abarth 695 assetto corsebolognabologna 2011bologna motor showbologna motors howfiatfiat 500fiat 500 nationlancialancia ypsilonlancia ypsilon blackredsedicisx4ypsilonMon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/20111401/article-detail.xml 20111401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/595-competizioneweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/595-competizioneweb.jpg <![CDATA[Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

monster tajima ride-along video screenshot
Ride along with Monster as he races up Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's 9:51.278 run up Pikes Peak was simply amazing to watch. We were fortunate enough to see it in person, and we've shown you still photos of the record-breaking event. This was one of those "You had to be there" moments in motorsports. Still, don't fret if you didn't make the trek to the 14,115-foot summit, because GoPro installed enough cameras to capture every angle of Monster's run, and then some.

We spoke with the GoPro team as we rode in the media van down the mountain. They have quite a job of editing ahead of them. Still, they managed to get one video out that requires no mucking about. A camera was mounted on top of Tajima's 2011 Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, and the footage is excellent. On the tarmac sections, the video almost seems sped up, but that's what 910 horses can do.

Want to ride along with Monster from the green to the checkered? Click past the jump to watch a video that will keep you entertained for nearly 10 minutes.

Continue reading Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak

Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gopromonster tajimanobuhiro monster tajimapikes peakpikes peak recordsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 hill climb specialsx4tajimavideoTue, 28 Jun 2011 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977968/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/ride-along-with-monster-tajima-as-he-rockets-up-pikes-peak/19977968/article-detail.xml 19977968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-onboard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-onboard.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS tests brace of new small cars, many earn Top Safety Pick status [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/iihs-tests-brace-of-new-small-cars-many-earn-top-safety-pick-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/iihs-tests-brace-of-new-small-cars-many-earn-top-safety-pick-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/iihs-tests-brace-of-new-small-cars-many-earn-top-safety-pick-st/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 nissan juke crash test
Small cars score big in latest IIHS crash tests - Click above to watch video after the jump

Thirteen enter, six leave ... with Top Safety Pick awards. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety spent some time driving (and smashing) a big group of small cars. Six of those cars received top honors from the IIHS by scoring a rating of "Good" across the board. The 2012 Ford Focus, 2012 Honda Civic sedan, 2011 Hyunda Elantra, 2011 Lexus CT200h, 2011 Nissan Juke and 2011 Toyota Prius are all the small-car place to be in the event of an accident.

This crop of small cars are also quite fuel efficient. All vehicles in the top six offer a version that gets at least 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

The rest of the vehicles tested faired well. Only the older Suzuki SX4 and Dodge Caliber received "Mediocre" ratings in some categories. Every car tested, however, received multiple "Good" ratings. Click past the jump to watch the IIHS talk about about the small car crash tests. Also, be sure to check out the breakdown of the ratings by vehicle (pdf file).

Continue reading IIHS tests brace of new small cars, many earn Top Safety Pick status [w/video]

IIHS tests brace of new small cars, many earn Top Safety Pick status [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calibercrash testingcrash testsct 200helantrafocusiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetyjukepriussmall car crash testssx4Thu, 26 May 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19950944/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/26/iihs-tests-brace-of-new-small-cars-many-earn-top-safety-pick-st/19950944/article-detail.xml 19950944 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/nissa-juke-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/nissa-juke-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara models over potential pulley failure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-models-over-potential-pulley-fa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-models-over-potential-pulley-fa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-models-over-potential-pulley-fa/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports
2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki grand vitaraA tension adjuster pulley is the culprit in a round of recalls by Suzuki covering 2009-2011 Grand Vitaras and 2010-2011 SX4s. This pulley supports the drive belt, which runs alternator, water pump, air conditioner and power steering pump.

Should the belt come off while driving, the vehicle will quickly become more difficult to steer and the engine could stall. Dealers will swap the pulley out for one that works correctly at no charge to owners of the affected vehicles. The recall begins on February 16th, 2011 and will affect 32,291 Suzuki vehicles.

Click past the jump to read the full NHTSA bulletin.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports


Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara models over potential pulley failure

Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara models over potential pulley failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand vitaranational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallrecallssuzukisuzuki grand vitarasuzuki recallsuzuki sx4sx4Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19843084/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/15/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-models-over-potential-pulley-fa/19843084/article-detail.xml 19843084 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/03suzukisx4sbrrmreview2010opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/03suzukisx4sbrrmreview2010opt.jpg <![CDATA[New year, new livery for Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/15/new-year-new-livery-for-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/15/new-year-new-livery-for-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/15/new-year-new-livery-for-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Monster Tajima Suzuki SX4 hill-climb special

We assume that Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima is already thinking about his next run up Pikes Peak. His Suzuki SX4 hill-climb special is one step ahead and wearing a fresh new livery courtesy of sponsor GoPro. The car looks as unique as ever and our eyes are particularly drawn to the icy blue HRE wheels. They're custom-forged 20-inch rollers built to take the abuse that 910 horsepower and Mr. Monster throws at them. Hopefully at the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, we'll see this bright white-and-blue blur streak by on its way to a record-setting run.

[Source: HRE]

New year, new livery for Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhill climb specialhrehre wheelsmonstermonster tajimaNobuhiro tajimapikes peaksuzukisx4Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:11:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19802309/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/15/new-year-new-livery-for-monster-tajimas-suzuki-sx4/19802309/article-detail.xml 19802309 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/monster-tajima-suzki-sx4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/monster-tajima-suzki-sx4.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki recalling SX4 models for faulty side view mirror screws]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/suzuki-recalling-sx4-models-for-faulty-side-view-mirror-screws/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/suzuki-recalling-sx4-models-for-faulty-side-view-mirror-screws/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/suzuki-recalling-sx4-models-for-faulty-side-view-mirror-screws/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Suzuki SX4 by RoadRace Motorsports
2010 Suzuki SX4 by RoadRace Motorsports - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki has recalled almost 70,000 SX4 models, including a handful built in 2007 as well as those constructed between 2008 and 2010. The recall centers around faulty screws that are used to attach the vehicles' side view mirrors. Over time, vibrations can cause the screws to loosen and the mirror may fall off. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, if that happens, a lack of visibility may lead to an accident.

While Suzuki has not yet come up with a repair schedule for the issue, the company says that replacement screws are being shipped to dealers right now, and that the problem will be taken care of free of charge. Owners can contact their local Suzuki dealer for more information. Hit the jump for the company's statement on the recall.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 AOL.
[Sources: NHTSA, Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki recalling SX4 models for faulty side view mirror screws

Suzuki recalling SX4 models for faulty side view mirror screws originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>recallsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 recallsx4sx4 recallFri, 29 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19695450/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/29/suzuki-recalling-sx4-models-for-faulty-side-view-mirror-screws/19695450/article-detail.xml 19695450 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/sx4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/sx4-630.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/25/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-by-roadrace-motorsports-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/25/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-by-roadrace-motorsports-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/25/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-by-roadrace-motorsports-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The aftermarket put some more heat in Suzuki's hot hatch

2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports
2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we think of production vehicles that can double as daily drivers and weekend racers, the Lotus Exige, Mazda MX-5 Miata and Porsche Boxster come to mind. They've got to be light, nimble and handle the rigors of the road along with the demands of the track. That's why we had a little chuckle when a 2010 Suzuki SX4 with "Road Race modifications" came up on our schedule for vehicles to review. When we drove the 2008 SX4 Sport, we found it to have a "sporty feel and rather quick reflexes," but the chassis had fairly low limits and we couldn't imagine the squat hatch being that much fun on track.

Still, we were curious how a hopped-up SX4 would perform, particularly in 2010 MY guise, which adds seven additional horsepower (143 to 150 hp) and a six-speed manual transmission. Suzuki has billed its new five-door as a worthy competitor to the world's best hot hatches, but can it really deliver a world-class combination of practicality and sportiness? With several days of Southern California's back roads marked down on our schedule, we aimed to find out.

Continue reading...


Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports


Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports

Review: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack by RoadRace Motorsports originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 suzuki sx4 sportback2010 suzuki sx4 sportback reviewfeaturedreviewreviewssuzukisuzuki sx4 sportbacksuzuki sx4 sportback reviewsx4sx4 sportbacksx4 sportback reviewMon, 25 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19687165/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/25/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-by-roadrace-motorsports-review/19687165/article-detail.xml 19687165 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/03suzukisx4sbrrmreview2010opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/03suzukisx4sbrrmreview2010opt.jpg <![CDATA[Top Gear America's Reasonably Priced Car outed as Suzuki SX4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/top-gear-americas-reasonably-price-car-outed-as-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/top-gear-americas-reasonably-price-car-outed-as-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/top-gear-americas-reasonably-price-car-outed-as-suzuki-sx4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

U.S. Top Gear Big Star in a Small CarHere in the good 'ole United States of America, we like things big... and small. Over in UK, they can have their reasonably priced cars, we don't need 'em. We're putting a Big Star in a Small Car instead.

Naturally, the premise is the same. Take one name-brand celebrity and place them behind the wheel of a run-of-the-mill car available to the masses here in America and send them around a makeshift race track. While the British version of Top Gear currently uses a Kia Cee'd for star-shuttling duty, America's TG spin-off will feature a Suzuki SX4.

For what it's worth, we had a couple of guys in the audience during the taping of the U.S. show's first episode and we had signed statements restricting us from publishing this information. Apparently, though, it's been leaked by either someone at Top Gear or by Suzuki.

In any case, we genuinely like Suzuki's little runabout. It's not particularly fast, but it's an able handler and it has the beans to pull itself around a track quickly enough. Plus, it's pretty reasonably priced... not that we care, of course. And, as you'd expect from any show that carries the name Top Gear, there will indeed be an American Stig. Current internet rumormongering suggests that F1-ace Rubens Barrichello is the American Stig, but that hasn't been, nor is it likely to be, officially confirmed.

In related news, some of the American stars that will be piloting the SX4 include Tim Allen, Buzz Aldrin, Ty Burrell, Tony Hawk, Bret Michaels, Dominic Monaghan, Kid Rock and Michelle Rodriguez. Suitably big stars?

[Source: Variety]

Top Gear America's Reasonably Priced Car outed as Suzuki SX4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>stigsuzukisuzuki sx4sx4the stigtop geartop gear americatop gear the stigtop gear usaTue, 19 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19680517/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/19/top-gear-americas-reasonably-price-car-outed-as-suzuki-sx4/19680517/article-detail.xml 19680517 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/us-top-gear-stig-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/us-top-gear-stig-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hatchbacks: Who says Americans don't buy 'em?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/hatchbacks-who-says-americans-dont-buy-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/hatchbacks-who-says-americans-dont-buy-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/hatchbacks-who-says-americans-dont-buy-em/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta hatchback
Hatchbacks and their sedan counterparts - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a well-worn cliché that is uttered periodically by just about every product planner and PR wonk in the auto industry - one that's been dutifully parroted by the journalists and enthusiasts that surround them, and it goes something like this: "Sorry, fellas, Americans just don't buy hatchbacks." Typically, that chestnut is trotted out whenever an automaker is compelled to explain why a particularly desirable new hatchback won't be sold in U.S. showrooms. Thing is, this commonly accepted bit of wisdom isn't as true as we've been led to believe.

The hatchback accounts for 60 percent of Fiesta sales.
Just ask Ford, who announced today that its new-for-2011 Fiesta is selling more in five-door guise than it is in its more traditional four-door sedan format. According to figures the automaker has sourced from Ward's Auto, the jaunty hatch accounts for over 60 percent of the Fiesta's sales. Little wonder, perhaps, as Ford has seemingly devoted the Fiesta's entire marketing budget to that particular bodystyle.

As a further statement of faith in the viability of the utilitarian bodystyle, the Blue Oval is readying its 2012 Focus in both sedan and five-door formats, with the two-door Focus coupe being discarded in favor of the hatchback - a configuration unavailable since 2007. Ford sales analyst George Pipas nutshells what he sees as a growing trend:
"American car buyers have grown accustomed to the convenience of hatch bodystyles after years of owning SUVs and crossovers. Combined with a generation of younger drivers who have been exposed via the Internet to popular high-performance hatchback offerings in Europe and Asia, we may be seeing the beginning of a shift in buyer acceptance of hatchbacks."
Ford isn't alone in its bid to disprove that consumers are inherently averse to two-box designs because they feel they're cheap and frumpy - sensible as opposed to stylish. Autoblog recently inquired with a number of automakers who offer entry-level models available in both hatchback and sedan bodystyles, only to find out that in many cases, bubbleback models are outselling their trunked counterparts.

Continue reading...


Gallery: Hatchbacks and Their Sedan Counterparts

2011 Ford Fiesta hatchback2011 Ford Fiesta sedan2010 Toyota Yaris hatchback2010 Toyota Yaris sedan2010 Hyundai Accent hatchback

Continue reading Hatchbacks: Who says Americans don't buy 'em?

Hatchbacks: Who says Americans don't buy 'em? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americans hatchbacksfeaturedfiestafive-doorford fiestahatchbackhatchback salesliftbackmazda3sx4versayarisTue, 28 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19650694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/28/hatchbacks-who-says-americans-dont-buy-em/19650694/article-detail.xml 19650694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/11fiestaskv3858opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/11fiestaskv3858opt.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-and-equator-for-overheating-gar/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-and-equator-for-overheating-gar/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-and-equator-for-overheating-gar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan
Suzuki SX4 Sport with Garmin navigation system - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki SX4 with Garmin navigationWhen Garmin issued a recall on its Nuvi portable navigation system a couple of weeks ago, Japanese automaker Suzuki informed us that it would need to issue a follow-up recall for a few vehicles in its lineup. After all, Suzuki offers dashboard-mounted Garmin GPS units in its Equator, Grand Vitara and SX4 models, and unfortunately, the Nuvi navis supplied to Suzuki are among the ones that need repair.

Approximately 20,692 Suzuki vehicles are affected by this recall - specifically the 2008-2010 SX4, 2010 Grand Vitara and 2009-2010 Equator equipped with Garmin Nuvi 750, 760 and 765 navigation systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the batteries in these nav units can potentially overheat which could result in a fire.

Garmin technicians will replace the existing batteries free of charge and owners will be notified within the next few weeks. The official recall notice from NHTSA is available after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units

Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>equatorGarmingarmin nuvigarmin recallGarminNuviGrand VitaraNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNHTSAnhtsa recallnuvirecallRecallssuzukisuzuki equatorSuzuki Grand Vitarasuzuki grand vitara recallsuzuki sx4SuzukiSx4SX4Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19624035/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/08/suzuki-recalls-sx4-grand-vitara-and-equator-for-overheating-gar/19624035/article-detail.xml 19624035 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/suzukisx4sport04_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/suzukisx4sport04.jpg <![CDATA[KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/kbb-names-coolest-cars-under-18k-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/kbb-names-coolest-cars-under-18k-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/kbb-names-coolest-cars-under-18k-do-you-agree/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Cars for under $18k - Click above for high-res image gallery

Being in the market for a cheap new car used to mean resigning yourself to time bombs like the Chevrolet Citation or windups like the Geo Metro or Ford Aspire, but the times, they are a-changin', and the good folk at Kelley Blue Book have worked up their very own top 10 list of cool cars for under $18,000.

Not surprisingly, the 2011 Ford Fiesta nabbed a mention thanks to its 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway EPA rating and mile-long standard feature list. Likewise, the new 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring received a spot on the list. The Korean automaker's new long roof manages 23 city and 30 mph mpg highway thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The base Mitsubishi Lancer also made the cut - another 2.0-liter bruiser, the baby brother of the Evolution nabs 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Suzuki also got some love on the KBB list with its SX4. When optioned with the five-speed gearbox, the car walks away with 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Rounding out the list is the ever lovable 2010 Honda Fit. Just like the Suzuki, if you want a few more miles per tank, you'll need to opt for the manual transmission. Thusly equipped, the little Honda can 28 mpg city and up to 35 mpg highway.

Want to see what else made the list? Hit the jump or visit KBB for the whole list.

Gallery: Kelly Blue Book Top 10 Cool Cars


[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree?

KBB names coolest cars under $18k... do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 hyundai elantra touring2010HyundaiElantraTouring20112011 Ford Fiesta2011FordFiestabuying guideBuyingGuideelantra touringElantraTouringFiestaFordFord FiestaFordFiestaHonda CivicHondaCivicHyundaihyundai elantra touringHyundaiElantraTouringkbbkelley blue bookKelleyBlueBookKia SoulKiaSoulLancermazda3MitsubishiMitsubishi LancerMitsubishiLancerNissan CubeNissanCubeScion xBScionXbSuzukiSuzuki SX4SuzukiSx4SX4Mon, 24 May 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19488888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/24/kbb-names-coolest-cars-under-18k-do-you-agree/19488888/article-detail.xml 19488888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/01-kbb-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/01-kbb-630.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Suzuki SX4-based VW 'Rocktan' conjured up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/rendered-speculation-suzuki-sx4-based-vw-rocktan-conjured-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/rendered-speculation-suzuki-sx4-based-vw-rocktan-conjured-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/rendered-speculation-suzuki-sx4-based-vw-rocktan-conjured-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Mibz.com, the Suzuki SX4 won't be pimped to just Fiat anymore (see: Sedici), Volkswagen is getting in on the act. Going after the small end of the market, VW is reportedly set to take advantage of its new 19.9 percent share of Suzuki and swiping the lovable little SX4 as the basis of a new model tentatively dubbed Rocktan.

Positioned as a city-sized crossover, the Rocktan theoretically slots in between the similarly tiny CrossPolo and Tiguan, though this is all unconfirmed at this point. Power will apparently not be from Suzuki, but rather from VW, likely the 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine and 1.6- and 2.0-liter TDI diesels. This could be mere grist for the rumormill, or we could soon see a Nissan Juke-sized VolkZuki. For now, all we've got are dreams of another flavor of the friendly SX4.

[Source: Mibz.com]

Rendered Speculation: Suzuki SX4-based VW 'Rocktan' conjured up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rocktanSuzuki SX4SuzukiSx4SX-4SX4volkswagen rocktanvolkswagen suzukivolkswagen sx4VolkswagenRocktanVolkswagenSuzukiVolkswagenSx4VW SUVvw suzukiVwSuvVwSuzukiFri, 21 May 2010 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19482640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/21/rendered-speculation-suzuki-sx4-based-vw-rocktan-conjured-up/19482640/article-detail.xml 19482640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/vwsx4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/vwsx4.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki re-starts the free gas spiff, extends offer to full model range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/suzuki-re-starts-the-free-gas-spiff-extends-offer-to-full-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/suzuki-re-starts-the-free-gas-spiff-extends-offer-to-full-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/suzuki-re-starts-the-free-gas-spiff-extends-offer-to-full-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, Suzuki offered its "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on SX4 Sport and Crossover models. Apparently, it was a bit of a success, since the automaker is not only reviving this campaign, but is spreading the promotion across its full model range (Kizashi, Grand Vitara, Equator and SX4 models). Since fuel prices commonly rise in the summer months, we can see many shoppers becoming excited about any promotion that involves free fuel, and with the hot new Kizashi just now hitting dealers, this incentive could indeed boost sales of the hot new midsize sedan.

Customers who purchase a new Suzuki vehicle between May 1st and August 31st will receive a pre-paid debit card which should, theoretically, pay for one summer's worth of fuel. The pre-paid cards range in value from $280 to $442, and are calculated based on the vehicle's EPA fuel economy estimates, and on the Federal Highway Administration's estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month. Still, even if owners exceed this mileage, having a couple hundred bucks in free gas is nothing to be upset about. The full details are available in Suzuki's press release, after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS


Photos by John Neff / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki re-starts the free gas spiff, extends offer to full model range

Suzuki re-starts the free gas spiff, extends offer to full model range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 suzuki equator2010 suzuki grand vitara2010 Suzuki Kizashi2010 suzuki sx42010 suzuki sx4 sportback2010SuzukiEquator2010SuzukiGrandVitara2010SuzukiKizashi2010SuzukiSx42010SuzukiSx4Sportbackequatorfree gasfree gas for summerFreeGasFreeGasForSummerGrand VitaraGrandVitaraKizashimarketingsuzukiSuzuki Kizashisuzuki sx4SuzukiKizashiSuzukiSx4SX4SX4 SedanSX4 SportbackSx4SedanSx4SportbackThu, 29 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19458910/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/29/suzuki-re-starts-the-free-gas-spiff-extends-offer-to-full-model/19458910/article-detail.xml 19458910 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/suzukikizashigtsreview03_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/suzukikizashigtsreview03.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Suzuki previews three fuel cell concepts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-suzuki-previews-three-fuel-cell-concepts/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-suzuki-previews-three-fuel-cell-concepts/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-suzuki-previews-three-fuel-cell-concepts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



In addition to the plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift subcompact hatchback that Suzuki will display at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese company will also be bringing along three separate concepts powered by fuel cells.

First up is the SX4-FCV, which uses an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack supplied by longtime partner GM paired with a Suzuki-designed hydrogen storage tank that compresses the gas at 10,000 psi. A lightweight capacitor reportedly takes the place of the more common battery pack and helps smooth out the flow of electrons to the 68 kW electric motor and aids in regenerative braking. Road testing is currently underway of the SX4-FCV in Japan.

Next on the list is a version of Suzuki's popular Burgman scooter that's propelled by an electric motor that gets its power from a small hydrogen fuel cell from Intelligent Energy and the first 700-bar storage tank in the motorcycle world. The final fuel cell-powered concept from Suzuki is a personal mobility vehicle called the MIO that uses easily replaceable methanol fuel cell cartridges in lieu of batteries that should theoretically allow for unlimited range. Check out all three concepts in our gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Fuel Cell Concepts

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Suzuki previews three fuel cell concepts

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki previews three fuel cell concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burgmanhydrogen scooterhydrogen suzukiHydrogenScooterHydrogenSuzukimiosuzukisuzuki burgmansuzuki miosuzuki sx4suzuki sx4-fcvSuzukiBurgmanSuzukiMioSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4-fcvsx4sx4-fcvtokyotokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 07 Oct 2009 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19186836/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-suzuki-previews-three-fuel-cell-concepts/19186836/article-detail.xml 19186836 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/sx4-fcv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/sx4-fcv.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack takes more to the streets, less to the fields]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-takes-more-to-the-streets-less-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-takes-more-to-the-streets-less-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-takes-more-to-the-streets-less-to-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've praised Suzuki's SX4 Crossover in these pages before. With its quasi-softroader abilities, surprisingly direct steering, segment-exclusive all-wheel drive and generous equipment levels, the cheap n' cheerful hatchback has carved out a unique niche for itself in the U.S. marketplace. What it has always needed, however, was a bit more power and better fuel economy.

For 2010, Suzuki has given it exactly that - but only just. An all-new, 16-valve, 2.0-liter four-cylinder has taken up residence under the hood, and it now achieves 150 horsepower (@ 6,200 rpm) and 140 pound-feet of torque (@ 3,500 rpm). Those figures represent increases of 7 hp and 4 lb-ft of torque, increases that we presume would be difficult for most drivers to detect without other changes to go along with them. Thankfully, Suzuki has also spent a few shekels on the SX4's gearbox range, and the standard-fit manual transmission gains an extra ratio (for a total of six), while the three-pedal averse will get a new paddleshift CVT - both units with rejiggered ratios to improve acceleration times as well as mileage scores. About that - Suzuki claims the SportBack manual will get 22 mpg city/30 highway, while the CVT will net 23/30. While these figures represent improvements, they still trail classmates like the Honda Fit and Chevrolet Aveo, though the Suzuki does offer more power.

On the outside, the SportBack has been dropped onto 17-inch, 50-series Dunlops, with a lowered, KYB-controlled suspension setup, and there's a new bumper and grille to go along with the car's revamped aero package that includes new side skirts, a rather meek front spoiler, and a tweaked rear spoiler. Interestingly, Suzuki claims that the 2010 alterations actually make the SportBack perform better than its own well-regarded Swift in various handling disciplines, including steering and yaw performance, skidpad, as well as braking. Light-duty off-roaders take note - the SportBack is really just a conventional compact, as it isn't available with all-wheel drive like its Crossover stablemate.

Inside, the Sportback gets an updated navi system that includes 3D graphics, lane guidance, as well as collateral information like weather mapping and airline arrivals/departures, and there's a new instrument cluster as well.

No word yet on pricing, but by way of guidance, the 2009 model-year SX4 Crossover (with its extra pair of driven wheels) commands $16,099. You can check out the full press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack


[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack takes more to the streets, less to the fields

2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack takes more to the streets, less to the fields originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-wheel driveAll-wheelDriveawdcrossoverCUVhatchbacksportbackSuzukisuzuki carsSuzukiCarsSX4SX4 SportbackSx4SportbackMon, 24 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19138422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/24/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-takes-more-to-the-streets-less-to-the/19138422/article-detail.xml 19138422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/2010-suzuki-sx4-sportback-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: 2010 Suzuki SX4 to gain front-drive SportBack trim, power boost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-2010-suzuki-sx4-to-gain-front-drive-sportback-trim-powe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-2010-suzuki-sx4-to-gain-front-drive-sportback-trim-powe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-2010-suzuki-sx4-to-gain-front-drive-sportback-trim-powe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Suzuki SX4 Crossover - Click above for high-res image gallery
Suzuki's upstart SX4 Crossover has continually surprised and delighted the automotive press with perky driving dynamics and nifty features like standard pop-up navigation. While we enjoyed the SX4 Sport we tested last year, we prefer the usability and all-wheel drive capability of the five door Crossover. AWD does add cost to the modestly priced SX4, though, and the added weight and parasitic drag have a negative impact on fuel economy.

Suzuki is reportedly further addressing that situation for the 2010 model year, as it is planning a front-drive SX4 hatch with SportBack trim. The front-drive SportBack, available only in Touring trim, will lose the Crossover's roof rack while gaining the sporty demeanor and lower ride height of the sedan.The Car Connection says that Suzuki will also raise the power output of the SX4's 2.0-liter engine across the range, bringing the stallion tally to 150. Without all-wheel drive, the SX4 SportBack will be lighter and more efficient, and without a roof rack, sitting lower to the ground, it figures to be more aerodynamic, too.

[Source: The Car Connection]

REPORT: 2010 Suzuki SX4 to gain front-drive SportBack trim, power boost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-wheel driveAll-wheelDriveawdsportbacksuzukisuzuki sx4SuzukiSx4sx4Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19098177/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/15/report-2010-suzuki-sx4-to-gain-front-drive-sportback-trim-powe/19098177/article-detail.xml 19098177 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/sx4-crossover-07_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/sx4-crossover-07.jpg <![CDATA[The Suzuki Method: SX4 S2000 in the works for WRC comeback?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/the-suzuki-method-sx4-s2000-in-the-works-for-wrc-comeback/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/the-suzuki-method-sx4-s2000-in-the-works-for-wrc-comeback/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/the-suzuki-method-sx4-s2000-in-the-works-for-wrc-comeback/#commentsFiled under: ,


Suzuki SX4 WRC - Click above for a hi-res gallery
It's only been four months since Suzuki announced it was leaving the World Rally Championship, but reports are already surfacing about its comeback. Suzuki's decision came amidst a whole slew of similar announcements, primarily from Japanese automakers, to cancel their racing programs. Honda pulled out of F1, Subaru out of the WRC, Mitsubishi out of rally raids... even Kawasaki dropped their motorbike team. But while Honda is undoubtedly kicking itself for leaving the grand prix scene one season too early, it could be Suzuki that gets back into the race first.

The reports come from the mouth of Urmo Aava, one of Suzuki's most valued rally drivers. Since the Japanese carmaker withdrew from the top-level series, he's been helping the junior team with set-up for the Suzuki Swift S1600, but the planned switch next season to the more production-car-based S2000 formula in the top-tier WRC could open the door to more automakers like Suzuki coming back to the fold, or entering for the first time. Like the one which Suzuki was campaigning until last season (pictured above), the new car would be based on the SX4, but cost less to campaign. For his part, Aava realizes he'd need to bring in his own sponsorship cash to make it happen, but if it does, Suzuki could be kickin' gravel and jumping hills by 2011. Thanks to Eralp for the tip!


Gallery: Suzuki SX4 WRC


[Source: RallyBuzz]

The Suzuki Method: SX4 S2000 in the works for WRC comeback? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s2000suzukisuzuki rallysuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 s2000suzuki sx4 wrcsuzuki world rally teamsuzuki wrcsuzuki wrtSuzukiRallySuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4S2000SuzukiSx4WrcSuzukiWorldRallyTeamSuzukiWrcSuzukiWrtsx4wrcTue, 21 Apr 2009 06:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1521416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/21/the-suzuki-method-sx4-s2000-in-the-works-for-wrc-comeback/1521416/article-detail.xml 1521416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/sx4_wrc_002_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/sx4_wrc_002.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-sx4-sport-with-trip/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-sx4-sport-with-trip/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-sx4-sport-with-trip/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the 2009 model year, Suzuki will begin offering navigation as standard equipment on all SX4 Sport models. Starting at a buck under 16K, the new 'Zook is the cheapest car in America so equipped, and that news was very well received by the media and car shoppers alike. In fact, so positive was the response, the decision was made to begin offering the GPS navigation about six months early as part of the TRIP package. We were intrigued by the idea of a low-cost commuter car coming standard with such a desirable feature, so we decided to procure one such TRIP-equipped 2008.5 SX4 Sport for testing. Is the navigation nothing more than a gimmick to get you into a sub-standard car, or does the SX4 have more going for it than just being well equipped? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP

Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 reviewsuzuki sx4 sedansuzuki sx4 sportsuzuki sx4 testSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4ReviewSuzukiSx4SedanSuzukiSx4SportSuzukiSx4Testsx4sx4 reviewsx4 testSx4ReviewSx4TestWed, 29 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1350370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-sx4-sport-with-trip/1350370/article-detail.xml 1350370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/suzuki_sx4_sport_05_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/suzuki_sx4_sport_05_450.jpg <![CDATA[2009 Suzuki SX4 getting nav system as standard equipment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/2009-suzuki-sx4-getting-nav-system-as-standard-equipment/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/2009-suzuki-sx4-getting-nav-system-as-standard-equipment/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/2009-suzuki-sx4-getting-nav-system-as-standard-equipment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image to enlarge

Integrated nav systems are cash cows for the automakers. We've discussed this here before. While you can run to the local Target and buy a perfectly useful portable unit for around two-hundred bucks, clicking the nav checkbox on a car or truck's option sheet will probably run you ten times as much. That's painful. For the 2009 model year, however, Suzuki's looking to give shoppers some relief by making touchscreen nav standard equipment in the four-door SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive SX4 crossover (the enclosed PR makes no mention of the 4WD crossover, but we're assuming that it also benefits from this). This makes Suzuki the first automaker to offer the feature as standard equipment in a sub-$16,000 vehicle. What a novel concept: using desirable equipment as the carrot instead of the stick.

The flip-up unit, supplied by Garmin and dubbed "T.R.I.P", also delivers Bluetooth connectivity, features live traffic info, helps locate the lowest gas prices, and is pre-loaded with a number of points of interest. The automaker is even launching a social networking-type website where owners can upload and share their favorite routes and places to go. Will standard nav help Suzuki win over new customers? It sure isn't going to hurt. Given that the technology has dropped in price so precipitously, it's probably not even costing Suzuki too much in the grand scheme of things. And if the presence of that nav unit gets some fence-sitting new car shoppers to write out a check for at least $16,000, it's probably worth whatever it cost to integrate it into the base package. Maybe Suzuki's onto something.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading 2009 Suzuki SX4 getting nav system as standard equipment

2009 Suzuki SX4 getting nav system as standard equipment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 suzuki sx42009SuzukiSx4garmin navGarminNavnav standard in sx4NavStandardInSx4standard navStandardNavsuzuki t.r.i.p.suzuki tripSuzukiT.r.i.p.SuzukiTripsx4Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1178154/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/26/2009-suzuki-sx4-getting-nav-system-as-standard-equipment/1178154/article-detail.xml 1178154 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/sx4tripopening-maps_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/sx4tripopening-maps_450.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery fo the Suzuki SX4t.

When Suzuki launched the SX4, we couldn't help thinking that the oddly shaped hatch had some aftermarket potential. Suzuki seemed to think the same thing and tapped Road Race Motorsports, the renowned SoCal tuning firm, to create a one-off concept for the Chicago Auto Show. Road Race decided that it could do better than just some wheels, brakes, a body kit and a few engine mods, so its created the SX4t, a turbocharged version of the all-wheel-drive hatch that could mark the beginning of Suzuki's ascendancy into the aftermarket.

Road Race fitted a Mitsubishi 16G GT3 turbocharger onto the 2.0-liter four-pot, which delivers seven pounds of boost and increases output to 221 hp and 208 lb.-ft. of torque, a substantial bump over the stock mill's 143 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Suzuki, that should drop 0-60 times to under seven seconds when equipped with the five-speed manual.

More impressive, however, is that Suzuki is giving Road Race its blessing and that could mean that the turbo upgrade, along with plenty of other go-fast bits, could be available from your local Suzuki dealership. The cost of the turbo kit, with all the necessary plumbing, will come in at relatively steep $5,400 when it goes on sale this June. Suzuki estimates that the installation would run between $1,100 and $1,200 at the dealership, but wouldn't say if fitting the kit would affect the seven-year/100,000 factory warranty on the powertrain. While dropping close to $10-grand on an SX4 for wheels, brakes and engine mods might be a tough pill to swallow, it will have to suffice for Suzuki enthusiasts hoping that the automaker would release a rally-inspired SX4.

Hit the jump for the full press release from Suzuki.

Gallery: Suzuki SX4t

Continue reading Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports

Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>road race engineeringroad race motorsportsroad race motorsports sx4tRoadRaceEngineeringRoadRaceMotorsportsRoadRaceMotorsportsSx4tsuzukisuzuki sx4tSuzukiSx4tsx4sx4tTue, 22 Apr 2008 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1174577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/1174577/article-detail.xml 1174577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/08.suzuki.sx4t.act1.500_450-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/08.suzuki.sx4t.act1.500_450-op.jpg -1 2