U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

Generally regarded as one of the top motorcycle brands all around the world and a major producer of Kei cars in Japan, Suzuki has never quite lived up to its promise as a sporty alternative to more mainstream offerings in America's small car and SUV arenas. Still, we're pulling for the brand to make an impact in our neck of the woods, and according to a report on Automotive News, that could possibly (finally) come in 2011 with the introduction of the Swift.

We've been hearing from Suzuki for years that the Swift would in fact make it to U.S. shores in due time, and we're hopeful that the next-gen model is as competent and fun to drive as we hear the current model is from our European friends. One new vehicle does not a successful brand make, however, so Suzuki is also said to be working on the next installment of its Grand Vitara line for 2013.

Additionally, a new crossover is reportedly on the drawing board to replace the XL7 that was killed back in May when Suzuki halted production at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The new CUV would show up in 2011 or '12 and be based on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the recently-unveiled Kizashi midsize sedan, which is expected to hit showrooms for the 2010 model year.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport

Chris Tutor — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Suzuki

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport - Click above for high-res image gallery

When driving a vehicle for review, we always keep a list of pros and cons. At just a glance we can see which list is longer and instantly know if it's a vehicle that we'd personally drive. At the end of the evaluation we throw in a few verbs, several random adjectives and some technical jargon to make us all sound knowledgeable and it's a review! Just kidding. A little, at least.

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport that just left the Autoblog Garage didn't fit the mold. Our cons list outnumbered the pros, but we just can't give this one an automatic thumbs down.

The ride was unsettled by even slightly uneven pavement, which then caused the dash panel to creak and rattle. And the squeaky horn sounded more appropriate for one of Suzuki's econoboxes than a 4,600-pound SUV. And there's that funky side-opening rear cargo door. But from the pro list, we got a powerful V6, a fairly roomy interior and an impressive drivetrain warranty.

Our 2WD tester arrived wearing Quicksilver Metallic paint and cloth seats. The 2.7-liter V6 is standard, as are side curtain airbags, ABS, stability and traction control, fog lamps and 16-inch wheels. The Xsport trim level includes a few "comfort and convenience" options like a power sunroof, keyless entry and start, power windows and doors, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, a 6-disc AM/FM with six speakers and a subwoofer, and power mirrors. Total sticker price before shipping and handling was $22,349.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport

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Review: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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