Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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<![CDATA[Ten-minute mark remains untouched as Monster Tajima wins Pikes Peak with 870hp Suzuki SX4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/images-needed-ten-minute-mark-remains-untouched-as-monster-taji/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Monster's Suzuki SX4 Sport - Click above for a high-res image gallery

They came. They saw. They were conquered. That pretty much sums up a thrilling Pikes Peak International Hillclimb for 2009 as Suzuki's legendary Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima took overall victory yet again, fending off a formidable paddock of rivals, while difficult weather conditions dictated that the mythical ten-minute mark - as well as Monster's own 10:15 personal best - remained untouched.

This year the Suzuki team replaced its existing XL7-bodied challenger in with a purpose-built SX4 packing a 2.7-liter V6 with a massive 873 horsepower on tap. But among those eager to strip the Japanese champions of their domination were two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm driving a specially prepared Ford Fiesta and an 1150hp Ford RS200. Along with all the other pretenders to the crown, they were fed a heaping dose of humble pie by the Monster. Meanwhile drift champ Rhys Millen took the 2WD class victory in his Hyundai Genesis, pledging to return to the peak in the top-spec Unlimited class in an effort to reclaim the title which Monster took from his father Rod Millen, whose record stood from 1994 through 2007 when Suzuki bested the time. The books were just closed on this year's run up the mountain, but the competition's already heating up for next year.


Gallery: Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Sport

Continue reading Ten-minute mark remains untouched as Monster Tajima wins Pikes Peak with 870hp Suzuki SX4

Ten-minute mark remains untouched as Monster Tajima wins Pikes Peak with 870hp Suzuki SX4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbHillClimbmillenmonstermonster tajimaMonsterTajimanobuhiro monster tajimanobuhiro tajimaNobuhiroMonsterTajimaNobuhiroTajimapeakpikespikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbPikesPeakpikespeakhillclimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbrhys millenRhysMillensteve millenSteveMillensuzukisuzuki sx4SuzukiSx4tajimaMon, 20 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST<![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<![CDATA[Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/suzuki-offering-free-gas-for-summer-with-sx4-purchase/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a "Free Gas for Summer" promotion on all SX4s sold between now and August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print - what the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover.

Whether or not this incentive is really "free gas for summer" depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it's offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP


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

Continue reading Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase

Suzuki offering free gas for summer with SX4 purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free gas for summerFreeGasForSummersuzukisuzuki free gassuzuki free gas for summersuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 crossoversuzuki sx4 sedansuzuki sx4 sportSuzukiFreeGasSuzukiFreeGasForSummerSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4CrossoverSuzukiSx4SedanSuzukiSx4SportWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate <i>Revenge of the Fallen</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/we-are-all-bumblebee-beijing-transformers-fans-gather-to-celebr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/we-are-all-bumblebee-beijing-transformers-fans-gather-to-celebr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/we-are-all-bumblebee-beijing-transformers-fans-gather-to-celebr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Beijing Bumblebee gathering - click above for high-res image gallery

Less than one week before Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen goes into wide release in China, fans of the morphing vehicle-turned-robot movie franchise took to the streets of Beijing in full Bumblebee regalia.

What looks to be a well-organized event was put on by website Autohome.com.cn, and it appears that they even managed to get General Motors' Chevrolet division in on the act, with a new Bumblebee-spec Camaro to lead the procession of like-painted fan cars.

We're not sure we'd go with the yellow-and-black stripes treatment on our own rides, but we remain impressed with both the dedication and the sheer variety of cars that have been given the 'Full Bumblebee,' including a couple of new Cruze sedans and a passel of Aveos, a Ford Focus, a Suzuki Swift and an SX4, a Citroen C4 - even a Mark II Volkswagen Golf. Check out the high-res photo gallery after the jump, and be sure to click on the link below for even more shots of the event. Thanks for the tip, Joe!


Gallery: Beijing Bumblebee Gathering


[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Google Translate]

We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeijingBumblebeeCamaroChevroletChevrolet CruzeChevroletCruzeChevy CruzeChevyCruzeMegan FoxMeganFoxRevenge of the FallenRevengeOfTheFallenRotFShia LaBeoufShiaLabeoufSuzuki SwiftSuzuki SX4SuzukiSwiftSuzukiSx4TransformersMon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![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 | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s2000suzukisuzuki rallysuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 s2000suzuki sx4 wrcsuzuki world rally teamsuzuki wrcsuzuki wrtSuzukiRallySuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4S2000SuzukiSx4WrcSuzukiWorldRallyTeamSuzukiWrcSuzukiWrtsx4wrcTue, 21 Apr 2009 06:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda Fit dominates <i>Consumer Reports</i> subcompact test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/honda-fit-dominates-i-consumer-reports-i-subcompact-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/honda-fit-dominates-i-consumer-reports-i-subcompact-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/honda-fit-dominates-i-consumer-reports-i-subcompact-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

The folks over at Consumer Reports have ranked the Honda Fit Sport top among tested subcompact cars in their March 2009 issue. "We found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group," says Consumers Union. The world's largest independent consumer product testing organization, who don't claim to be enthusiasts, ran the small Honda against the Suzuki SX4, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Compared to the rest of the group, the Honda Fit Sport 5-speed was the quickest to 60 miles-per-hour (an asphalt-melting 9.2 seconds) and sipped the least amount of fuel during testing (a not too shabby 33 miles-per-gallon overall). The CU testers were pleased with the Honda's versatile and flexible interior, but not with its dismal headlights. Of the five, only the Fit and SX4 were recommended. The Yaris and Aveo scored too low in testing to make the cut, and the Renault-based Versa sedan has proven too unreliable. Better luck next year, guys. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]

Continue reading Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet AveoChevroletAveoConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsConsumers UnionConsumersUnionHonda FitHonda Fit SportHondaFitHondaFitSportNissan VersaNissanVersaSubcompactSuzuki SX4SuzukiSx4Toyota YarisToyotaYarisTue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Suzuki SX4 getting facelift too]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/spy-shots-suzuki-sx4-getting-facelift-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/spy-shots-suzuki-sx4-getting-facelift-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/spy-shots-suzuki-sx4-getting-facelift-too/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Following in the footsteps of its European twin, the Fiat Sedici, Suzuki is slightly reworking its SX4 Crossover for next year. You'd be forgiven if you didn't notice - all of the revisions are quite subtle - but the whole front fascia has been slightly remodeled. The most obvious change is to the grille area, which now has a slightly smaller opening that's flanked by new concave recesses for the fog lights. Apparently, the faux rear skid-plate has been redone as well. Like we said: minor, discreet changes.

Inside, the Sedici has been upgraded with dual zone climate controls, so it would make sense that the SX4 would benefit from this new feature as well. We don't expect any powertrain changes, which is just fine with us. We thought that the SX4 was plenty peppy with its standard 2.0-liter DOHC engine's 143 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque when we had the sedan model in our garage earlier this year.

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Suzuki SX4 getting facelift too originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 suzuki sx42009SuzukiSx42010 suzuki sx42010SuzukiSx4suzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 crossoversuzuki sx4 cuvSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4CrossoverSuzukiSx4CuvWed, 31 Dec 2008 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki suspends WRC program ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/suzuki-suspends-wrc-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/suzuki-suspends-wrc-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/suzuki-suspends-wrc-program/#commentsFiled under: ,



Another one bites the dust. Today was the deadline for manufacturers to announce their intentions to race in the FIA World Rally Championship for 2009, and Suzuki saw fit to let its entry expire after just a single year of competition. The Japanese automaker calls the move a countermeasure to "the contraction of the automotive sales caused by recent global economic turmoil." In other words, fewer car sales mean less excess money for racing. Worse, Suzuki says it expects things to stay bad for the foreseeable future, so riding out the storm wasn't a possibility.

Suzuki was just beginning to see some success in WRC, finishing in the top five for the last two races of the season with its SX4 WRC racer. The manufacturer's Swift Cup will remain active in 2009. This move follows rival automaker Honda's announcement that it would be suspending Formula 1 and AMA Roadracing competition, also a result of the global economic downturn. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: World Rally Championship]

Suzuki suspends WRC program originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>suzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 wrcsuzuki wrcSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4WrcSuzukiWrcworld rally championshipWorldRallyChampionshipMon, 15 Dec 2008 17:31:00 EST<![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<![CDATA[Suzuki SX4 Special Edition gets TRIP navigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/suzuki-sx4-special-edition-gets-trip-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/suzuki-sx4-special-edition-gets-trip-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/suzuki-sx4-special-edition-gets-trip-navigation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As previously reported, Suzuki has decided to include navigation on its SX4 Sport and Crossover before you make the first mark on the options list. That will make the $15,999 car the lowest priced car in America to come standard with talking maps. And now they're set to arrive in the SX4 Special Editions that arrive in Suzuki showrooms this month.

To recap, the nav system is called TRIP -- Travel, Real-time traffic, Information, and Play -- and incorporates several Microsoft features. Drivers can get traffic info, weather reports, headline news, stock quotes, movie listings, the lowest priced gas in the area, and directions to 500 nationwide Suzuki dealerships. If buyers go for the expansion module, they'll also get Fodor guide reviews of eateries and nightlife spots. It sounds like an awful lot to do in such a little car, but that's the march of progress.

[Source: Suzuki]

Suzuki SX4 Special Edition gets TRIP navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossovernavnavinavigationsatnavsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 crossoversuzuki sx4 limited editionsuzuki sx4 sedansuzuki sx4 sportSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4CrossoverSuzukiSx4LimitedEditionSuzukiSx4SedanSuzukiSx4SportSat, 05 Jul 2008 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany gets Suzuki SX4 WRC Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/germany-gets-suzuki-sx4-wrc-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/germany-gets-suzuki-sx4-wrc-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/germany-gets-suzuki-sx4-wrc-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Suzuki SX4 WRC Edition.

While we haven't driven the boosted Suzuki SX4t, we hear it's a scream. So when we caught wind of a special edition SX4 inspired by the automaker's participation in the World Rally Championship, our happy balloon was on its way to reaching capacity. It deflated quickly. No, the SX4 WRC isn't turbocharged, doesn't have any trick all-wheel-drive programming and is little more than a wannabe racer of the lamest variety. Think the OZ-edition Mitsubishi Lancer, but with half the cred and none of the good stuff.

Instead, Suzuki Germany is attempting to cash in on the SX4's minimal rallying cred with the stock, 107-hp 1.6-liter four-pot, "rally design" 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/60 R16 rubber, a body kit that includes a new front bumper and rear bumper and side skirts, and with a mesh grille and "carbon-look" detailing. Inside, Suzuki's German arm is all about budget bling with a leather shift knob, faux carbon fiber trim, navigation and privacy glass, plus keyless entry and starting. Thankfully, you won't be able to pick up the Suzuki SX4 WRC in the States, and for 19,500 euro, we somehow doubt the rally-ravens in Deutschland will be running to dealers with loans in tow.

Gallery: Suzuki SX4 WRC Edition


[Source: Suzuki via World Car Fans]

Germany gets Suzuki SX4 WRC Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanysuzuki sx4Suzuki SX4 WRC EditionSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4WrcEditionThu, 05 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #93]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/autoblog-podcast-93/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/autoblog-podcast-93/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/autoblog-podcast-93/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been two weeks since our last podcast -- we tried to do one last week, but technical difficulties scuttled the effort. With that in mind, we packed some extra content into Autoblog Podcast #93. It's the usual rollicking good time where we discuss our current Autoblog Garage occupants, hit a few news items like the neo-M1 concept from BMW, Suzuki's content addition to the SX4, and the unveiling of the new Mazda6. Most importantly, we burn a healthy amount of minutes on the new Knight Rider suckfest. We also take a few emails from our podcast at autoblog dot com address. Thanks for your hour and seven minutes!

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Autoblog Podcast #93 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 May 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 mazda62009Mazda6autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 93AutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcast93bmw m1bmw m1 conceptbmw m1 homageBmwM1BmwM1ConceptBmwM1Homageepisode 93Episode93mazda 6Mazda6podcastpodcast 93Podcast93pontiac g8pontiac g8 gtPontiacG8PontiacG8Gtsuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 sedanSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4SedanFri, 02 May 2008 10:02:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #93Dan Roth67:33<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Suzuki SX4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-suzuki-sx4/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's not easy these days to find a brand new car for less than $15,000, and if you're looking for all-wheel drive with that budget, your choices are severely limited. In fact, Suzuki says the 2007 SX4 is the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle for sale in the U.S., coming in a buck less than $15,000 with a manual transmission. That's the good news.

Bad news? Suzuki wants you to think of this as a competitor to Honda's Fit and Nissan's Versa, but it ain't quite there yet. Honda's interior quality and handling easily trump the Suzuki's four-wheel power. The Honda and Nissan both win on fuel economy and base price. But then, you still don't have the SX4's all-wheel pull.

Click through to continue reading our take on the SX4.

Gallery: 2007 Suzuki SX4

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Suzuki SX4

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Suzuki SX4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Because GM has said that Opel and Saturn will be virtually indistinguishable by 2014, every new Opel piques our curiosity. And guess what? Thanks to Hans Lehmann Photo, we have a spy pic of a new Opel. The vehicle is a heavily disguised prototype of the new Opel Agila. As with the current Agila, the model is being co-developed with Suzuki. WorldCarFans is predicting that this microvan will again use a choice of transversely mounted engines ranging from 60 to 80 hp. A 70 hp 1.3 litre turbodiesel might be another option. The finished vehicle or a concept version should be making its debut in Frankfurt this fall.

The current Agila is a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R built in Poland. One of the few 5-doors in the small city car class, it has been successful because of its unique combination of a small but relatively powerful and refined Opel engine, good standard equipment levels, low MSRP, and equally low operating costs. It has the typical small footprint of European city cars, but is as tall as some MPVs, allowing a lot of interior room. Where the current Wagon R and Agila have a slab-sided micro commercial van look, this new version appears to have a bit more style a lá the Suzuki SX4.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Photos: Opel Agila originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarmicrovanOpelOpel AgilaOpelAgilaSuzuki SX4Suzuki Wagon RSuzukiSx4SuzukiWagonRWed, 21 Mar 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Future looks bright for Suzuki]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/future-looks-bright-for-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/future-looks-bright-for-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/future-looks-bright-for-suzuki/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

High oil prices are proving to be a boon for automakers with a portfolio of small cars, and Suzuki is riding the wave. Japan's fourth-largest automaker announced Wednesday that it is raising its 2006-2007 revenue and profit forecasts by about 7 percent.

In the right place at the right time, Suzuki is enjoying a sharp increase in demand for its successful 660cc minicars in the Japanese domestic market, and a boom in the Indian vehicle market. In western markets, the company can hardly meet demand for its new SX4 small crossover (also branded as the Fiat Sedici) and Swift hatchback.

Investing in the future, Suzuki also announced plans to build a new small-car facility in Japan, with an annual capacity of 240,000 units. The $523 million plant will open in early 2008. The company is also doubling capacity at its plant in Hungary, and increasing by around 50 percent its capacity in India and Pakistan.

[Source: Reuters]

Future looks bright for Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economy carjapanese minicarminicarsmall carsuzuki sx4Wed, 09 Aug 2006 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki SX4 goes on sale in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/suzuki-sx4-goes-on-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/suzuki-sx4-goes-on-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/suzuki-sx4-goes-on-sale-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Suzuki SX4 2.0S (Japan)

On July 4th, Suzuki introduced its new SX4 hatchback to the market in Japan. On sale in Europe since March, and headed to the US in Q3 2006 as an '07 model, Japan gets a range of SX4 models with two engine choices. The 1.5-liter four makes 110 horsepower, while the 2.0L generates 145. (In the US, we're getting only the 2.0.) All cars receive a 4-speed automatic and in Japan, customers can choose between 2WD or AWD. US cars will all come with AWD standard.

From bottom to top, the lineup is as follows:
  • SX4 1.5E
  • SX4 1.5G
  • SX4 1.5XG
  • SX4 2.0S (shown above)
The "E" model is the basic entry-level car. "G" steps things up and adds more standard equipment and visual flair. "XG" gets outdoorsy exterior trim in the form of roof rails and black plastic on the fender flares and side skirts. The 2.0S gets a monochrome look, a tasteful aero package, lowered suspension, and 17" wheels. The other grades get 16" rolling stock.

In October, a 2.0XS model will join the Japanese lineup, equipped with the visual elements (roof rails, etc.) seen on the 1.5XG. Prices range from approximately 1.4 million to 2 million Yen (around $13,000 to $17,000 USD). The US model will retail for between $15,000 and $18,000.

View SX4 Specifications

(More pics after the jump)

[Source: Suzuki (translated)]

Continue reading Suzuki SX4 goes on sale in Japan

Suzuki SX4 goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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