2007 Suzuki SX4

[HarleyEarl]

First Drive: 2007 Suzuki SX4
Re-creating the small crossover
BOB GRITZINGER
Posted Date: 11/30/05
If you thought Suzuki offered one small crossover vehicle in its Aerio five-door hatch, think again. Next September the Japanese automaker will introduce the slightly larger 2007 SX4, which it will market as a small “sport crossover vehicle.”

Premiering at the 2006 New York auto show in spring, SX4 will take on a wave of small-on-the-outside, big-and-practical-on-the-inside entries such as the Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Verso and Toyota Yaris.


In SX4, Suzuki aims to capitalize on its heritage and strength in four-wheel-drive sport/utility vehicles. It must also overcome acknowledged Suzuki negatives: odd styling and weak chassis.

The SX4 could be the remedy. Styling is improved, whether in the more rugged sport/ute trim with fender flares and tough-looking lower front and rear fascia accents, or in the cleaner
Euro trim. While “sporty” isn’t the first word we’d use to describe SX4, test drives reveal minimal chassis roll, predictable steering, good brakes, stability at high speed, and excellent suspension control devoid of harshness.


The five-door SX4 is powered by a 2.0-liter, 147-hp, 135-lb-ft inline four-cylinder. The SX4 comes in front-wheel drive or electronically coupled four-wheel drive, each with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.


With U.S. sales estimated at 30,000 annually, SX4 is expected to play a key role in doubling Suzuki’s overall U.S. sales to 200,000 units in 2007.

[mjdecker]

This is the first thing that poped in my mind:



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[sciguy_0504]

I've pictures of it without the ugly grey cladding up front and it looks a lot better. It's a nice time to be bringing this over but Suzuki's 4-bangers are far from fuel efficient.

[The O.C.]

I've pictures of it without the ugly grey cladding up front and it looks a lot better.  It's a nice time to be bringing this over but Suzuki's 4-bangers are far from fuel efficient.

[post="50817"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

This will be the "new" RAV4......as the others get bigger, Suzuki could really rock with this new "small" 'ute.

Thecarconnection has a great production photo of the SX4.....it's got some eye appeal.

I just hope the 2.0L L4 it has is not the old hoary 2.0L they've been using in the Tracker and Vitara....

[OCcarnut]

I've pictures of it without the ugly grey cladding up front and it looks a lot better. 

[post="50817"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I agree...I have seen it in person and it looks much better than most of the pics that I have seen floating around so far...it even looks better in person than the official Suzuki press release pics IMO.