Suzuki Announces New SX4 Designed for U.S. Market

[Guest Josh]

BREA, Calif., Nov. 30, 2005 -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced a specially designed U.S. version of the all-new Suzuki SX4 vehicle is slated to hit dealer showrooms in the United States next year. Production of the European version of the sport X-over SX4 in Eastern Europe also was announced today. The all-new SX4 features a versatile, rigid five-door design, an available all-wheel-drive system, and for the U.S. market, a sophisticated fuel-sipping 2.0-liter DOHC engine. "Suzuki is known for its success with small vehicles in Asia and Europe," said Koichi Suzuki, president, ASMC Automotive Operations. "The all-new 2007 Suzuki SX4 is designed to provide consumers in the United States a fun-to-drive vehicle that is also practical and economical." The new Suzuki SX4 offers an available, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that sends power to the rear wheels as needed with no additional input necessary from the driver. Called the Three-Mode Switchable AWD system, it features a selector switch on the center console that allows the driver to select from three modes: 2WD, AUTO (AWD High) and LOCK (AWD Lock). Customers in the United States will have a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission. Production of the European version of the SX4 begins this month at the Magyar Suzuki Corporation assembly plant in Esztergom, Hungary. The world debut of the Suzuki SX4 is scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006 and the North American introduction of the U.S. version of the Suzuki SX4 is slated for April 2006 in conjunction with the New York International Auto Show. The SX4 is slated to go on sale in the United States in the late summer of 2006. 2007 Suzuki SX4 Specifications (early) Wheelbase: 2500mm/98.4-in. Overall length: 4135mm/162.8-in. Overall width: 1755mm/69.1-in. Overall height: 1605mm/63.2-in. About American Suzuki The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 540 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motors manufacturer with sales of more than 2 million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has operations in 125 countries.

[MyerShift]

If I am not horribly mistaken, the SX4 is a Swift with AWD on stilts.

[thegriffon]

You are horribly mistaken, the SX4 is the replacement for the larger (than Swift) Aerio SX, available in an awd version on stilts, but with a lower fwd version as well.

[ocnblu]

I've read from several sources, including the Suzuki website, that the SX4 is based on the award-winning new Swift that has so endeared itself to the European automotive press.

[thegriffon]

A much bigger version of the same platform.

[pow]

They're crazy for not sending over the Swift here. It'd compete well against the Yaris and Fit.

[ocnblu]

A Swift 3 door with Sport package would be my little car of choice. It looks like a high-top sneaker, but it's masculine, and with the driving dynamics I've read about, it would be a blast to drive. I will be looking at an SX4 AWD though.

[OCcarnut]

This vehicle is NOT designed for the U.S. market...that is simply "spin" generated by the President of Suzuki in the U.S. who btw generates more spin and b.s. himself than all other manufacturers combined. The SX4 is a joint partnership with Fiat and will be sold in many other markets around the world...but I am sure that he slept through any planning meetings that were to determine the needs/requirements of the U.S. market...if he was even invited to attend that is.

[MyerShift]

HA! I was right! It is the Swift enlarged and on walking-stick legs. Want some pancakes with that? They really should bring the Swift over. It seems to be a decent little car, and I like its styling, and The european mags seem to appreciate it.

[Robert Hall]

Here's a pic..it's a small wagon.