2007 Suzuki SX4
Suzuki's U.S. lineup will grow from six to seven vehicles after the 2007 SX4 hatchback hits dealerships this September. Suzuki took the wraps off of SX4 and the redesigned 2007 XL-7 at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
The SX4 hatchback, which stands for sport crossover for four seasons of weather, was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Keeping up with marketplace trends, Suzuki is just one of many automakers who have recently unveiled crossover vehicles.
Like would-be competitor Dodge Caliber, SX4 features an all-wheel drive system, only it's standard on the SX4. What's different about this system, however, is its 3-mode ability. The three modes include front-wheel drive, and two variants of AWD: an AWD-auto mode that automatically turns on to correct wheel slippage and an AWD-lock mode that is continually maintained until speeds of 36 mph are reached, prompting the AWD-auto mode to resume.
Under the hood is a 143-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. European markets will also get an optional 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine. Suzuki estimates that SX4 will get around 24/30 city/highway miles per gallon. Standard are AM/FM/mp3/CD player, rear 60/40 spilt folding seats, ABS, and six airbags.
The 5-seater will be built for U.S. markets in Japan and for European markets in Hungary. There is speculation that SX4, which is only slightly shorter than Aerio at 162.8-inches long, may replace the compact car in the future. Expect SX4 to cost around $15,000 when it goes on sale this fall.
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2007 Suzuki XL-7
Also unveiled was the redesigned XL-7 midsize SUV, now available in front- or all-wheel drive instead of the previous model's rear- or 4-wheel drive configurations. It grows in both size and horsepower for 2007 and now shares GM's Theta platform with the Pontiac Torrent and Chevrolet Equinox. Also borrowed from GM is a 3.6-liter V6 engine replacing the outgoing 2.7-liter V6 with 65 more horsepower. The automaker claims XL-7 will retain its current fuel economy despite the jump in engine size. Suzuki estimates the midsize SUV will get 18/24 city/highway miles per gallon.
New exterior styling cues were influenced by Suzuki's Concept-X, which was showcased at the 2005 Detroit auto show. XL-7 gains almost 10 inches in length for '07 and rides on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Its sleeker exterior features a new three-bar chrome grille and triangular headlights. Premium and luxury models with both five- and seven-passenger seating will be offered, taking the place of the current generation's base and premium trim levels.
New interior trim packages include wood and satin nickel appliques for the instrument panel and doors, chrome accents throughout the interior, and leather seats and surfaces. Newly standard for 2007 is a rollover sensor as well as driver and front passenger airbags and previously unavailable curtain side airbags. Also standard is ABS and ESP with traction control.
XL-7 climbs in price for 2007, and will cost between $23,000 to $29,000. The midsize SUV will go on sale this winter.
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 2006 New York Auto Show |
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