ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: ebewley on March 01, 2006, 07:14:15 AM
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Suzuki will bring Hungary-built crossover to North America
Dave Guilford
Automotive News / March 1, 2006 - 8:07 am
GENEVA -- Suzuki Motor Corp. unveiled its SX4 small crossover here and announced that it will launch the Hungary-built vehicle in North America in September, wooing buyers with a flexible three-mode drive system.
The drive system allows drivers to switch between 2-wheel drive, automatic 4-wheel drive that adjusts to front-wheel slippage, and locked-in 4-wheel drive. In addition, the system automatically locks into 4-wheel drive at speeds over 36 mph.
Other features will be independent MacPherson struts, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, fold-flat rear seats and a keyless-start system. Electronic stability control is optional.
Suzuki offers a 1.5-liter dual overhead cam, 4-cylinder base gasoline engine, and a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder gasoline engine with variable valve timing. It will offer a 1.9-liter turbodiesel in Europe.
A Suzuki spokesman said price will be competitive with other compact hatchbacks on the market.
A joint design project between Suzuki and Italdesign, the SX4 will be built in Suzuki's Esztergom, Hungary, plant, alongside a sibling vehicle, the Fiat Sedici. The companies developed the vehicles cooperatively.
Suzuki says it expects to build about 40,000 SX4s annually, but has not announced a U.S. sales target.
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They should offer the 1.9TD model here, who knows where gas prices are going this summer :-\
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Can I order the rally one?
Brian
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i like it, neat car. i'll have to take one for a test drive.
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drop it a couple inches, larger rims, better tires, couple go fast goodies, that'd be a fun ride! 8)
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dang, only a 1.6? ::)
that sucks when you consider it's replacing the impressively powered Aerio with a 155hp 2.2. great looking car but sad to see the Aerio be replaced by a lesser car.
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The trick with these smaller engines and the variable valve timing is 100 hp per liter.
My wifes Matrix has 180 hp and a 1.8 liter engine. Its a fun drive, but if you baby it it still gets great gas mileage. so expect this zuki to have 150-160 hp and good fuel economy.
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Any idea of the base price? Colors? Options?
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mmmmmmmmmmmm...............wrc rally car ;D i want one!
derek