Suzuki has just dropped the first official photos of the new third generation Swift compact that goes on sale in Europe this Fall. The new hatch gets a slight smaller, but more powerful 1.2-liter inline-four that generates 93 horsepower thanks to variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. The manual transmission model now has a rating of 47 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 116 grams per kilometer. That’s 6.5 mpg better than the outgoing model.

The new Swift spans an extra two inches between the axles and 3.5 inches overall. Even with that extra size, the Swift is still a whopping 9.5 inches shorter than the Ford Fiesta hatchback, but it splits the difference between the standard Mini Cooper and the Clubman. Unfortunately, at this point we know of no plans for Suzuki to offer the Swift in the American market. In fact if the surprisingly good Kizashi doesn’t start gaining some traction in the market, the brand as a whole might not be around in the States for much longer.

NEWS FROM SUZUKI – FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW SWIFT

Suzuki is pleased to announce the first images and preliminary information of the new, third generation Swift which goes on sale in the UK in the Autumn.

Suzuki held the world premiere line off ceremony today for mass production of the new car at its Magyar Suzuki Corporation production facility at Esztergom, in Hungary.

The all-new Swift is positioned as Suzuki’s latest world strategic model and makes strong developments in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling, improved fuel consumption and significantly lower emissions.

Extensive use of higher strength steel makes the new bodyshell lighter and stiffer than before as well as offering refinement in underbody design. This latest body design has also helped improve impact safety for pedestrians as well as occupants.

Increased track and larger diameter wheels with lower profile tyres allow for even better handling than the already highly acclaimed outgoing Swift that first went on sale in 2005.

The interior design now has a more dynamic feel, featuring black as its keynote colour with accents of silver throughout the car.

New Swift has grown slightly in length (+90mm) with a 50mm increase in wheelbase; full dimensions are as follows:
New Swift Previous Swift
Length 3,850mm 3,760mm
Width 1,695mm 1,690mm
Height 1,510mm 1,500mm
Wheelbase 2,430mm 2,380mm
Front Track 1,480mm (16-inch wheels) 1,470mm
Rear Track 1,485mm (16 inch wheels) 1,480mm

For the powertrain; a new 1.2-litre petrol engine incorporating Dual VVT (Variable intake and exhaust valve timing) is utilised which produces 94PS at 6,000rpm, slightly more than the outgoing 1.3-litre unit. Torque is also improved to 118Nm at 4,800rpm.

Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is now 56.5mpg for the manual transmission model, an improvement of 7.8mpg over the previous 1.3-litre unit.

Emissions are much lower as well; the new 1.2-litre engine with manual transmission produces just 116g/km on the combined cycle; representing a 24g/km or 17 per cent improvement over the 1.3. An optional automatic transmission will be available for the petrol engine from launch.

A 1.3-litre diesel engine will also become available and planned for UK introduction in early 2011; this engine emits 109g/km (down from 119g/km) and has an impressive combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg, an improvement on an already highly credible 62.8mpg from the outgoing Swift DDiS. This Euro 5 engine has more precise engine management than before with reduced levels of mechanical friction for smoother running and flexibility.

A further selection of images will be available later this month and details on full UK specification and pricing will be announced later in the summer.

[Source:Autoblog]

Suzuki decided that tomorrow wasn’t soon enough to take the wraps off its new 2011 Kizashi Sport, so they invited us media types to SoHo tonight for a sneak peek before the official unveiling at the 2010 New York Auto Show. What we saw when we arrived was a very sharp looking Kizashi done up in fiery red with new 18-inch alloy wheels, a deeper front chin spoiler, a trunklid spoiler and extended side sills with a dash of chrome here and there. While we had hoped to see a “V6″ badge somewhere on it, we were sadly left wanting.

In fact, the 2011 Sport doesn’t have any performance tweaks in the engine bay, just the exterior changes and a firmed up suspension. There’s also a new sport steering wheel inside as well as contrasting stitching throughout. The Sport package will be available on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels and ia scheduled to go on sale in the States this August. We have a sneaking suspicion that this is the same Kizashi concept we saw several months ago out at Cars & Coffee, not that there’s anything wrong with that. There’s a gallery of live pics below along with the freshly released media pics, and the full press release can be after the jump.

SUZUKI DEBUTS 2011 KIZASHI SPORT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

* Suzuki enhances Kizashi lineup with world introduction of ‘Sport’ version.
* 2011 Kizashi Sport adds even more flash and class to content-packed Suzuki sport sedan.
* Competition in sporty hatch segment heats up with 2010 SX4 SportBack.
* Suzuki’s New York International Auto Show exhibit (First Floor 311).

NEW YORK (March 30, 2010) - American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) arrives in Manhattan - a city known for and populated by its many imports - for the global introduction of its 2011 Kizashi Sport at this year’s New York International Auto Show. Offered exclusively on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels, Suzuki’s new ‘Sport’ variant of its sleek and sophisticated sport sedan is scheduled to go on sale in the United States this August. Pricing for the all-new 2011 Kizashi Sport will be announced closer to the vehicle’s arrival in dealer showrooms.

“We’ve been thrilled with an enthusiastic reaction to the 2010 Kizashi, and we look forward to offering sport sedan buyers the newest iteration of our stylish sport sedan later this year,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “The Kizashi Sport provides us with an opportunity to build on the sport sedan’s short-term accomplishments and further engage driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable alternative to luxury performance vehicles.”

Based on the recently introduced 2010 Kizashi (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”), already acclaimed for its near-luxury content and Euro-tuned platform, the 2011 Kizashi Sport moves the excitement meter upward with a host of external mods. These include a more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side molding with chrome accents, a trunk mounted spoiler, custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride height for a combination of better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for enhanced grip and sharper handling.

Inside, the new Kizashi gets a distinctive designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching on the leather seats, shifter boot and emergency brake boot (when equipped with black leather interior). Interior upgrades speak to the Kizashi’s sporting intent, with form-fitting sport seats and driver-centric cockpit.
2010 Kizashi

The 2010 Kizashi is available in four trim levels, ranging from the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 for FWD and $21,899 for AWD, to the luxuriously appointed SLS model ranging from $24,499 for FWD M/T to $26,899 for AWD Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Prices do not include the $735 destination and handling charge.
2010 SX4 SportBack

In addition, Suzuki will showcase America’s most affordable “Hot Hatch”, the all-new 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack. Sharing its base configuration with the all-wheel-drive SX4 Crossover, the SX4 SportBack offers an all-new 2.0-liter engine delivering 150 horsepower with its standard six-speed manual transmission. For those with a preference for action with less interaction, a performance-tuned CVT (with paddle shifters) is optional. Suzuki’s new hot hatch also features an aero package, larger rear, fog lamps, spoiler, lower ride package (when compared to the SX4 Crossover) with KYB performance shocks, keyless start, stability control, all-new instrument cluster and a class-exclusive standard navigation system.
2010 Suzuki Auto Product Line

Suzuki Auto’s versatile line of vehicles includes the spirited four-door SX4 Sport, all-wheel-drive five-door SX4 Crossover, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV, award-winning Equator pickup truck and all-new 2010 Kizashi and SX4 SportBack. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki’s standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2010 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 350 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2009, SMC sold more than 2.3 million new cars and trucks and more than 2.8 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).

[Source:Autoblog]

We liked our time behind the wheel of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It drives like a little sports sedan and doesn’t look half bad, and now Suzuki’s newest sedan has another attractive quality: it’s priced to sell. The Kizashi will start at $18,999. The base Kizashi isn’t exactly a stripper model either, as power windows, doors and mirrors are standard along with a nine-speaker stereo, eight airbags, stability control and ABS.

Move up to the SE model that ranges in price from $21,499 to $22,749 and enjoy 17-inch alloys, a power driver’s seat, leather steering wheel and cruise control. The next model is our personal favorite, the GTS. The sportiest of Kizashi models comes with a six-speed manual or a performance-tuned CVT (get the manual) for $22,499 to $24,849. Among its standard features are an up-level 425-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with ten speakers, Bluetooth audio capability, hands free calling and voice command. Also standard are 18-inch wheels and a power moon roof. The top-shelf SLS model ranges from $24,399 to $26,749 and includes luxury amenities like heated leather seats, a universal garage door opener, auto head lamps, proximity sensors and rain sensing wipers.

All of the aforementioned prices are subject to Suzuki’s $735 destination and shipping charge.

[Source: Suzuki]

PRESS RELEASE:

With Kizashi, Suzuki delivers sophistication and driving experience of a premium sport sedan for price of a modest midsize car

* Kizashi is the best equipped mid-size sedan starting under $19,000, with volume models averaging between $22,000 and $24,000.
* Kizashi offers the most standard safety features in its price class and already meets the NHTSA’s 2014 safety standards.
* The AWD Kizashi, available in all trim levels with CVT transmission, can be purchased for less than some of the segment’s volume leading FWD sedans.

BREA, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2009) - Tapping in to its heritage of building high performance outboard motors and motorcycles, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announces pricing for the all-new 2010 Kizashi sedan (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”) which will debut in dealer showrooms in December 2009.

The Kizashi offers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes, premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Suzuki expands on its best-in-class platform while offering features more appropriate to the near-luxury segment. In short, Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag.

With the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 and $21,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling), a prospective customer enjoys an energetic platform, comfortable accommodation and expressive design for prices appropriate to a modestly equipped compact. This base price includes many standard features usually found in vehicles costing thousands more or as options in the competitive class. Standard features of the Kizashi S include:

* 8 airbags (front/rear side and curtain)
* Pushbutton keyless start
* Dual-zone climate control
* 9-speaker audio with steering controls
* EPS Stability Control and ABS
* Projector beam headlamps
* Power windows, doors and mirrors
* Ambient and footwell lighting

The FWD Kizashi SE will cost a mere $2,500 more and will allow customers the benefit of the efficient and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT), P215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver’s seat with 10-way adjustment (including power lumbar), 3-position memory driver’s seat, and leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control. The Kizashi SE, with prices ranging from $21,499 to $22,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling), will be Suzuki’s volume model.

The sporty GTS model, available in six-speed manual or performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters, starts at just $22,499 (plus $735 for destination and handling) and includes multiple upgrades from the SE model, including 425 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth®1 streaming audio capability (with compatible MP3 and iPod®2 connectivity) and hands-free calling with voice command, P235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof. GTS pricing will top out at $24,849 (plus $735 for destination and handling).

The luxuriously appointed SLS model builds on the GTS and includes leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®3 Universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning and graphic display. Prices for the lavish SLS range from $24,399 to $26,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling).

About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.,-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 350 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than 2 million new cars and trucks and more than 3.5 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

There are things that Suzuki does well, and things it doesn’t do so well. Among the former are its motorcycles and small cars like the Swift. Among the latter, well, just take a look at their success in the North American market. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t offer the Swift – an almost universally praised little hatchback – in North America, a decision which Suzuki admits in hindsight was a mistake. But the company has been hard at work on a successor to the hot-selling hatch, and rumors have been circulating that this version could, in the end, make it Stateside.

The latest news comes from the mouth of Suzuki’s chief engineer Takashi Nakayama via Car and Driver, who says the next-gen Swift is being developed with United States crash and emissions regulations in mind. Although that doesn’t mean it will necessarily make it here, it does give Suzuki the option. In the meantime, the company is toiling away, preparing the ground for the arrival of its new Kizashi sedan while getting by on a lineup consisting of the underrated SX4, ho-hum Grand Vitara, what’s left of XL7 stock and the rebadged Nissan Frontier known as the Suzuki Equator.

[Source:Autoblog]

Suzuki has a big media event planned tomorrow to unveil its new mid-size sedan, which we’re all still calling Kizashi though no moniker has been made official. We’ll be at that event tomorrow, but apparently the Kizashi has already begun mingling. Assuming these shots aren’t from the future, Suzuki held another event at some point, somewhere that featured the new Kizashi as the guest of honor.

As you’ll recall, the production Kizashi’s design is based largely on a trio of Kizashi concepts that made the auto show circuit rounds last year. The latest was the Kizashi 3 unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show. The production model is mightily toned down compared to the testosterone-infused concept, but still handsome, especially the sporty model in brown. We’ll leave any more judgments aside until we meet the production Kizashi in person tomorrow, but you can view some more early images in the gallery below.

[Source: AutoBlog]

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]

[Source:Autoblog]

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.
Photos Copyright ©2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE:

Suzuki Announces FREE GAS FOR SUMMER Sales Event

• Offer available on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models through Aug. 31

• Suzuki offers $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission

BREA, CA - July 1, 2009: To help motorists at the pump this summer driving season and generate additional traffic to U.S. showrooms, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models. In addition, Suzuki is offering $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission. The Suzuki “Free Gas for Summer” sales program, which kicks off July 1 and runs through Aug. 31, is expected to further build brand interest and bolster summer sales of its versatile SX4 lineup.

“Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “Working through our U.S. dealer network, we’re happy to extend this unique program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki SX4 during the summer shopping season.”

Customers will receive a stored value debit card that can be used for fuel purchases. The amount of each stored value gas card is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car’s EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway Administration’s estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month and the U.S. national average price of one gallon of regular gasoline as determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

“Free Gas for Summer” Program 2009 Model Free Gas Incentive (pre-paid card)

SX4 Sedan/Sport $270
SX4 Crossover $290

To learn more about Suzuki’s “Free Gas for Summer” sales promotion, or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

At last year’s Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki showed off three versions of the Nissan Frontier Equator. Those three concepts were the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay, each designed to haul a superbike, a quad and a boat, respectively. Since then, we’ve driven an Equator and heard that the production truck will sell for $17,995, but we still haven’t seen any on the road (Suzuki America’s Chris Brown noted that the Equator just started arriving in dealerships). Flash forward to the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and we’re looking at three more Equator “concept” trucks, as Suzuki tries to prove that this is the most tuner-friendly truck on the planet.

To be fair, these are less concept and more custom, having undergone some restyling and tweaking by the likes of 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-Road and Truckin’ magazines. The three “Hill/Street Hues” customs are apparently a play on the Hill Street Blues. We don’t get it either.

Although the U.S. might not even realize that Suzuki is still in the car and truck business, Brown wanted us to know that they are committed to this market. After all, Suzuki is the 11th largest vehicle maker worldwide, and America does love trucks. Hit the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

SUZUKI GOES TRUCKIN’ WITH HILL/STREET HUES

* Suzuki debuts three eye-catching, fully accessorized Equator pickup trucks.
* 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-Road and Truckin’ magazines communicate vibrant brand identity.

CHICAGO (Feb. 11, 2009) – One year after introducing its all-new Equator at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, American Suzuki Motor Corp. returns to the Windy City to unveil three attention-grabbing customized trucks in collaboration with popular enthusiast publications 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Off-Road and Truckin’. To further highlight the Equator’s exceptional capability and flexibility, Suzuki supplied each publication with, in essence, a ‘blank canvas’ for its specific mechanical and cosmetic pursuits. While the off-road magazines took a predictably dirt-laden path, Truckin’ looked to the pavement and track-day access with a massaged four-cylinder under the hood and 750ccs of GSX-R sportbike in the bed. Suzuki will unveil the three variations of its all-new production Equator during its 2009 Chicago Auto Show press conference.

“With the arrival of the all-new Equator, we were presented with a tremendous opportunity to extend the awareness of our adventurous brand spirit to a new group of vehicle enthusiasts,” said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing, PR and product planning, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “The three custom trucks Suzuki unveils in Chicago allow us a similar opportunity to creatively extend our relationship with the editorial teams that help us communicate that very messag

4-Wheel & Off-Road Builds Its Own 4X4 of the Year
Not long after 4-Wheel & Off-Road’s Editor-in-Chief Rick Pewe announced the Equator as the magazine’s “4X4 of the Year,” plans were afoot to build an ultimate off-road variant of the production-based winner.

In a 4-Wheel & Off-Road article previewing the project, executive editor Kevin McNulty noted the Equator’s capability in box-stock form, having successfully negotiated “a good amount of rocky trails, sand dunes, steep inclines and a few river crossings.” The editors’ need for ‘extreme capability’ leads to an off-road mixture whose ingredients come from a host of top-tier suppliers. The main areas of vehicle and editorial focus include suspension lift, aggressive tires and the addition of appropriate body armor, better to match the gnarly off-road targets.

Allied Wheel has supplied a set of custom aluminum beadlock wheels, fitted with new Hankook Dynapro MT Tires. Shrockworks is building a custom front bumper, supplying a notable improvement in the Equator’s already-respectable approach angle, and reducing the need for the bumper-mounted Warn winch. Holding driver and front seat passenger in place is a pair of Master Craft RS Camelback seats, while the rear bench is reupholstered to match.

The end result takes a proven “4X4 of the Year” package and enhances it in a bare-to-the-bones, albeit recreational, manner.

Off-Road Supplies Urban/Suburban Adventure
The Equator’s right-sized packaging suits the diverse needs of many pickup truck customers. Though smaller than the full-sizers, the Equator is nevertheless built with big-truck toughness. The strong, fully boxed ladder frame provides full-size strength – and 6,500 lbs of towing capacity – in a more maneuverable, midsize platform.

Using the Equator’s overbuilt structure as a starting point, the editors at Off-Road built an Equator displaying the full range of the midsizer’s capability. Dubbed Project Two Face, the build project conveys – in the words of editor Jordan May – two distinct capabilities with the vehicle. “We wanted to show our readers that you can create the best of both worlds – adventure 4WD and high-speed 2WD – in one machine.”

Off-road pursuits – and in-town parallel parking – are made easier with the addition of a custom front bumper from Randy Ellis Design. KC HiLites provides a day-and-night difference with its all-new Carbon Fiber HID lights, while stock RMZ-4 wheels are matched to BFGoodrich’s ATKO tires.

Truckin’ Goes Trackin’
As the “world’s leading truck publication,” Truckin’ delivers an editorial breadth as broad as its billing. To that end, its staff might have gone in any direction with the donor vehicle, an extended cab Equator with 2WD. The opportunity to build a lighter, lower Equator was deemed too good to pass up, and with an assist from a handful of well-regarded vendors, Truckin’ embarked on an Equator as tied to the pavement as a center stripe. Its in-house moniker – Street Shark – speaks to both its agility and bite.

With an emphasis on ‘hauling’ rather than towing, the Equator’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder offers – in stock form – an optimal combination of responsiveness and efficiency. However, it doesn’t provide the aural satisfaction appropriate for a car or bike enthusiast. That gratification is achieved with the addition of a MagnaFlow performance exhaust. Improved intake and exhaust means more aggressive performance and that suggests the need for better braking. Bringing that improved performance to a stop are Stillen performance rotors spinning within powder-coated calipers.

Bringing observers to a halt is paint – supplied by Summit Racing and applied by L&G Enterprises – fully capturing the mojo that is Suzuki’s championship-winning GSX-R sportbike. A custom one-piece grille serves as a centerpiece outside, while Classic Soft Trim applies a liberal dose of leather to the inside. Polk Audio provides a ’shout out’ with three 12-inch subwoofers, three amps and 1,800 watts of audio upgrade. The completed package is set closer to terra firma with AIM Industries’ custom lowering kit, and its stance widened with Nitto tires (265/35R22) surrounding Giovanna (22X9-inch) wheels.

While all three vehicles exhibit an out-of-the-box approach, none conceal the essential goodness supplied by a box-stock Equator. In the tradition of Suzuki vehicles since the company’s inception, the seemingly ordinary quickly can quickly become the unseemly and extraordinary.

About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 187 countries.

[Source:Autoblog]

Suzuki has chosen a rather dubious time to enter the pickup truck market with the 2009 Equator. As you are surely aware, trucks and SUV sales are way down from their apogee a few years back, and small cars like the ones that have historically filled Suzuki showrooms are all the rage. So, why would the Japanese automaker even bother with a mid-sized pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier? That’s a good question, and we aimed to find out when we grabbed the keys to Team Yellow’s first-ever real pickup contender in the U.S. Read on to see what the Suzuki Equator has to offer.

So why did Suzuki decide to enter the truck market in the first place? As one of Japan’s largest makers of powersports products, the company has a very large customer base that already owns its off-highway line of vehicles. Whether they be motorcycles, dirtbikes, ATVs or watercraft, Suzuki’s own research indicates that owners of its others products are 50-percent more likely to own a truck than the average person, so brand-loyal riders will now have the ability to haul their toys with the same brand of truck. Suzuki doesn’t appear to have the delusion that it’s going to sell a boatload of Equators, but any truck sales it does get are sales it wouldn’t have otherwise, so it could be a winning idea in the end despite the current market conditions.

Anyone familiar with the inside guts of the latest Nissan Frontier is likely to feel right at home inside the Suzuki Equator. An easy-to-read gauge cluster sits behind a familiar Nissan-spec steering wheel and switchgear. While we generally aren’t in favor of this kind of product-sharing, at least the truck is based on a credible and successful model and it’s not badge engineering within the same automaker. Suzuki makes no bones about the fact that the Equator is based on a competing model, and in fact claims to have hand-picked the Frontier specifically for its off-road worthiness and overall truck-ability. We put those supposed off-road credentials to the test and we’ll tell you how it fared a bit later. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the outer skin of the Equator and see how it compares with its kin and closest rivals.
On the outside, and especially in profile, it may be easy to mistake the Equator for the Frontier. Most of the work that went into differentiating the two models was done to the front end. In comparison to its platform-mate, we prefer the looks of the Suzuki, which definitely has that square-jawed truck look that seems to be popular these days. On the highway, that big opening didn’t add any undue wind noise that we could detect. What we could detect loud and clear was the big V6 engine at the helm along with the four rather aggressively tread contact patches at each corner. In was livable, but you may find yourself turning up the stereo a few notches on the highway.

Under the hood of all our test trucks was Nissan’s excellent 4.0-liter V6 engine making 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, each mated to a five-speed automatic tranny. For those wishing to do a bit better than that combo’s 15 city / 20 highway mileage, Suzuki also offers the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the Frontier with 152 horses and 171 lb-ft. That engine is available with either a five-speed manual transmission (19/23 mpg) or five-speed auto (17/22 mpg). A part-time 4WD system is available, as are an electronic locking rear differential, limited-slip traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. We took the truck off-road and put all of these features to the test. They worked as advertised, though switching them off proved much more fun.
The Equator was quiet and stable on the road with driving dynamics that are quite good for a truck. Though nowhere near as car-like as some competitors, namely the Honda Ridgeline, that truckiness is exactly what Suzuki wanted and the fully boxed frame and rugged suspension deliver on that promise. Suzuki offers two cab sizes and two bed lengths, mirroring those available for the Frontier. Choose either an Extended Cab with rear-hinged portals aft the front doors or a Crew Cab with four real doors, which comes with the V6 engine only. Road-biased tires and suspension settings come standard on base models while higher-spec models are equipped for the more adventurous among us.

Those wishing to drive off the beaten path should consider the RMZ-4 package that includes all that electronic gadgetry mentioned earlier along with Bilstien shocks, skid plates, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and meaty 265/75R16 tires. A special interior package also comes with the RMZ-4 model, which borrows its name from Suzuki’s line of off-road bikes. Those wishing to tote a two-wheeler in the back may appreciate the optional utility bed package that comes with two rows of tie-downs mounted in sliding tracks. The system worked well when demonstrated for us, and maximum trailer towing capacity is 6,500 pounds for the V6 2WD model.
Overall, the Equator is a decent truck that offers a good option for fans of Suzuki cycles, ATVs and watercraft who want to keep all their modes of transportation in the same family. What about buyers who don’t already have an attachment to Suzuki? Why would you choose the Equator over the Frontier? Suzuki points to its warranty as one reason, which at 7 years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain is superior to the Nissan’s 5-year / 60,000-mile coverage. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so you’ll have to make a judgement call for yourself when it comes to the truck’s styling as well as the all-important issue of name recognition. Regardless, the Equator is a well-rounded truck that will likely sell in relatively small numbers, and in many cases to buyers who wish to remain loyal to their favored yellow-hued brand.

Source:Autoblog]

Hyundai is quickly proving with its Genesis luxury sedan that a lower-end Asian automaker can play in the V8-powered big leagues, and if the reports are to be believed, Suzuki wants in. The Japanese carmaker’s Kizashi concepts, unveiled in Frankfurt and Tokyo last year, proved popular enough for Suzuki to move ahead with production plans and target a late 2009 roll-out. But before it settles on what form the production version will take, Suzuki is reportedly preparing a third iteration to show at the New York Auto Show in March, and this one will be powered by a V8 driving all four wheels, compared to its turbodiesel and V6 predecessors. Whether there’s any truth to the reports will become evident as we weave through Manhattan traffic towards the Javits Center, so stay tuned.

[Source: AutoBlog]