2008
SUZUKI NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE
 Expect
more vehicles in the stable of Suzuki,
as this Japanese automaker begins expands
its North American fleet. For 2008, Suzuki
delivers six distinct products, the newest
being the SX4 sedan dressed in a slick
Aero body kit. The SX4 X-over is a sporty,
five-door crossover utility vehicle (CUV)
coming into the compact class. The XL7
and Grand Vitara CUV wagons return for
Suzuki this year, as does the curvy, four-door
Forenza and the five-door Reno hatchback.
 SX4
Sedan
Suzuki's newest model is a four-door sedan
of compact dimensions, offering front-wheel-drive
(FWD) traction and a four-cylinder engine
that displaces 2.0 liters while rigged
with dual overhead cams. The engine develops
143 horsepower and ties to a five-speed
manual transmission or optional four-speed
automatic. The SX4 packs class-leading
standard features such as air conditioning,
power window and door controls, four-wheel-disc
brakes with an anti-lock brake system
(ABS), curtain-style side air bags and
17-inch alloy wheels. The option sheet
includes a nine-speaker audio kit upgrade
and electronic stability program (ESP)
skid controls.
 SX4
X-over
Suzuki's fun-to-drive, compact five-door
CUV comes with computer-controlled all-wheel-drive
(AWD) traction, dubbed i-AWD (intelligent
AWD). This high-tech device works in three
modes — FWD, AWD or AWD Lock. For
zippy strength and sippy fuel consumption,
the SX4 packs a sophisticated, dual-cam
2.0-liter four-in-line engine, which delivers
143 horsepower through a standard five-speed
manual transmission or optional four-speed
automatic with manual shift control. The
SX4 cabin carries four doors for passengers
and a hatch lid at the tail for accessing
the cargo compartment. New optional gear
for 2008 includes Bluetooth connectivity
and sport pedals.
 XL7
Suzuki's largest wagon is the mid-size
XL7 CUV with front-wheel-drive (FWD) unibody.
It shows keen styling outside, and crafts
a spacious cabin with seating for seven
and FWD or AWD traction. The powertrain
is a dual-cam, 3.6-liter V6 with 252 horsepower
through a five-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission with manual shift
mode. The Premium and Luxury trims offer
curtain-style air bags, ABS, and the non-skid
ESP device. All 2008 XL7 models roll on
17-inch alloy wheels, while a new Special
Edition series adds a sunroof and six-disc
CD player to the leather-lined Luxury
trim.
 Grand
Vitara
Suzuki's compact-class CUV begins with
a rigid monocoque structure typical of
sporty cars. The Grand Vitara has class-leading
safety features and options for dual-range,
four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. The CUV
feels frisky with a 2.7-liter V6 aboard
pushing 185 horsepower. Suzuki builds
the Grand Vitara in only one, well-stocked
trim, though it does offer three separate
equipment packages — the Premium,
XSport and Luxury. The XSport package
adds gear like fender flares, roof rails
and a seven-speaker stereo audio kit.
New upgrades for the 2008 Grand Vitara
include an air conditioning system with
digital automatic climate controls and
a remote release on the fuel door.
 Forenza
The Italian car design studio Pininfarina
developed body styling for Suzuki's FWD
compacts, which come as four-door notchback
sedans and five-door wagon. The powertrain
is a 2.0-liter, four-pack making 127 horsepower
through a five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic
transaxle. In the Forenza's cabin, bucket
seats mount up front on either side of
a padded console, while a rear bench notched
with seats for two has a seatback that
splits and folds in sections. ABS and
Bluetooth connectivity are the Forenza's
latest options, while new standard equipment
includes chrome door handles, and foglamps
for the Popular package.
 Reno
Suzuki's compact-class Reno hatchback
acts lively and looks rather cool. It
has four doors for passengers and a lid
at the tail for accessing the cargo bay.
The cabin is comfortable and spacious,
with room for fives and ample convenience
features. The Reno rides on a Forenza
platform and carries similar mechanical
equipment, including the 2.0-liter four-in-line
engine. New content for the 2008 Reno
includes audio controls mounted on the
steering wheel and optional ABS with the
Convenience package.
For
more information on Suzuki.
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