2009 SUZUKI NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

Suzuki of Japan hones a reputation for building efficient vehicles with fun-to-drive traits by adding a fun-to-drive pickup truck called Equator. A spirited sedan — SX4 Sport — returns to Suzuki's 2009 line with a new entry-level edition. SX4 X-Over, a sporty five-door CUV (crossover utility vehicle), extends the all-wheel-drive (AWD) edition but acquires a new FWD (front-wheel-drive) version. Two other CUV wagons return under the labels of XL7 and Grand Vitara and each gains equipment.

SX4 Sport
Suzuki's fun-to-drive compact sedan has FWD traction and a four-cylinder engine displacing 2.0 liters. It develops 143 hp and ties to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. SX4 packs class-leading standard features aboard, such as air conditioning, power controls for windows and door locks, four-wheel-disc brakes with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), curtain-style side air bags and 17-inch alloy wheels. New for the 2009 SX4 Sport is a standard navigation system called Suzuki TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play). A price-leader base edition also arrives in 2009.

SX4 X-over
Suzuki's compact five-door CUV comes with FWD or AWD traction choices. The computer-controlled AWD system — dubbed i-AWD (intelligent AWD) — works in three modes — FWD, AWD or AWD Lock. For zippy strength but sippy fuel consumption, SX4 packs a 2.0-liter four-in-line engine which delivers 143 hp through a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The cabin provides four doors for passengers and a hatch lid at the tail to access the aft cargo compartment. Safety equipment increases on 2009 issues now stocking standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) skid controls.

XL7
Suzuki's largest wagon is a mid-size CUV constructed from a FWD unibody. It shows keen styling outside, crafts a spacious cabin with seven-passenger seating and offers FWD or AWD traction. Powertrain is a dual-cam 3.6-liter V6 with 252 hp through a new six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode. XL7 hones to upscale Premium and Luxury trims for 2009, each equipped now with heated door mirrors and the Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension as standard equipment. XL7 Limited offers a combined navigation system and DVD player.

Grand Vitara
Suzuki's compact-class CUV begins with a rigid monocoque structure typically used to make sporty cars. Grand Vitara has class-leading safety features and options for dual-range four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. This year there are two new powertrain choices. Stock engine is a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-pack rated at 166 hp with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The upgrade plant is a 3.2-liter V6 worth 230 hp via a five-speed automatic. Grand Vitara for 2009 shows a fresh face with restyled front grille and bumper, and the list of standard equipment grows.

Equator
Suzuki's new mid-size truck caters to owners of Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs and marine vehicles who transport their machines to weekend playgrounds. Equator offers Extended Cab and Crew Cab conformations with RWD (rear-wheel-drive) or 4WD traction. The Crew Cab segments to Short Bed and Long Bed variations. Two powertrains are listed — a 2.5-liter in-line-four netting 152 hp and a 4.0-liter V6 ripping to 281 hp. The four-pack shows a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission, but the six-pack uses the five-speed automatic exclusively. Standard safety items include seat-mounted side-impact air bags and curtain-style air bags.

Detailed Suzuki pricing and ownership information.

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