2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Introduced globally at the Geneva Motor Show earlier today, the Suzuki SX4 sedan will make its North American debut at the NYIAS in April. The all-new SX4 sedan being unveiled in New York will be built in Japan and features a versatile, four-door design along with a sophisticated 2.0-liter DOHC engine that delivers 143 horsepower.

This exciting vehicle will join the dynamic XL7 midsize crossover SUV, award-winning SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover) and media-acclaimed Grand Vitara as an iconic vehicle that indicates the future direction of the Suzuki brand, and will deliver a sporty blend of driving excitement, comfort and performance. With features and benefits derived from the highly acclaimed Suzuki Swift, Suzuki will debut the SX4 sedan during its 2007 NYIAS press conference on Thursday, April 5, at 12:05 p.m., in the Suzuki display (#1215, Level 1) at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

ASMC introduces its all-new sedan on the heels of an impressive 2006, when the company enjoyed sales in excess of 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 22-year history. Through February of this year, Suzuki sales have continued to grow — and the new SX4 sedan will help fuel further growth starting this fall.

"It’ll be great to be back in a city with so much energy and vitality to unveil our latest vehicle to the North American market, especially since our future products themselves convey so much of that kind of energy and vitality," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC. "The SX4 sedan continues to reflect the Suzuki DNA that was established in many
markets by the popular Swift, and we’re excited to have the SX4 sedan joining our wide-ranging line of versatile vehicles."
 
With its contemporary styling, roomy interior and high-output engine, the all-new Suzuki SX4 sedan delivers stylish comfort with excellent driving dynamics designed for those who lead an adventurous life. The sedan’s design incorporates a rounded dashboard with a high roofline to enhance interior space and visibility.
 
Many features of the SX4 sedan are inherited from the Suzuki Swift, including aspects of the suspension and brake systems. Like the SX4 X-over, the sedan features a rigid body structure and suspension settings designed for outstanding performance. Customers in the United States will have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed
automatic transmission, and can buy the vehicle starting in the fall of this year. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Dynamic exterior styling

• Revolutionary design that is clearly different from traditional saloons’
• Exterior that is elegant around a comfortable interior
• Dynamic bodylines that suggest precise handling and stable handling

The exterior is elegant and dynamic. Suzuki designers avoided the frills and low height of many saloons, and took on the challenge of creating a revolutionary design.

Praised with the Swift, Suzuki’s New Design concept, which is influenced by the latest European design trends, is also reflected in the SX4 Sedan. A trapezium form, wide treads and large wheels stress the solid structure of the body whilst a strong wedge shape and kicked up waistline project an active lifestyle look.

Elegant interior styling

• Toned grey interior that creates a luxurious atmosphere
• Ergonomic driving position that contributes to driving pleasure
• 8-speaker audio system and ring lights

The challenge for Suzuki designers was to create a stylish, elegant and practical interior. Tones of grey in the interior materials produce a luxurious feeling that is pleasing to both sight and touch. The rounded dashboard works with the high roofline to make the interior feel more spacious.

The dials and controls are functionally laid out to provide convenience and ease of use. The audio system comes with chic night-time illumination. The automatic air-conditioning system of higher specified models has lights around the dials to make them easier to see in the dark.

A stylish and spacious interior that defines "upright comfort-ism"

• Comfortable seating feel of a high-roof wagon and a stylish design in one
• Upright seating position that provides comfort, and good visibility
• Ease of entry and exit that is provided by the upright seating position and door design

The design of the SX4 Sedan utilises Suzuki’s high-roof, one of its core design attributes. After studying how to create the best balance between a very comfortable interior that makes the most of the available space and an elegant silhouette, the overall height was set at 1,545 mm to provide space for an upright seating position with high levels of comfort, excellent all-round visibility and particularly easy entry and exit without undue bending or stooping.

The rear seats are higher than the front seats and front and rear occupants enjoy a wide field of vision whilst the different height makes communication between the front and rear passengers easier.

Reassuring ride and sporty performance

• Smooth supple ride that provides comfort even on long distance journeys
• Rigid body maximises the suspension performance
• 1.6-litre petrol engine with VVT delivers refined performance

The Swift won many awards for its responsive and very forgiving handling. The SX4 hatchback inherited these attributes, to which a feel of more stability was added. And now, the SX4 Sedan carries on the succession, adding excellent driving dynamics to the ride comfort expected of a saloon.

The SX4 Sedan inherits the hatchback’s rigid body and its rigid suspension mounts and links. MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension combined with large 15-inch wheels and tyres, 1,500-mm front tread, and 1,495-mm rear tread deliver an excellent balance of ride comfort and a feeling of stability.

The braking system with a 10-inch booster and front ventilated disc brakes provides excellent stopping power.

The economical 1.6-litre VVT petrol engine delivers generous power and torque throughout the rev range. An electronically controlled throttle body delivers good drivability and response. The SX4 Sedan is available with either a sporty 5-speed manual transmission or a convenient 4-speed automatic transmission.

The suspensions, brakes, and transmissions were tuned in Europe, with further fine-tuning for local preferences.

Numerous safety features

• Safety-engineered body
• Front, side, and curtain airbags
• ABS with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution)
• High eye point
• Available ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

The rigid body structure consists of a reinforced cabin structure nestled between front and rear crushable zones. For protection in side collisions, there are front and rear side door impact beams.

Dual SRS airbags are fitted on all models. Side and curtain airbags are fitted on the higher grades. Three-point ELR seatbelts (front seats also come with pre-tensioners and force-limiters) are standard for all occupants on all grades.

Active, or preventative, safety features includes ABS with EBD and a high eye point. The system can be upgraded to ESP® (Electronic Stability Program).

As a security system, an immobiliser that reduces the risk of vehicle theft is fitted.