Suzuki Australia today unveiled the all new "sport cross-over vehicle", the Suzuki SX4 all wheel drive (AWD), for the first time in Australia.
The SX4 is the third model in Suzuki's worldwide strategy of next generation models, and successfully combines the sporty compact car innovation of the Swift and the strong 4WD tradition of the Grand Vitara to create Suzuki's first sports cross-over vehicle.
Launched overseas in 2006, Suzuki SX4 sales have far exceeded expectations, particularly in Europe and North America where the vehicle has received rave reviews and sold almost 20,000 units in less than a year.
The SX4 was created for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, and is consistent with Suzuki's "Way of Life" brand philosophy, the meaning translating to (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons all year round.
Individually, Suzuki's DNA of innovation and tradition translate into quality automotive engineering and exciting products, yet, it is the crossing of these elements that give the SX4 AWD its real strength and identity.
The strength of the vehicle is its unprecedented dynamic stylish cross-over design and versatile driving capabilities, which gives the owner the flexibility and capabilities of 4WD with the benefits of a fuel efficient passenger car.
Built in Japan, the Suzuki SX4 features a 2.0L, four cylinder engine, offering buyers a maximum output of 107kW at 5,800rpm.
Available in Australia in a five door hatch back manual and automatic transmission, the SX4 AWD is priced from just $24,390.
"The Suzuki SX4 is the perfect combination of design, attention to engineering detail and practicality, it is an exceptional car and we are confident it will be a huge success in Australia as it has already proven overseas" Managing Director of Suzuki Australia, Mr. Takeshi Hayasaki said.
The SX4 continues the recent trend of European inspired styling, with the Suzuki design team travelling to Italy for styling cues from various design studios, in order to perfectly capture the vitality of 4WD together with the elegance of a passenger car.
On top of the styling, when developing the SX4, the engineers also focused on "stability" to have a smooth drive on both the highway and winding roads.
The vehicles smooth exterior lines and bold front face provide a sense of stability and solidness far beyond the catalogue dimension of the SX4.
The inclusion of roof rails adds functionality to the vehicle whilst the protective wheel arch mouldings suggest all round season performance.
The body is relatively wide at 1,755mm with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. The vehicle features a low rising waistline and large, triangular shaped windows forward of the front doors, giving the SX4 a sporty wedge shape indicative of its superior dynamic performance.
The SX4 features a ground clearance of 200mm.
From the outset the SX4 was engineered to be 4x4 capable. The Suzuki SX4 is not a vehicle to which a 4x4 system was simply added later.
The signature feature of the SX4 is the i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive) system, a switch- able three mode 4x4 system (2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock) that delivers all wheel traction more than adequate to suit the varied traffic situations and weather conditions faced by Australian motorists.
Suzuki SX4 driving modes:
2WD – Only the front wheels provide the drive in this mode, which is the most economical setting. The 2WD drive mode is ideal for driving conditions on dry surfaces.
4WD Auto – The standard mode for driving, almost all the torque is distributed to the front wheels. Torque going to the rear is automatically increased or decreased to match traction requirements in variable conditions such as when driving on slippery surfaces.
4WD Lock – Lock mode provides ample torque to rear wheels from start up for effective escapes in low traction conditions such as mud or snow. The system automatically switches over to, and remains in 4WD Auto at speeds over 60 km/h.
The "intelligent" 4WD controller constantly monitors driving conditions in order to deliver the most efficient division of power. The key delivery component is the EMCD, an electronically controlled wet-type multi-plate clutch coupling, in which the degree of magnetic clutch action is modulated to match traction needs.
The coupling is regulated with an electrical current alternating between the two and four wheels drive modes, and a simple rocker switch is mounted at the centre console enabling simple operation of the i-AWD system for the driver.
The front suspension structure of the SX4 is similar to that of the Suzuki SWIFT, in that it is mounted on a high tensile steel suspension frame, to reduce noise and vibration transfer to the cabin.
An independent MacPherson strut front suspension is teamed with a highly rigid torsion beam set up in the rear to provide responsive linear handling and stable cornering performance.
The SX4 is equipped with Suzuki's J20A engine, used in previous Suzuki models. The engine has been subjected to extensive development and is now equipped with Suzuki's Intake Manifold Tuning system delivering greater power across a broader rev range.
Utilising this system, the power has been increased from a base of 96kW @6,000rpm to 107kW @5,800rpm, catering to the needs of Australian motorists.
The practical cross over design continues inside the SX4, with an ideal balance of bold and refined elements.
The centre panel houses an in dash audio system, climate controlled air conditioning and metallic accents.
A centrally located information display cell shows the time, fuel consumption (km/L, L/100km and Average), and outside temperature.
Another unique highlight of the SX4 is a keyless start system, which features a built in transmitter on the ignition key, allowing for the doors to lock and unlock simply by touching the button on the door handles and enables the driver to start the engine without using the key itself.
The value packed, value for money philosophy of Suzuki has not gone astray on the SX4, with a long list of standard features including remote keyless entry and keyless start system, power steering, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, in dash CD stereo with MP3 playback capability, Speed Censing Volume Control, 8 Speakers, electric windows and mirrors, easy to operate audio system controls mounted on a leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels, SRS airbags and ABS brakes.
Clever use of the interior space realises exceptional people and luggage carrying flexibility, usually only found in larger vehicles.
With all seats in use the compact SX4 has a generous capacity of 270 litres, tall enough to allow a large suitcase to be loaded vertically. The capacity increases to 625 litres when the seats are tumbled forward.
Several storage spaces for small, personal items are located around the cabin, including a compartment in the instrument panel, glove box, front and rear cup holders, seatback pocket, front door pockets and a tray under the front passenger seat.
As with all Suzuki vehicles, safety is kept at a premium, with the SX4 incorporating the latest technologies for safety and security.
The vehicle is equipped with a six airbags comprising of two front, two side and two curtain airbags. To assure that deployment is necessary, system control incorporates front and side impact sensors in addition to the main module.
ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) ensures the vehicle will respond to the driver's every command whilst the agile suspension contributes to the driving dynamics of the SX4.
Additionally, the front three point ELR seatbelts include pre-tensioners and force limiters with two of the rear seat belts featuring A-ELR.
All seating positions are equipped with 3 point ELR seat belts and adjustable head restraints to maximise collision safety.
The safety features in place for occupant protection were recently recognised with the SX4 receiving a EURO NCAP rating of 4 stars.
"We believe the broad appeal of the SX4 will attract interest from couples and young families around Australia, and translate into 2,000 units sold this year in 2007.
The Suzuki SX4 will go on sale around Australia from the 1st of February, 2007 and is available in a manual transmission from just $24,390, while automatic transmission is only an additional $2,000.
The SX4 will be available in the following colour options, Pearl White, Bluish Black, Silky Silver, Kashmir Blue, Ocean Blue and Sunlight Copper.
A full range of SX4 accessories are available from Suzuki dealerships to add comfort, convenience and flair.
The Suzuki SX4 comes with Suzuki CustomerCare, providing customers with peace of mind via a three year/100,000km warranty and three year 24 hour roadside assistance.
To locate your nearest Suzuki dealer call Suzuki CustomerCare on 1800 777 088 or visit www.suzuki.com.au.
*** Please note product and pricing information issued by Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd may not be applicable in the state of QLD.***