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.

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