2010 Suzuki SX4 Sportback: Engine Upgrades, Interior Ugrades

[WookieOnRitalin]

Suzuki has slowly been releasing more information about the updated 2010 SX4. The biggest news is the new model and updated engine/transmission choices. This fall, Suzuki is introducing the Sportback model. It similar to the Crossover, but features a more crisp hatchback look. The new models will also receive a new 2.0L engine producing 150 hp thanks to the addition of VVT. Also new are two new transmissions. The SX4 will now receive a choice of 6 speed manual transmission or a CVT with paddle shifters. In addition, the new engine also gets better fuel economy than the outgoing engine, up 2 mpg that is good for a combined 26 mpg. The Sportback will also receive a bigger fuel tank the the Crossover by 2 gallons. Now, this I am not sure if it is due to the fact that the Sportback model will be only FWD (no AWD for Sportback model). Though, according to the USA Today, the engine will be added to both models. Other additions include a redesigned instrument cluster, dash, and seats.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2009/07/2009-suzuki-sx4-they-made-it-better-than-before.html#more
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2009/07/68494945/1

I like it a lot. Been a fan of the SX4 for awhile, but the low fuel range has always kept me at a distance. The engine improvements and transmission upgrades also increase my appeal. What yall think?

[Cookie Monster]

I like it, but not as much as the Swift still.

[2o6]

Yummy!



However, I think the Swift would be a better entry here.

[93JC]

They've always sold a front-drive version without roof rack here anyway.

The revisions to the engine sound slight (up 7 hp), and I have my doubts the CVT will be any better than the 4-speed automatic.

Colour me unimpressed.

[WookieOnRitalin]

2o6, I feel the same way. The Swift Sport would be awesome, but not this year. However, the Sportback does get the same 17" wheels that are featured on the Swift Sport.

Suzuki's American operations are in a state of free fall right now. Frankly, there is no marketing campaign to speak of in the States. My guess that it is hurting sales. Frankly, I do not know if the average consumer knows that Suzuki makes cars.

Oh, I just heard that Suzuki is doing a webcast of their official introduction of a production model Kizashi for July 30th. So Suzuki is reentering the midsize sedan market.

[ifcar]

Frankly, there is no marketing campaign to speak of in the States.

They have long advertised heavily in car magazines.

[2o6]

2o6, I feel the same way. The Swift Sport would be awesome, but not this year. However, the Sportback does get the same 17" wheels that are featured on the Swift Sport.

Suzuki's American operations are in a state of free fall right now. Frankly, there is no marketing campaign to speak of in the States. My guess that it is hurting sales. Frankly, I do not know if the average consumer knows that Suzuki makes cars.

Oh, I just heard that Suzuki is doing a webcast of their official introduction of a production model Kizashi for July 30th. So Suzuki is reentering the midsize sedan market.

They only offer three cars: SX4, XL7 and the Grand Vitara.

[WookieOnRitalin]

They've always sold a front-drive version without roof rack here anyway.

The revisions to the engine sound slight (up 7 hp), and I have my doubts the CVT will be any better than the 4-speed automatic.

Colour me unimpressed.

They might seem slight, but acceleration should be better. My guess is the CVT was favored for fuel economy reasons.

[WookieOnRitalin]

They only offer three cars: SX4, XL7 and the Grand Vitara.

They sell 4. You forgot the Equator.

My guess is that the XL7 is going to be dumped by next year. It has had a 90% sales drop since last year. They make plenty of other cars, but only offer the few here. The dumping of the Daewoo models hurt their sales. Those models were crap anyway so I was glad to see Suzuki dump them. The SX4 is better than the Aerio ever was. The problem for Suzuki has been since that point, they have had such a small lineup. The new Kizashi should help. Then maybe a Swift next year? :pray:

They make a bundle on their bikes and they actually build good cars.

[2o6]

The Aerio wasn't a Daewoo.......

[WookieOnRitalin]

They have long advertised heavily in car magazines.

Oh, and you know how often the average consumer picks up and reads a car magazine. The people that do are the people that probably get interested in Suzukis. Considering how little people read nowadays, print campaigns are not going to get the job done.

[WookieOnRitalin]

The Aerio wasn't a Daewoo.......

I know. The SX4 just replaced the Aerio. I apologize if it read that I was making that reference.

[ifcar]

Oh, and you know how often the average consumer picks up and reads a car magazine. The people that do are the people that probably get interested in Suzukis. Considering how little people read nowadays, print campaigns are not going to get the job done.

I didn't say they did, but they are spending marketing money. They may not be spending it wisely, but they're spending it.

[WookieOnRitalin]

I didn't say they did, but they are spending marketing money. They may not be spending it wisely, but they're spending it.

It does not change what I said. The campaign is non existent. I accept your apology.

[ifcar]

It does not change what I said. The campaign is non existent. I accept your apology.

There is a campaign. It is just not a broadcast campaign.

[WookieOnRitalin]

Iffy. If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

[ifcar]

Iffy. If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

You don't think that a substantial portion of SX4 customers are enthusiasts?

[WookieOnRitalin]

I do, but I was referencing the loss of sales and the lack of knowledge of their vehicles to the average consumer.

[omicron]

They have long advertised heavily in car magazines.

A mainstream economy hatchback advertised solely in publications more likely to be frequented by motoring enthusiasts?

[omicron]

Oh, snap.

[93JC]

You don't think that a substantial portion of SX4 customers are enthusiasts?

What SX4 customers?

[2o6]

What SX4 customers?

Like you! Buy one!

[r0tor]

they needz a terbow and awd on all models

[2o6]

they needz a terbow and awd on all models

I'd settle for the turbo part........

[93JC]

Like you! Buy one!

I'm going to look at one, anyway. We'll see how a test drive goes. I like everything else about it as far as exterior looks, interior appointments, etc. go.

[the Teuton]

they needz a terbow and awd on all models

Wise you are.

[68_427]

I'd rock the sportback.

[Madman]

There is a campaign. It is just not a broadcast campaign.

Haven't you seen those stupid Suzuki SX4 vs Mini Cooper commercials?  The first time I saw this I wanted to throw something at the TV!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zejv7QBd2Og


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[ifcar]

Oh yeah, those ads are all over mainstream and auto publications. Is it also on TV?

[Madman]

Is it also on TV?

I refer you to me previous statement......

The first time I saw this I wanted to throw something at the TV!

Yep, it's on the TV box!


Cheers,
Madman of the People