Suzuki Grand Vitara 2009

For 2009, the rugged and award-winning Suzuki Grand Vitara, a true SUV in a segment of “soft-roaders,” offers “brute-ute” owners the opportunity to resize for better fuel economy without settling for a “cute-ute” lacking full SUV capability. A standard, all-new four-cylinder engine provides drivers with better mileage, and a new, more powerful V6 delivers fuel economy better than the V6 it replaces.

A new grille and front bumper design accent the Suzuki Grand Vitara distinctive, chiseled-yet-elegant lines, with additional interior enhancements, including illuminated steering wheel controls, a sliding front center armrest, visor extenders, HVAC controls, upgraded audio system and updated cloth upholstery. As with all retail 2009 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Grand Vitara is backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara four-cylinder model is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury. The base model is RWD only, but its list of standard equipment is far from basic and includes: air conditioning with automatic climate control and micron air filtration system, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, automatic on/off headlamps, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM Satellite Radio®-capable audio system and 16-inch wheels.

The Premium model (four-cylinder only) adds an available four-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated audio controls, cruise control, privacy glass, full-size spare tire cover, cargo cover, and, when equipped with the optional Single-Mode four-wheel drive, heated exterior mirrors.

The XSport, available with RWD or Four-Mode four-wheel drive, adds function and luxury features, including power tilt-and-slide sunroof, the SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system, six-disc CD changer, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, roof rack rails and fog lamps. With the V6, XSport 4WD also gains Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer and center channel speaker and door-mounted courtesy lights. In addition, the XSport deletes the full-size spare tire cover and replaces the standard steel spare wheel with a handsome matching alloy for a strong SUV image.

The top-of-the-line Luxury builds on the XSport equipment and adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio with subwoofer and center channel speaker black wood grain trim accents and full-size spare tire cover (with steel spare). With the V6, the Grand Vitara Luxury trim line also receives 18-inch alloy wheels and a HomeLink® wireless control system. In all Suzuki Grand Vitara models, standard and optional audio systems are XM Satellite Radio®-capable, and an accessory iPod® interface is available. A connected iPod® works seamlessly through the radio or the steering-wheel-integrated controls, with playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.

Suzuki Kizashi 2010

Suzuki marks the global debut of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi (Kee-Zah-Shee). The all-new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi becomes an instant car-of-the-year contender in its own right. Scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms this winter, the Suzuki Kizashi will serve as the company’s flagship vehicle, further expanding and strengthening its current product line of high-quality small cars, trucks and SUVs.

The Suzuki Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Suzuki Kizashi Concept series introduced over the last two years, follows a similar design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles.

The 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine which employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, along with relaxed — and economical — cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may opt for an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With either transmission choice, the Suzuki Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for fuel-conscious consumers .