2010 Suzuki SX4 Sport news, pictures, and information

SUZUKI SX4 SPORT: POWER — WITH ECONOMY — TO THE PEOPLE

The good news continues under the hood. Since its introduction, the SX4 has benefited from a full 2.0 liters of displacement. That capacity, a little more than 120 cubic inches, provides a competitive edge when contrasted wîth the bulk of the SX4's competitive §egmènt; there, displacements of 1.6-1.8 liters are more often the norm. With this newest iteration, Suzuki utilizes an all-new 2.0-liter engine, boasting five percent more horsepower and 4 lb.-ft. of additional torque, while delivering — in the EPA cycle — 32 (Manual) highway miles per gallon. This, in a larger 2.4-liter displacement, is the same engine architecture sported by Suzuki's all-new Kizashi sport sedan. (concept carz)

As before, the 16-valve valvetrain is controlled by dual overhead cams. From the same company building the world's fastest production motorcycle, one expects competitive performance, and this new 2.0 liter delivers: 150 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, in combination wîth 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Beyond the numbers are a fluid delivery, instant responsiveness and a much smaller carbon footprint than its predecessor.

Connecting the improved powerplant to the SX4 Sport's front wheels is the choice of a six-speed manual or an all-new performance-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With the addition of an extra cog, the SX4 driver benefits from six degrees of separation, especially when placing the Suzuki in its competitive §egmènt. Ratios are more closely spaced, allowing the driver to stay in the sweet spot of the powerband throughout the acceleration cycle. And while the closely spaced ratios improve acceleration when merging or passing, the overdrive sixth allows for relaxed cruising at highway speeds, optimizing the driving experience while minimizing the SX4 Crossover's thirst.

For added urban convenience, the new performance-tuned CVT optimizes — via both console-mounted gear selector and paddle shifters — both performance and efficiency, better maintaining the engine's rpm 'sweet spot' over a wide range of both in-town and freeway driving.

The SX4 Sport retains MacPherson struts in the front, wîth a rear torsion beam in the back. Refined in Europe — and drawing from the widely acclaimed Suzuki Swift — the sport-tuned suspension offers a 10mm lower ride height than non-Sport SX4 models, KYB performance shocks and standard stabilizer bars. The combination of a wide track and large 17-inch wheels wîth low-profile 50-series tires optimizes the ride and handling balance, while adding to the vehicle's dynamic personality.

Exterior

Outside, Sport prospects will note a revised grille, new wheel design and revised rear spoiler. Carried over from 2009 is the expansive greenhouse, along wîth the generous inside space and virtually 360 degrees of visibility that go along wîth it. For those wanting compact exterior dimensions wîth an interior feel more appropriate to a much larger vehicle, the SX4 Sport is the ideal solution.

Interior

Inside, passenger comfort and convenience are addressed by an all-new upgraded instrument cluster wîth backlit instruments and integrated driver information center. To the driver's right, a revised center stack includes audio system and available automatic HVAC controls, aluminum-look accents, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system wîth MP3 and XM Satellite Radio® compatibility. Integrated Garmin navigation, made standard on the 2009 SX4, continues on the 2010 SX4 Sport — wîth notable enhancements: Airline arrival and departures, MSN Real Time Traffic, Bluetooth onscreen text display, movie times, news, gas prices, 3D graphics, lane guidance and Doppler weather maps. In addition, the folding rear seats expand the Sport's already versatile dimensions, and better serve Suzuki's activity-oriented audience. New for 2010 is a height-adjustable driver's seat and visor extender, enhancing the driving experience — and sight lines — for an even wider range of activity-oriented consumers.

Safety

Safety technology in the SX4 Sport includes six standard airbags: driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags; front seat-mounted side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags designed to help provide additional protection for front and outboard rear-seat passengers. Active safety items (ones which 'actively' assist drivers in avoiding an accident) include daytime running lights, four-wheel disc brakes wîth an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. The available Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) wîth traction control works to help vehicle stability when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and when driving on slippery road surfaces. It is available on the SX4 Sport wîth Touring package.

Passive safety (features that help one survive an accident) continues wîth a reinforced body wîth front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb impact energy and direct it away from the reinforced cabin. Front three-point seatbelts wîth pre-tensioners integrate force limiters. The SX4 Sport also is equipped wîth ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors and the LATCH system (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) for all three rear seat positions. In combination, these active and passive safety features make the SX4 one of the best-equipped cars in its class when it comes to safety.

With more consumers interested in bring value to their purchase perspective, Suzuki expects the improvements to the SX4 Sport to further build on the SX4's already broad appeal. With the addition of these enhancements, Suzuki's volume leader looks to turn up the volume, bringing Sport to an even wider audience of sport sedan intenders.