Bye Bye: Suzuki Forenza/Reno to be canned after 2008

Who would've thunk it (NOT)? For 2009, Suzuki will remove its top-selling vehicles, Forenza and Reno, from the line-up to accommodate more room for the SX4 range. With the SX4 experiencing a 35% increase in sales for 2007 and the Daewoo siblings facing dips, Suzuki knew which one had better potential.

Suzuki had sold 28,259 examples of the Forenza and Reno through July, a 6.8% decrease from last year. The SX4 gained a 35.1% increase with 9246 units sold. Come this October, Suzuki will add the SX4 Sedan and in 2009, the FWD models of the SX4 Hatch. The Forenza and Reno were on sale since 2004 and has undergone a minor refresh for 2006.

We personally think Suzuki should have kept its ties with Daewoo, considering that the next-generation Lacetti is certainly a looker from the camo-clad spyshots, an element that the current Lacetti/Forenza/Reno performs below par.

[Source: Autoblog]

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Recall: Suzuki calls back 75,000 Renos and Forenzas

Another recall means another post for TheCarBlogger. The culprits this time are the Suzuki Forenza and the Reno. The Reno is the 5-door hatchback variant of the Daewoo-based Forenza. Both models are engineered and built by GM Daewoo, so rest assured, Suzuki is just the distributor here. The issue is faulty front seat belts that might unexpectedly unbuckle itself. The vehicles affected are in the US and Puerto Rico regions.

The vehicles affected are 2006 and 2007 models. The problem will be fixed by Suzuki at no-charge.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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2008 Suzuki Splash revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Following our last post on the revealing of the Agila, Suzuki released new images of its Splash minicar, which will debut alongside the Agila in Frankfurt. The new Splash is based on the Swift platform, and it cues the Splash Concept. The Agila and Splash differ little in design. Just like the Agila, the Splash grows in every dimension from its Wagon R+ predecessor. Engine choices will be the same as the Agila at launch, and it is expected to go on sale at the same time as the Agila, next spring.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continued: Hi-res images

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Next Suzuki Swift to bow in the U.S. in 2010

Suzuki is set to expand its lineup in the US with the reintroduction of its Swift small hatch that’s scheduled to hit showrooms sometime in 2010. The current model pictured above has reignited interest in the brand with its extensive standard features, distinctive styling and resurgence in quality. After meeting with officials from Suzuki at the recent New York Auto Show, Automotive News reports that the US is expected to receive the next generation model due in Japan by 2009.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continued- Article

The last Swift model to be sold in the US was an economical three-cylinder budget-box, but the latest model is promoted in Europe and Japan as a high-performance hatch that’s similar in size to BMW’s MINI and is popular with the style-conscious. “The Swift is known as a pocket rocket internationally, and that is the type of product we want here,” said Suzuki’s marketing director of North America, Gene Brown.

Before the launch of the new Swift, Suzuki will introduce its 2008 SX4 sedan and a pickup truck based on Nissan’s Frontier. According to Brown, there’ll be two other vehicles launched, and the Aerio wagon will be discontinued from next year onwards.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/suzuki-swift-returning-to-us-in-2010/

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New York: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Suzuki has been undergoing a revival of sorts lately, and the company rolled out a four-door version of its SX4 today as the first of four new product introductions that are intended to keep the momentum building.

It's not usual to hear a multi-disipline "motor company" invoking the name of other products when talking about their automotive line-ups, but Suzuki was fearless in claiming that it's churning out cars that are the equal of the ferocious Hayabusa and GSX-R1000. We're not quite sure that's the case, as the 2.0L inline-four in the SX4 makes a couple dozen fewer ponies than the aforementioned two-wheelers, but indeed the new compact sedan seems to have been injected with a bit of sportbike DNA. Seventeen inch wheels are standard, as is a 10mm drop in ride height (as compared to its crossover brethern). Dampers from KYB - a name that should be familiar to motorcyclists - are fitted at each corner, and Suzuki claims that the SX4 sedan has handling metrics equal to or better than the highly-acclaimed European Swift.

Suzuki acknowledged that it will not be all things to all people; the good news is that young enthusiasts seem to be its target audience.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- Hi-res image gallery, official press release



PRESS RELEASE:

AMERICAN SUZUKI DEBUTS ALL-NEW 2008 SX4 SEDAN AT 2007 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

NEW YORK (April 5, 2007) – New York's famed Jacob K. Javits Convention Center hosts a special North American premiere today as American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is unveiling its all-new 2008 SX4 sedan. Blending driving excitement and performance in a stylish, head-turning package, the sporty SX4 sedan joins a growing array of spirited Suzuki products displayed at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Created by the same Suzuki team that won European acclaim with the Suzuki Swift, the SX4 sedan joins the dynamic XL7 midsize crossover SUV, award-winning SX4 compact sport crossover and media-acclaimed Grand Vitara as an iconic vehicle that embodies the future direction of the Suzuki brand and the company's "Way of Life" spirit. Its 'poised for action' wedge-shape stance, muscular arched fenders and standard 17-inch alloy wheels all reflect the vehicle's eagerness to provide a spirited and responsive driving experience.

"The SX4 sedan will be one of the best-equipped compact cars in America and will perfectly complement our lineup of versatile vehicles," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC automotive operations. "Since New York has been home to so many of our significant vehicle introductions, we're delighted to return and kick off the second quarter of 2007 with the launch of Suzuki's latest exciting product."

The SX4 sedan arrives on the heels of an impressive 2006, when American Suzuki enjoyed sales of more than 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 22-year history. Last year's automotive sales were up 23 percent from 2005 and mark the company's third consecutive double-digit annual sales increase.

2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Powertrain
Built in Japan, the SX4 sedan features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, making it more powerful than the segment volume leaders. It is available with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

Handling
The chassis of the SX4 sedan evolved from the award-winning Suzuki Swift that received numerous industry accolades worldwide, including many "Car of the Year" awards in Europe and Asia. With an emphasis on dynamic performance, the sport-tuned SX4 sedan brings the excitement of the Swift to the U.S. market. The SX4 sedan features a rigid steel unibody underpinned by a well-controlled chassis that was fine-tuned in Europe to provide stability, crisp and responsive handling and braking, and minimal body roll. For optimal braking performance, it features four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as standard equipment.

Exterior Styling
Inspired by a Japanese Kabuki mask, the SX4 sedan has an aggressive front fascia and grille, and appears poised for action with a sporty wedge shape that foreshadows its rewarding driving experience. Its muscular and athletic stance is enhanced by its arched fenders, while the body features a low, rising waistline and large, triangular-shaped windows forward of the front doors to emphasize the car's great traction and dynamic performance. The SX4 sedan also features a standard aero body kit, complete with an available rear spoiler.

Interior
The stylish design continues inside the SX4 sedan. Wide door openings provide the driver and passengers with superior ease of entry and egress, while the large cabin proportions and command seating position optimize visibility to enhance driving confidence and control. The cabin allows comfortable seating for five, with more overall interior space than the segment's volume leaders. The SX4 sedan also features theater-style seating for the rear passengers.

A functional and high-tech center panel offers large, circular controls flanked by modern aluminum- colored trim. Instruments and controls are backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting, and the ergonomic design of the instrument cluster and dashboard provides clear views of the meters and easy access to the controls for a true driver-oriented cabin. The sporty cockpit theme extends throughout the cabin with a dark interior that features black cloth for a look that is both sharp and refined.

The sedan's handsome integrated center stack also houses a sophisticated audio system – standard AM/FM/MP3/CD with four speakers. The system is XM Satellite Radio ready and offers an available premium sound system, featuring nine speakers and in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Safety
Consistent with Suzuki's philosophy of both fun and safe driving, the SX4 sedan offers an extensive array of standard safety features, including four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Passive safety equipment includes a reinforced body with front and rear crush zones designed to help absorb impact energy and six standard airbags: driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags designed to provide additional protection for outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. In addition, the SX4 sedan is fitted with front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point inertia reel rear seat belts and ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors.

The all-new 2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fall of 2007.

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Spy Shots: Next Suzuki Verona caught in California

GMDAT and Suzuki share alot of components and it seems that the partnership will continue on with these latest shots of what appears to be the Daewoo Tosca with Suzuki badges spotted in Southern California. Suzuki suffered poor sales from its rebadged product of the Daewoo Magnus mid-size sedan, which was introduced for the 2004 model year. Both the Chevrolet Epica sales in Canada and Suzuki Verona sales were discontinued for the 2007 model year.

Last year, GM Daewoo introduced the Tosca, the successor of the Magnus that spawned a different name in South Korea. It was also an in-house design, different to its predecessor which was designed by Giugiaro Designs. Not long after the ceremonious debut, Chevrolet introduced their rebadged variant of the Tosca, consisting of the Epica name. It was intended for European markets only. Nonetheless, it sparked alot of rumours of Suzuki introducing their variant of the Epica and reintroducing it in North America.

[Source: CarSpyShots.net]

Continued- Article, more shots

Those rumours were denied by GM, and it disappointed the GM fans. The previous Verona was based on the Magnus Sedan, produced by Daewoo. It was an old design, which showed in its poor sales. However, the introduction of the Tosca sparked alot of praises both from the media and the public. It seems like Suzuki has responded.

The front shots shows a Suzuki badge, which surprisingly blends in nicely, and projector headlamps. Even though it was spotted in Southern California, the rear shot shows a Michigan manufacturer plate. There is no visible badge on the rear-end, but the front shot gives us enough clues that it is definitely a Suzuki mule. The spy photographer, a member of CarSpyShots.net, was clever enough to capture an image of the interior. Other than the Suzuki badge on the steering wheel, in place of the Chevrolet and GM Daewoo badge, no major changes are seen.

We were very impressed with the Tosca as its Euro-inspired design coupled with a variety of competent engine choices, was a good combination for a competitive mid-size sedan for North America. IF, the Suzuki Verona arrives in the States, it will be priced fairly low like its predeccesor. Suzuki has yet to confirm the arrival of a new Verona, but we have faith in GM that they are smart enough to bring over the car.

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Geneva: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Suzuki has released official images of its SX4 sedan, ahead of its debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The new sedan is based on the 4WD SX4 SUV, but will come with front-wheel-drive only. Under the hood will be a 1.6L gasoline engine developing 107hp (79kW), and its developers have stated that there will be no diesel option. However, US delivered models could possibly get a more powerful V6 version with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The SX4 sedan shares the same front-end styling as the SX4 SUV model, while the interior is decked out in anthracite coal tones. The car will be in showrooms towards the end of the year. Suzuki will also display the SX4 Sedan Sport Concept that’s powered by a 2.0L motor and rides on 17in alloys.

A third SX4 based model, the WRC competition car that Suzuki will use to enter the 2008 WRC will also making a showing in Geneva, as well as the Swift sport Rallye edition.

Stay tuned for more images and the official press release when the SX4 Sedan makes its world premiere in Geneva next month.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Follow the jump for one additional image.

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Geneva: Suzuki planning new sedan and Wagon R+

Suzuki is set to display a new mid-sized sedan based on its SX4 SUV at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the 4WD SX4, the new model will be front-wheel-drive only, and isn’t scheduled for release until 2009. In a surprising move, its developers have stated that there will be no diesel option. Instead, the new sedan will feature a 109hp (79kW) 1.6L gasoline engine that’s also shared with the SX4. However, US delivered models will get a more powerful V6 version with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Before the introduction of the new sedan, Suzuki will launch the successor to the Wagon R+ vehicle. Like its predecessor, the new five-door wagon will be built alongside its Opel Agila cousin at a plant in Rüsselsheimern, Germany. Styling will be heavily influenced by the Suzuki Splash concept pictured above that debuted at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Since this car won’t have a diesel option either, Suzuki engineers were forced to make its gasoline engine ultra-efficient. A 1.2L gasoline engine is currently being tested that’s claimed to achieve an impressive 78mpg rating for the combined cycle.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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