Monday, January 31, 2011

Kia Cadensa, 2011

Kia Cadensa, 2011



The Kia Motors Corporation has taken the wraps off its new Kia Cadenza, the production version of its VG concept car - an all-new saloon car designed to deliver refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction in an 'ideal' driving package.
A stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called 'Cadenza' in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at motor shows in the Middle East, towards the end of the year.

The Kia Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolises the dynamic saloon's striking design philosophy and premium image.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Kia Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish tail-lights emphasise the car's high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia's dramatic design DNA.

The inside, there is a futuristic 'floating' dashboard that highlights Kia's uniquely innovative design approach.
The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to 'greet' the driver, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

The Kia Cadenza's dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment. Luxury features will include a heated steering wheel for winter driving in cold countries, powered extendable seat cushions to give extra thigh support, automatic defogging of the windscreen and ventilated front seats providing cool comfort in hot countries.

Kia za is positioned above the existing Magentis model in Kia's global line-up but currently there are no plans to bring to vehicle to the UK.

Kia Cadensa, 2011

Kia Cadensa, 2011



The Kia Motors Corporation has taken the wraps off its new Kia Cadenza, the production version of its VG concept car - an all-new saloon car designed to deliver refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction in an 'ideal' driving package.
A stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called 'Cadenza' in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at motor shows in the Middle East, towards the end of the year.

The Kia Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolises the dynamic saloon's striking design philosophy and premium image.

Sporty and sleek in appearance, Kia Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish tail-lights emphasise the car's high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kia's dramatic design DNA.

The inside, there is a futuristic 'floating' dashboard that highlights Kia's uniquely innovative design approach.
The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to 'greet' the driver, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

The Kia Cadenza's dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment. Luxury features will include a heated steering wheel for winter driving in cold countries, powered extendable seat cushions to give extra thigh support, automatic defogging of the windscreen and ventilated front seats providing cool comfort in hot countries.

Kia za is positioned above the existing Magentis model in Kia's global line-up but currently there are no plans to bring to vehicle to the UK.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011

 
 
 

 Legendary Capability
Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems
Quadra Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

Right-sized Packaging
The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is 3 inches wider for improved handling and packaging.

Cargo volume behind the second-row provides an additional 6.8 cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

Classic Exterior Design
Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering a 7- percent improvement in drag compared with the current model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Cd is approximately 0.37 compared with the 2009 Cd of 0.404.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the Pentastar V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011

Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011

 
 
 

 Legendary Capability
Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems
Quadra Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

Right-sized Packaging
The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is 3 inches wider for improved handling and packaging.

Cargo volume behind the second-row provides an additional 6.8 cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

Classic Exterior Design
Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering a 7- percent improvement in drag compared with the current model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Cd is approximately 0.37 compared with the 2009 Cd of 0.404.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the Pentastar V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Toyota recalls 245,000 Lexus sedans in U.S., 1.7 million cars globally

 01 2006 lexus is630opt1 450x270 Toyota recalls 245,000 Lexus sedans in U.S., 1.7 million cars globally

We won’t blame you for reading this headline and thinking, “Oh great, another Toyota recall.” After all, the Japanese automaker dominated headlines in 2010 by recalling every single model in its then-current product portfolio, including the massive sticky pedal and unintended acceleration recalls that took place in the first half of last year.

Now, Toyota has issued a voluntary recall on about 245,000Lexus sedans here in the United States and an additional 1.5 million vehicles around the world. Here in the U.S., the 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350, 2006-2009 Lexus IS 250 and 2006-2008 Lexus IS 350 sedans are being recalled due to faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. If this sensor has not been fastened tightly enough, fuel has the potential to leak between the gasket that connects it to the fuel delivery pipes. Including these North American vehicles, the fuel sensor recall affects 354,524 vehicles around the world, with Automotive News citing that the Toyota Crown and Mark X sedans are being recalled in the automaker’s home market.

Toyota’s other global recall involves faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves, though none of the 1.34 million vehicles affected by this one are in North America. In Japan, the RAV4 crossover, Voxy and Noah minivans are being recalled, as well as the Avensis sedan and wagon sold in Europe.

Toyota teases FT-86 II concept for Geneva


toyota ft 86 ii 450x270 Toyota teases FT 86 II concept for Geneva

Subaru has already confirmed that it’s sports car being jointly developed with Toyota is coming to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Now Toyota is getting into the action by announcing today that its version of the jointly developed sports car, the FT-86, will be there… and it will be an evolution of the concept shown back in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The updated version is called the Toyota FT-86 II and promises to be our clearest view yet of what the production vehicle will look like.

Toyota is also going so far as to say that the FT-86 II will prove the automaker has a “reborn passion for sports car driving.” If the FT-86 II can evoke memories of Celicas, Supras and even a hint of the legendary 2000GT, then we say build it as fast as you can.

Toyota-based Subaru Trezia hatchback headed to Europe


trezia0lo2 413x300 Toyota based Subaru Trezia hatchback headed to Europe

When we think about Toyota-Subaru collaboration, the first thing that comes to mind is the highly anticipated rear-wheel-drive “Toyobaru” project. But while the FT-86 and its Subie sibling are first in our thoughts, it wasn’t number one to market.

Automotive News reports that Subaru is set to unveil the Trezia hatchback in March at the Geneva Auto Show. The roomy five-door, which closely mirrors the Honda Fit in most every measurement, will be a near spot-on match of the Toyota Verso it’s based on, but with an Impreza-style grille slapped on the front clip and some Subaru badging sprinkled throughought. Both the Toyota Verso (named Ractis for JDM consumption) and Subaru Trezia are being sold in Japan now, and both vehicles are destined for Euro showrooms this spring.

In Japan, the Trezia is powered by a choice of 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engines mated to a CVT, but in Europe the 1.5 will be replaced with a 1.4-liter diesel. In Japan, the Trezia can be had with all-wheel-drive provided car buyers check off the box for the more powerful engine, which will likely be the turbodiesel in Europe.

With its roomy interior and diminutive footprint, the Trezia will likely do well overseas. But will we ever see Subaru’s Fit-fighter in North America? With gas prices once again on the rise, it might not be a bad idea.

Toyota remains world’s largest automaker for third year in a row despite troubles

 

 gyi0062137241 450x290 Toyota remains worlds largest automaker for third year in a row despite troubles

Despite weathering a rocky 2010 marked by repeated recalls, Toyota managed to remain the world’s largest automaker last year. According to Bloomberg, the Japanese manufacturer saw its sales rise by eight percent to 8.42 million units if you include Lexus, Hino and Daihatsu. That figure beat out General Motors, which saw its sales increase by 12 percent with 8.39 million units sold.

While Toyota’s sales in the U.S. market dropped by 0.4 percent due to safety concerns, the automaker saw large increases in China. The company’s sales in the People’s Republic jumped by 19 percent, though General Motors saw its Chinese sales increase by 29 percent.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, managed to move 7.14 million vehicles during 2010, cementing its place as the third-largest automaker in the world. That figure marks a 14 percent increase over 2009, and VW says that it fully expects to see sales increase by five percent in 2011.

Toyota is forecasting its sales to hit 8.6 million vehicles in 2011.

Mommies on Minivans: Practical, but where’s the style?

28 2012 ford c max 450x240 Mommies on Minivans: Practical, but wheres the style?
Toyota can call the Sienna a swagger wagon all it wants, but the slogan isn’t going to make moms any happier about hopping behind the wheel. According to The Detroit Free Press, most mothers aren’t fooled by gimmicky marketing or the latest attempts to redesign the minivan as a stylish piece of transportation. Reporter Krista Jahnke followed a group of mothers from Detroit.MomsLikeMe.com as they toured the Detroit Auto Show to critique the latest wave of minivans.

What did they think? While the vast majority appreciated the added creature comforts of the newest generation of family haulers, they still seemed to feel that the minivan was always going to be a practical choice first and an aesthetic one dead last.

One woman even admitted that she cried the first time she had to drive a minivan. Admittedly, we feel her pain.

The crew took the time to check out the all-new Ford C-Max, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Volkswagen Routan, and was kind enough share its opinion on each. Despite its significantly smaller size, the C-Max fared well amongst those who know minivans best, while the Grand Caravan was penalized for its cavernous, grime-trapping center console. Head over to The Detroit Free Press to see all of their impressions.

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, 2010

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, 2010

 
 

Spyker Cars announced the development of a convertible Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder in March 2009 at the Geneva Auto Show, during the introduction of the production version of the Spyker C8 Aileron. The car presented at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in is the first prototype for the open-top model, scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2010.

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder is a high-quality, semi-automatic canvas soft-top. The roof's operation is electric/hydraulic, secured by one central latch operated manually. Once folded, the soft-top is totally enclosed within the body of the car, allowing for an undisturbed profile. The roof retracts under an aluminium tonneau, with two buttresses upholstered in quilted Hulshof leather (matching the car's interior) and featuring the company's motto "Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via" ("For the tenacious, no road is impassable"). The soft top has a glass rear window and is available in eight colours.

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder features a luggage rack, CNC-machined from solid billets of aluminium, mounted immediately behind the roll hoops, on which a wing-shaped aluminium case is strapped. The case is trimmed in the same quilted leather as the interior and buttresses.

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, 2010

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder, 2010

 
 

Spyker Cars announced the development of a convertible Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder in March 2009 at the Geneva Auto Show, during the introduction of the production version of the Spyker C8 Aileron. The car presented at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in is the first prototype for the open-top model, scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2010.

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder is a high-quality, semi-automatic canvas soft-top. The roof's operation is electric/hydraulic, secured by one central latch operated manually. Once folded, the soft-top is totally enclosed within the body of the car, allowing for an undisturbed profile. The roof retracts under an aluminium tonneau, with two buttresses upholstered in quilted Hulshof leather (matching the car's interior) and featuring the company's motto "Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via" ("For the tenacious, no road is impassable"). The soft top has a glass rear window and is available in eight colours.

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder features a luggage rack, CNC-machined from solid billets of aluminium, mounted immediately behind the roll hoops, on which a wing-shaped aluminium case is strapped. The case is trimmed in the same quilted leather as the interior and buttresses.

Suzuki SX4, 2010

Suzuki SX4, 2010


 
 

Suzuki SX4 is a distinctive five-door hatchback that blends the characteristics of sporty compacts exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara, to create an exciting small car alternative.

The resulting 'sport X-over' combines responsive driving dynamics, 4x4 capability, high levels of practicality and styling that suggests a freestyle approach to life.

The UK line-up offers two engine options - one diesel and one petrol. The revised 120PS 1.6 litre VVT petrol engine is available in either SZ3 or SZ4 2WD (front-wheel drive) format or as a 4x4 SZ5 model with selectable/automatic four-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre DDiS will be available in SZ4 trim from April 2010, together with the SZ5 4X4 petrol.
.
Expressive, confident exterior
The Suzuki SX4 is styled to look good in any setting. Fusing the dynamism of SUVs with the elegance of passenger cars gives poise and presence beyond the model's compact size. The 2010 model features a redesigned front bumper and grill together with new design 16-inch alloy wheels for SZ4 and SZ5 models. A low, rising waistline and large, triangular glazing forward of the front doors give the vehicle a strong, sporty wedge shape expressing dynamic performance, while the pronounced wheelarches and wide front and rear track broadcast stability and good traction. The design suggests a potential that is not found in conventional hatchbacks and that is pure Suzuki in nature: exciting, multi-dimensional and visually appealing.

Bold and refined interior
The "X-over" design continues inside the vehicle, with curving wraparound forms and trim materials and fabrics that have high visual and tactile quality. Circular motifs and a flowing centre panel - also used to critical acclaim in other Suzuki models - express the car's dynamic performance and add to its active lifestyle appeal.

The two-tone interior is predominantly black, highlighted with metallic-coloured accents and wedge-shaped motifs, for a look that is both bold and refined. The instrument panel's ergonomic design ensures the key meters and controls are intuitive and simple to use. A new style, LED back lit three-dial cluster provides important information at a glance and neatly echoes the metallic, circular motifs of the side air outlets and other controls. Important driver information on average and instantaneous fuel consumption as well as driving fuel range and outside temperature have now been relocated from the top centre of the dashboard to directly ahead of the driver in the instrument cluster.

The lower centre dashboard panel has also been revised for the 2010 model and incorporates a new display; housing the audio, air conditioning and other controls. On SZ4 and SZ5 models the large dials of the fully automatic air conditioning have ring lights, which make them easier to see and use, while adding to the overall refined quality. Steering wheel audio controls are now illuminated for added convenience.

Balance of form and function
The Suzuki SX4 comfortably accommodates up to five people and their luggage needs, while retaining a sleek and stylish look. The 4WD models have exterior length-width-height dimensions of 4,150mm x 1,755mm x 1,620mm (2WD models:1,605mm) These efficient proportions and a minimum turning circle of 10.6 metres make Suzuki SX4 easy to navigate around narrow urban streets and easier to park in spaces that would be out-of-bounds to large SUVs.

The spacious interior offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, even for rear seat passengers. Space is not the only factor in ensuring plenty of on-board comfort: the shape and position of the seats are designed to support a natural posture, a key factor in comfortable long-distance travel. Additionally, ideal seat heights, large door openings, and high ground clearance make access easy for all on board. The rear seats are set slightly higher, which means even those in the back get a good all-round view.

The rear seats divide 60:40, which means long items can be carried while still seating one or two rear passengers. They can also be tumbled forward to create an almost fully flat load floor, increasing boot capacity from 270 to 625 litres (VDA measurement).

Specification
Suzuki SX4 is well equipped as standard with the SZ3 model offering six airbags; remote central locking with deadlocks, air conditioning, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, four electric windows, driver information display and illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The SZ4 model adds fog lamps; 16-inch alloy wheels, side body protection and heated door mirrors. Petrol engine SZ4 models have an even higher specification with keyless entry and start; dashboard centre speaker and automatic air conditioning.

On sale in April, the top of the range SZ5 model adds i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive), MP3 / WMA compatible six CD changer and rear privacy glass.

Pure driving exhilaration

The Suzuki SX4 was engineered from the outset to offer all-wheel drive capability, yet still deliver sharp, dynamic performance. The inherent qualities of sporty hatchbacks are evident in the car's responsiveness and comfortable long-distance travel, while Suzuki's extensive experience in 4WD technology delivers all-wheel traction that is more than adequate for everyday situations.

The revised 1.6-litre petrol engine features drive by wire throttle control, a new variable valve timing and variable intake system for enhanced driveability and response. It powers the 2WD models with manual transmission from nought to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds - 11.5 seconds for the 4x4 model. In combined cycle driving, the 2WD manual models return 45.6mpg, a 10 per cent improvement over the previous engine, while the 4x4 is only slightly behind, returning 43.5mpg, a very respectable figure for a petrol-powered 4x4.

Power and torque

The 1.6-litre petrol engine has been improved to comply with Euro 5 emissions with a new cylinder head and block which offer improved cooling performance and improved 'knock' or detonation control limits; the higher power output (120PS vs 107PS) over the previous engine has been achieved by extending the intake and exhaust valve lift with variable valve timing and utilising a variable inlet manifold.

The variable intake system is similar to that used in the Grand Vitara 2.4-litre engine in which rotary valves in the intake manifold change the length of the intake ports according to engine speed. The result is improved intake efficiency throughout the rev range.

The variable intake system adjusts intake port length in three stages, Low, Mid and High engine speeds; thus gaining the maximum potential from the intake manifold. Optimising intake efficiency in this way means the engine delivers higher torque at the right time and subsequently delivers lower emissions across the engine speed range.

The engine also utilises a thin walled exhaust catalyst to also help achieve higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions; this is particularly relevant after start up from cold as the exhaust catalyst is able to reach it's correct operating temperature in less time.
 
The signature feature of the Suzuki SX4 4x4 is it's i-AWD switchable three-mode all-wheel drive system. An Electric Control Coupling Device allows the driver to select 4WD-Auto, 4WD-Lock, and 2WD modes to suit driving conditions, giving excellent traction on low grip surfaces.

In 4WD-Auto mode in normal driving conditions there is no torque transfer to the rear wheels, so the Suzuki SX4 effectively operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle. As soon as any pronounced front wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically apportioned to the rear wheels to give all-wheel traction and improve vehicle stability.

4WD-Lock mode maintains full traction up to around 40mph, before automatically switching to 4WD-Auto mode for smooth cruising. Selecting 2WD (drive through the front wheels) optimises fuel economy.

Suzuki SX4, 2010

Suzuki SX4, 2010


 
 

Suzuki SX4 is a distinctive five-door hatchback that blends the characteristics of sporty compacts exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara, to create an exciting small car alternative.

The resulting 'sport X-over' combines responsive driving dynamics, 4x4 capability, high levels of practicality and styling that suggests a freestyle approach to life.

The UK line-up offers two engine options - one diesel and one petrol. The revised 120PS 1.6 litre VVT petrol engine is available in either SZ3 or SZ4 2WD (front-wheel drive) format or as a 4x4 SZ5 model with selectable/automatic four-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre DDiS will be available in SZ4 trim from April 2010, together with the SZ5 4X4 petrol.
.
Expressive, confident exterior
The Suzuki SX4 is styled to look good in any setting. Fusing the dynamism of SUVs with the elegance of passenger cars gives poise and presence beyond the model's compact size. The 2010 model features a redesigned front bumper and grill together with new design 16-inch alloy wheels for SZ4 and SZ5 models. A low, rising waistline and large, triangular glazing forward of the front doors give the vehicle a strong, sporty wedge shape expressing dynamic performance, while the pronounced wheelarches and wide front and rear track broadcast stability and good traction. The design suggests a potential that is not found in conventional hatchbacks and that is pure Suzuki in nature: exciting, multi-dimensional and visually appealing.

Bold and refined interior
The "X-over" design continues inside the vehicle, with curving wraparound forms and trim materials and fabrics that have high visual and tactile quality. Circular motifs and a flowing centre panel - also used to critical acclaim in other Suzuki models - express the car's dynamic performance and add to its active lifestyle appeal.

The two-tone interior is predominantly black, highlighted with metallic-coloured accents and wedge-shaped motifs, for a look that is both bold and refined. The instrument panel's ergonomic design ensures the key meters and controls are intuitive and simple to use. A new style, LED back lit three-dial cluster provides important information at a glance and neatly echoes the metallic, circular motifs of the side air outlets and other controls. Important driver information on average and instantaneous fuel consumption as well as driving fuel range and outside temperature have now been relocated from the top centre of the dashboard to directly ahead of the driver in the instrument cluster.

The lower centre dashboard panel has also been revised for the 2010 model and incorporates a new display; housing the audio, air conditioning and other controls. On SZ4 and SZ5 models the large dials of the fully automatic air conditioning have ring lights, which make them easier to see and use, while adding to the overall refined quality. Steering wheel audio controls are now illuminated for added convenience.

Balance of form and function
The Suzuki SX4 comfortably accommodates up to five people and their luggage needs, while retaining a sleek and stylish look. The 4WD models have exterior length-width-height dimensions of 4,150mm x 1,755mm x 1,620mm (2WD models:1,605mm) These efficient proportions and a minimum turning circle of 10.6 metres make Suzuki SX4 easy to navigate around narrow urban streets and easier to park in spaces that would be out-of-bounds to large SUVs.

The spacious interior offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, even for rear seat passengers. Space is not the only factor in ensuring plenty of on-board comfort: the shape and position of the seats are designed to support a natural posture, a key factor in comfortable long-distance travel. Additionally, ideal seat heights, large door openings, and high ground clearance make access easy for all on board. The rear seats are set slightly higher, which means even those in the back get a good all-round view.

The rear seats divide 60:40, which means long items can be carried while still seating one or two rear passengers. They can also be tumbled forward to create an almost fully flat load floor, increasing boot capacity from 270 to 625 litres (VDA measurement).

Specification
Suzuki SX4 is well equipped as standard with the SZ3 model offering six airbags; remote central locking with deadlocks, air conditioning, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, four electric windows, driver information display and illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The SZ4 model adds fog lamps; 16-inch alloy wheels, side body protection and heated door mirrors. Petrol engine SZ4 models have an even higher specification with keyless entry and start; dashboard centre speaker and automatic air conditioning.

On sale in April, the top of the range SZ5 model adds i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive), MP3 / WMA compatible six CD changer and rear privacy glass.

Pure driving exhilaration

The Suzuki SX4 was engineered from the outset to offer all-wheel drive capability, yet still deliver sharp, dynamic performance. The inherent qualities of sporty hatchbacks are evident in the car's responsiveness and comfortable long-distance travel, while Suzuki's extensive experience in 4WD technology delivers all-wheel traction that is more than adequate for everyday situations.

The revised 1.6-litre petrol engine features drive by wire throttle control, a new variable valve timing and variable intake system for enhanced driveability and response. It powers the 2WD models with manual transmission from nought to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds - 11.5 seconds for the 4x4 model. In combined cycle driving, the 2WD manual models return 45.6mpg, a 10 per cent improvement over the previous engine, while the 4x4 is only slightly behind, returning 43.5mpg, a very respectable figure for a petrol-powered 4x4.

Power and torque

The 1.6-litre petrol engine has been improved to comply with Euro 5 emissions with a new cylinder head and block which offer improved cooling performance and improved 'knock' or detonation control limits; the higher power output (120PS vs 107PS) over the previous engine has been achieved by extending the intake and exhaust valve lift with variable valve timing and utilising a variable inlet manifold.

The variable intake system is similar to that used in the Grand Vitara 2.4-litre engine in which rotary valves in the intake manifold change the length of the intake ports according to engine speed. The result is improved intake efficiency throughout the rev range.

The variable intake system adjusts intake port length in three stages, Low, Mid and High engine speeds; thus gaining the maximum potential from the intake manifold. Optimising intake efficiency in this way means the engine delivers higher torque at the right time and subsequently delivers lower emissions across the engine speed range.

The engine also utilises a thin walled exhaust catalyst to also help achieve higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions; this is particularly relevant after start up from cold as the exhaust catalyst is able to reach it's correct operating temperature in less time.
 
The signature feature of the Suzuki SX4 4x4 is it's i-AWD switchable three-mode all-wheel drive system. An Electric Control Coupling Device allows the driver to select 4WD-Auto, 4WD-Lock, and 2WD modes to suit driving conditions, giving excellent traction on low grip surfaces.

In 4WD-Auto mode in normal driving conditions there is no torque transfer to the rear wheels, so the Suzuki SX4 effectively operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle. As soon as any pronounced front wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically apportioned to the rear wheels to give all-wheel traction and improve vehicle stability.

4WD-Lock mode maintains full traction up to around 40mph, before automatically switching to 4WD-Auto mode for smooth cruising. Selecting 2WD (drive through the front wheels) optimises fuel economy.