Suzuki News

The introduction of two new Suzuki SX4 derivatives this month completes the line-up of a 5-door hatchback range that blends elements of both sporty compacts and lightweight SUVs to create a distinctive compact car alternative.

The first, the SX4 DDiS, is powered by Fiat’s acclaimed 120PS 1.9 litre diesel engine which is characterised by punchy performance and excellent flexibility. The intercooled and turbocharged unit’s peak torque of 280Nm is delivered at just 2,000rpm, and output is fully exploited by a new 6-speed manual transmission to give fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg (Combined), while still turning in a 0 to 62 mph figure of 10.6 seconds. Emissions are similarly low, helped by a standard diesel particulate filter.

The second model, the SX4 1.6 GLX 4GRIP, introduces Suzuki’s all-new i-AWD (intelligent-All Wheel Drive) technology in combination with the 107PS 1.6 litre VVT (variable valve timing) petrol engine. This latest SX4 can stretch a gallon of fuel over 39.8 miles (Combined), while 0 to 62 mph is dispatched in 11.5 seconds.

i-AWD is a selectable 4×4 system, offering three alternative modes. In 4WD-Auto, the SX4 4GRIP operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle for much of the time, but as soon as there is pronounced front wheel slip, torque is also delivered to the rear for greater stability. 4WD-Lock mode allows full traction up to around 40 mph, before automatically switching over to the 4WD-Auto mode for smooth cruising. The third option, 2WD mode, enables fuel economy to be maximised.

Finally, the recent introduction of an automatic option for an additional £850 on the 1.6 GLX model means the full SX4 line-up is now as follows:

Tokyo (2 June, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, and Suzuki Motor Corporation have today announced in Tokyo that they have agreed to expand the scope of their business collaboration. Further to the existing OEM supply of Suzuki minicars to Nissan and the supply of automatic transmissions to Suzuki through Nissan’s affiliate company Jatco, Ltd, the two companies are now studying the following items:

· Starting from the end of 2006, Nissan will supply a small MPV-style vehicle to Suzuki on an OEM basis and Suzuki will supply another Suzuki mini-vehicle to Nissan on an OEM basis. Both products are solely for the Japanese market.

· From 2008, Nissan will supply a compact pickup truck to Suzuki on an OEM basis for sale mainly in North America. Suzuki will provide a new A-segment vehicle for Nissan on an OEM basis for sale mainly in Europe.

· Nissan and Suzuki will start manufacturing collaboration in new emerging markets by sharing their respective manufacturing facilities. This activity will start at Suzuki’s plant in India

“Through our existing agreement with Suzuki, we have built up a relationship of trust and partnership for mutual benefit,” said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga. “This expansion is part of Nissan’s continuing drive into new market segments and further global expansion, as set out in the Nissan Value-Up business plan,” continued Shiga

“This expansion of business collaboration with Nissan will strengthen Suzuki’s global competitiveness through pursuit of economies of scale in production volume by additional OEM business opportunities. It will also ensure Suzuki achieves its mid term five-year business plan by complementing its product portfolio in new segments,” said Suzuki President and Chief Operating Officer Hiroshi Tsuda.