A family of four — Mom, Dad and 2 kids — would be quite comfortable in a sedan. But then, maybe a hatchback would be a better choice because it offers more room for passengers and cargo. A recommended hatchback for 2009 is the Suzuki SX4 Hatchback. This car is given positively high ratings in terms of space, safety, and cost.

The Suzuki SX4 Hatchback is a very affordable option for a family car considering that it’s an all-wheel drive. The JX model costs just $21,195. Those who want more options in their ride can opt for the JLX I model that costs $24,295.

Comfort is a sure thing in the Suzuki SX4’s interior. It has 98.5 cubic feet of interior volume, ample enough for 5 adult passengers and a bit of luggage. However, if the rear seat is folded there would be more space to put cargo in. There’s more headroom because of its high roof. Some of its remarkable interior features include the remote keyless entry, power windows, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel that comes with audio controls.

Safety is another aspect that the Suzuki SX4 is proud of. In fact, this car did very well in government crash tests. It earned four stars out of four in terms of driver and front passenger frontal crashes. Helping make this car safe are the standard safety equipment like anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, daytime running lights, all-wheel drive, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Aside from that, the Suzuki SX4 has dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, front seat-mounted side impact air bags, two-row side curtain air bags. LATCH child seat anchors are also a part of the safety features.

Now, performance-wise, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is able to deliver reasonable functions. Its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 143 hp. This engine is matched with a five-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic. 

All vehicles have their Achilles heel. Nothing is perfect, so expect the Suzuki Sx4 to have flaws too. The bad point of this vehicle is the heavy weight that makes it a tad slow on the road. This also affects the car’s fuel economy. But, despite all these, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is still a great option if you need a new family car.

Photo Credit: IMGS

I think that every thing that concerns safety should be given ample attention. It’s a great thing that I spotted this bit of news that Suzuki launched a new vehicle security system. Hmmm, car owners out there must be clapping their hands in great delight because of this news. For sure this new security marking system will take a load off their minds. Just think, you won’t have to worry that your car will get nabbed if you leave it in the parking lot or even just outside your home.

Some vehicles under the Suzuki brand already have this vehicle marking system as a standard feature. These vehicles are the Grand Vitara and SX4. It’s optional on Alto, Swift, Splash and Jimny.

For sure you’re dying to know more about this security feature by Suzuki. So, here’s the press release from the company. Read on.

Suzuki launches new vehicle security marking system

14 May 2009

 

Suzuki has launched a new security marking and registration system, in conjunction with makers Retainagroup, offering an easy to apply and permanent anti-theft deterrent for all Suzuki owners.

 

The marking system is fitted as standard on Grand Vitara and SX4 models and is now available as a low cost dealer fit option on Alto, Swift, Splash and Jimny.

 

Available through all 142 Suzuki dealers, and with a one-off fitted retail price of just £49.00 inc VAT (with no annual membership fee), the Retainagroup system takes just 20 minutes to apply and enables anyone to check a vehicle’s identity, making it the most effective system of its type on the market. Since the system was made available on Grand Vitara; only eight vehicles have been stolen and seven of these were quickly recovered by Police.

 

Talking about the new system, Suzuki GB’s Aftersales Marketing Manager, Michael Le-Flay, commented, “The new Retainagroup anti-theft marking and registration system offers exceptional value and protection. Theft is still a major concern for motorists, not to mention the cost of insurance and we believe this new system offers additional peace of mind. With a combination of overt and covert markings, the system is a great deterrent, but should the unthinkable happen offers owners a much greater chance of recovery.”

 

The system has a 24 hour telephone number provided for vehicle checks and anyone can check a vehicle identity, be it the police or potential buyers of a used car. Receiving data from the Police National Computer on a daily basis, the system is also the only one of its kind to meet the latest Thatcham Quality Accreditation (TQA) and is recognised by all leading insurers.

 

The system is also available across all other Suzuki products which include Motorcycles; Scooters, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) and Marine outboard engines.

 

For more information on the system visit your local authorised Suzuki dealer.

Source: Easier

Maybe no one will contradict if I say that crossovers are some of the most convenient vehicles out in the market these days. This vehicle style is now becoming very popular because of its convenient features and high-performance capabilities. One of the best crossovers for 2009 is the Suzuki SX4 Crossover.

What makes the Suzuki Sx4 Crossover one of the best? First of all, it is a 4-door hatchback that’s just right for a family of five. It is a short vehicle; however it’s height more than makes up for it. Ample headroom is provided for both front and rear passengers so there’s no danger of them hitting their head on the roof while inside. The interior generally has monochrome design. Dark grey material covers the dashboard, including the seats.

Its structure is similar to a car but its exterior has great similarities to an SUV. Thanks to this SUV inspiration, Suzuki SX4 has a sporty and rugged appearance. You must also notice the triangular windows behind the A-line. In terms of its foundations, Suzuki SX4 shares the same with Suzuki Sport and Suzuki Swift.

Three packages are available for the Suzuki SX4. You have the base, Convenience, and Touring. To know what features each have, take a look at this:

• Base – Has standard air conditioning, split folding rear seat, full power accessories, tilt steering wheel, stereo system with CD/MP3 player, rear wiper/washer, roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels.
• Convenience – Comes with the features of the base package with a few additions. It has automatic climate control, cruise control, heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls.
• Touring – This is equipped with the same features of both the base and Convenience. Added features are keyless ignition, fog lights, and upgraded stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer. Available options are satellite radio and an iPod adapter. 

Their differences lie in the interior features, but in terms of power and performance they all have the same. It’s available in one engine option only – a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder configuration that delivers 143 hp at 5,800 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Safety is not sacrificed as well. The Suzuki SX4 is equipped with standard safety features like airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and daytime running lights. The supreme Touring package has added traction control and antiskid system.

Base price of this crossover is $16, 089.

Photo Credit: Automobilemag