New 2-Litre Sporthatch Suzuki SX4 Arrives in NZ

NEW 2-LITRE SPORTHATCH SUZUKI SX4 ARRIVES IN NEW ZEALAND

A new 2-litre 2WD version of the Suzuki SX4 has broadened the appeal of the award-winning five-door hatchback.

Suzuki New Zealand has introduced two versions of the larger engine two-wheel-drive SX4 in GLX and higher specification LTD forms, enabling the world car to fill another critical market sector.

The Italian Giugiaro designed 2-litre SX4 Sporthatch is additional to the 1.6-litre front-wheel-drive SX4 and the 2-litre four-wheel-drive variants.

Despite high levels of appointment, refinement and a comprehensive specification, the latest SX4 arrives with class-leading pricing.

Equipped with a manual 5-speed transmission, the 2-litre SX4 GLX has a recommended retail on-road price of $22,500, or $2,000 less than the equivalent all-wheel-drive version. A four-stage electronic automatic transmission GLX is priced at $23,990.

In higher grade LTD mode, the new 2-litre SX4 Sporthatch carries recommended retail prices of $24,500 and $25,990 for the manual gearbox and automatic models respectively. All prices are inclusive of first time registration, roadside assistance and on-road costs.

Like the 1.6-litre GLX front-wheel-drive SX4, the 2-litre model is 55mm lower than the all-wheel-drive version, and ground clearance reduces by 25mm. Even so, at 175mm, the two-wheel-drive SX4 still has a generous ground clearance and easy entry and exit due to the relatively high body stance.

The handy 600mm front seat height – about 100mm more than most compact cars - is a boon for people who are uncomfortable with low entry and seating.

A full body kit, including front chin, side and lower rear body mouldings and rear upper spoiler is standard on the latest 2-litre SX4 Sporthatch, differentiating the model from the smaller-engined variant.

Both grades have 205/60R series tyres on 16-inch diameter rims, with steel wheels and full wheel caps on GLX and five-spoke aluminium alloys on LTD, each with five-stud wheel fixings for added strength.

Electrically operated power assisted steering, electric windows and door mirrors, tilt adjustable steering and remote control for door locking with answer back are standard on all models, along with an engine security immobiliser. Manual air conditioning is fitted to GLX while LTD has climate controlled air conditioning.

Steering wheel controls are provided for the eight-speaker audio tuner with CD, MP3 and WMA facilities while LTD adds cruise control with steering wheel controls.

Unique to the higher specification Suzuki is a leather-bound steering wheel, front fog lamps and keyless entry incorporating a keyless start system. This allows the driver to lock and unlock the doors and operate the car while leaving the keys in a pocket or handbag.

The proven double overhead camshaft, 16-valve, fuel-injected J20A engine fitted to the 2-litre SX4 produces the same power and torque as the all-wheel-drive version that was introduced to New Zealand earlier this year.

Peak torque of 184 Nm is realised at 3,500 rpm while the maximum 107 kW of power is produced at 5,870 rpm.

Both the engine block and cylinder head are made from aluminium, while the chain-driven brass/cast iron camshafts are hollow to reduce weight.

A resin intake manifold utilises an air tuning system to enhance both engine output and torque, varying the effective length of the intake manifold. The variable intake system effectively marries engine speed to improve torque across the rev range.

With the increase in engine size comes a four-wheel disc braking system. Active safety features include four-channel anti-locking braking (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Driver and front passenger air bags are standard, while LTD also has front and rear curtain air bags.

The GLX is offered in silver, copper, light blue and white pearl, while LTD also comes in these colours and adds black and grey. Solid red is available to special order.

Safety is paramount, with the SX4 scoring four stars in Euro NCAP occupant protection tests, and three out of four stars for pedestrian protection.

Since the arrival of the four-wheel-drive SX4 in March, New Zealand sales have exceeded expectations. The model is now Suzuki’s second most popular model beaten only by the top-selling Swift.

“The SX4 has been a key element in Suzuki becoming the fast growing car brand in New Zealand,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

“Not only is the SX4 a truly global model, but it is also a thoroughly modern, class-leading compact car now available in three versions to suit varying demands.

“While we launched the model in four-wheel-drive form, from its inception the car was also designed to offer the driving characteristics to match any two-wheel-drive compact hatchback,” he said.

Suzuki expects the new 2-litre front-drive version will become the highest volume model in the expanding SX4 range.

The distributor is targeting the SX4 to capture 10 per cent of New Zealand’s small car segment in 2008, its first full year of sales. About two-thirds of SX4 sales will be two-wheel-drive models.

ENDS

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