The 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sedan

The Heat Is On

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The introduction of the new Suzuki SX4 Sedan reminded me of thoughts after the 2005 NY Auto Show. I had recently returned from a holiday in Europe and was reminded of the intense market pressure there. The manufacturers scratch and claw for every 1/2% of share and the ultimate winner is always the consumer.

2005's U.S. market started to look very similar to Europe's that year, and the 2007 auto show season has helped me to conclude that my hunch was correct. The new SX4 is based on the current SX4 mini-crossover, and while this vehicle hasn't exactly lit the world on fire, the new sedan should definitely be considered when looking at the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, all new Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer. Solid build quality, rewarding fuel economy, and a look that reminded me of a mini-Infiniti G35 from certain angles. And the new G35 is a stunner.

2008 Suzuki SX4 Touring Sedan

Suzuki has recently posted incredible year on year sales growth, mostly fueled by their association with GM that has lead to re-badging of modern Daewoo vehicles with Suzuki's stylized "S" logo. But the SX line is original Japanese work and shows that the U.S. market is going to keep its new reputation as being the toughest in the world. The quality and depth of product available to the U.S. consumer, as evidenced by this new sedan, is getting stronger every year. Those manufacturers that are not keeping their vehicles relevant and constantly updated are going to see those all important share points slip away. Suzuki learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago, and now we know they listened.

Posted on 2007-04-06 | Permalink | |

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