2009 Suzuki SX4 brings GPS to Entry-Level Segment

In this day and age where a dollar gets you less and less even at Wal-Mart, Suzuki has announced that it is making navigation standard on its $16,000 SX4 mini crossover. This isn’t just a clip on Tom-Tom unit either with cables going here and there. It is built into the top of the dashboard and gives real time traffic and weather reports. In a slightly higher trim level you also get Bluetooth compatibility and a Microsoft program that can find you hip places to hang out and good surf spots.

The SX4 has always been known for good value as it is the lowest priced car in America with AWD. Now it seems the little Suzuki will be perfect for finding that four star French Bistro while you are driving through a snowstorm.

Our take? What else comes standard with the SX4? There are power windows/keyless entry/keyless starting, Ipod connectivity and steering wheel mounted controls for the stereo. Remember when these things were the bastion of luxury cars only? Suzuki has pretty much thrown in everything bar the proverbial kitchen sink with this one.

We applaud Suzuki for this bold move and hope other automakers will take this cue and not be so stingy with standard features. Just because you don’t have much cash doesn’t mean you can’t look like a high roller. The new Suzuki SX4 proves that.

BREA, Calif., (April 28, 2008) – Establishing an auto industry first, and packing even more appeal into its bold and stylish sport compact, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced the addition of a fully integrated standard navigation system to the 2009 Suzuki SX4. The company’s offering marks the first time a new vehicle under $16,000 will include navigation as a standard feature. The innovative navigation system will be included as standard equipment on both the four-door SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover, propelling the 2009 SX4 to the front of the compact segment as the personal technology leader.

The Suzuki SX4’s integrated navigation system is the result of a partnership with Garmin and is available with a variety of advanced Microsoft Network-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town. To further customize the system to reflect its “Way of Life” brand attitude, Suzuki will add a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks to the system. The locations include hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions and other activity-focused destinations that will be clearly identified with a Suzuki “Way of Life” icon on the navigation screen.

“Aside from improving an already popular vehicle, this navigation system provides a unique opportunity to further express the Suzuki “Way of Life” brand spirit and directly respond to SX4 shoppers’ unmet needs,” said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “We know that our customers are vibrant and adventurous at heart, so we’ve gone beyond a typical navigation offering to develop a system capable of enhancing driver experiences and activating a passion for living life to the fullest. Navigation makes drivers feel more confident and in control, and our customized navigation system is the perfect fit for Suzuki owners’ on-the-go attitude and daily routine.”

Suzuki based its decision to include standard navigation on feedback from current SX4 owners regarding their most desired features in their next vehicle purchase. In addition to improving overall favorable impressions of the SX4, Suzuki research showed the addition of a navigation system had a positive “halo” effect on a range of driver perceptions, including significant increases in drivers’ “feelings of control” and “feelings of safety.”

Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the fully integrated system utilizes Navteq mapping software and includes a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages. The system also comes preloaded with street maps that feature millions of points-of-interest, such as hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations and ATMs, and other Suzuki-recommended, brand-oriented destinations. A dedicated community Web site will be launched to support the sharing and downloading of user-generated recommendations for destinations and drive routes among Suzuki owners.

The touch screen navigation system included as standard equipment on the 2009 SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover will come with a number of standard navigation features and millions of unique points-of-interest. Bluetooth capability and other enhanced Microsoft Network-enabled features of the system, including real-time traffic, local events, weather forecasts and a gas price finder, will be included as part of the SX4’s upgraded trim package. The 2009 SX4 is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms this summer.


Press release via Suzuki