American Suzuki Shows Full Line, SXBox Concept Vehicle at 2007 St. Louis International Auto Show
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 24 // - With an array of vehicles designed to meet the needs of consumers' active lifestyles, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives at the 2007 St. Louis International Auto Show with its full-line of exciting cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover).
In addition to Suzuki's full-line of vehicles on display at the show, St. Louis auto enthusiasts will be treated to a look at the SXBox, one of the company's all-new "Suzuki LIVE Series" concept vehicles based on the 2007 SX4.
"American Suzuki rolls into the St. Louis International Auto Show poised for an impressive 2007 campaign," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations. "We are coming off a record-setting year led by the popular Grand Vitara and top-selling Forenza family of vehicles, and we're set to continue the momentum into the next model year with the XL7 and SX4."
In 2006, American Suzuki bested its own all-time annual sales record - selling 100,990 vehicles - up an impressive 23 percent over 2005. It was the first time in ASMC's 21-year history it eclipsed 100,000 in sales.
Suzuki's diverse vehicle line offers something for everyone with standout virtues for toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition. All 2007 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
"Suzuki LIVE Series" Vehicles
Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the "Suzuki LIVE Series" (LIFE VEHICLES) - a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. In concert with its "Way of Life" brand proposition, which promises products for active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new "Suzuki LIVE Series" vehicles for 2007, illustrating how its cars and SUVs play an integral part of consumers' everyday life.
The vehicles, coined BaseCamp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts; Flix for film and entertainment buffs; Zuk for motorcycle and racing aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; will be on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.
SXBox
Built by ASC of Huntington Beach, Calif., and based on the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over, the SXBox is designed for ultimate video game enthusiasts. The Suzuki SX4 concept receives mild performance upgrades, including high-flow airbox/intake, cat-back exhaust, an enhanced suspension and multi-piston alloy brake calipers mated to cross-drilled, vented rotors.
The SXBox also is equipped with an impressive, high-performance wheel and tire package, providing gamers with the means to get to the nearest gaming competition. When parked, the SXBox's pearl white exterior is illuminated courtesy of a green LED accent kit.
The interior design of the SXBox features an ultra-high-tech, game-inspired color scheme throughout the inside of the vehicle, including recessed LED emitters to brighten the interior of the vehicle. The SXBox is outfitted with a dashboard-integrated Xbox 360 gaming console, coupled with a close proximity digital projection system to display enthusiasts' game of choice on the interior of the vehicle's retractable hood, easily enabled by the push of a button. A second Xbox 360 video game system powers two separate LCD display screens in the seat backs of the SXBox to provide gaming excitement for rear passengers. For gamers who prefer to stand and play, the SXBox is equipped with a 30-inch retractable rear projection screen in the cargo area.
Adding comfort and convenience to the idea of in-car gaming, the concept vehicle features high-relief, force-feedback front seats with game-station highlights to create a snug gaming environment and four wireless controllers, including a steering-wheel-mounted gaming control for the driver. In addition, the SXBox's multi-speaker surround audio system with wide frequency response and thundering bass provides an intense atmosphere of video game stimulation.
2007 Suzuki XL7
The XL7 blends SUV versatility and safety to increase driver and passenger comfort and features available all-wheel drive and seven-passenger, three-row seating to provide adaptability for active, mobile lifestyles. The 3.6-liter, V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with manumatic controls.
The XL7 has a long list of standard features, including five-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shift, extensive safety features, including four airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control system (TCS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)(1). Additional standard features include remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, two 12-volt accessory outlets, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, satin silver trim, air conditioning with automatic climate control, trip computer, automatic headlamps, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and privacy glass.
Three trim levels are offered: XL7, Luxury and Limited. The XL7, offered in five- and seven-passenger configurations and either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899. The XL7 Luxury adds leather-appointed interior, power driver seat, heated front seats, wood trim accents and 17-inch alloy wheels and has a starting MSRP of $24,599.
The top-of-the-line XL7 Limited features standard seven-passenger seating and adds fog lamps, rear spoiler, upgraded roof racks with aluminum lower bumper valances, premium XM Satellite Radio-ready audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer), auto-dimming antiglare rearview mirror with compass, remote starter and DVD entertainment system. The feature-packed XL7 Limited carries an MSRP of $27,949.
There are three optional packages to go with the three trim levels: The seven-passenger seating package (available on XL7 and XL7 Luxury); the DVD entertainment package (available on three-row Luxury) that features a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote starter system; and the Platinum Touring package featuring a touch-screen navigation system, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels with unique design and sunroof.
2007 Suzuki SX4
The 2007 Suzuki SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), named "Best Kept Secret of 2007" by Autobytel, is designed for those who live an adventurous life and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions. The all-new SX4 (the name stands for (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons of weather) features a handsome five-door hatchback design, a sophisticated standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics. Built in Japan, the SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. SX4 is also fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment. The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.
The SX4's standard features include six airbags; front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags; four-wheel ABS with EBD, TPMS, seatbelt pretentioners, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, daytime running lights, fender flares and silver bumper guards. SX4 carries an MSRP of $14,999.
The SX4 comes in two trim levels: SX4 and SX4 Sport. SX4 is available with the Convenience Package, which includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. SX4 Sport includes: TCS and ESP, auto temperature control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium audio with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers (including subwoofer), silver-color roof rails and SmartPass keyless entry and start system. SX4 Sport has an MSRP of $16,399. All trim levels are available in manual or automatic transmission with standard AWD.
2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
First introduced as a 2006 model, the Grand Vitara has garnered much media and consumer praise and has won numerous awards, including a "Best Buy" from Consumer Guide. The 2007 Grand Vitara features a standard 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine, a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, tough unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame and an extensive list of interior amenities and standard safety features.
The list of standard safety features is extensive: ABS with EBD and ESP, including traction control, six airbags, three-point driver and front-passenger seat belts featuring shoulder height adjustment; in the rear seat, each passenger is provided with a three-point seat belt system and a headrest. With its carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is functional and attractive.
The Grand Vitara comes in three trim levels: Base, XSport and Luxury. The standard five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $19,379. The Grand Vitara with Luxury Package and Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system drives tops out at $23,399.
The Suzuki Forenza Sedan and Forenza Wagon
The Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon feature Pininfarina styling, high standard feature content, powerful engines and backing by America's #1 Warranty. Last year, both Forenza models received a fresh front fascia design that incorporates a new Suzuki family grille. Both the Forenza sedan and the Forenza Wagon are available in one trim level, and customers can choose to add the ABS option, the Convenience Package (remote keyless entry and cruise control) or the Popular Package (remote keyless entry, cruise control and power tilt-and-slide sunroof). The starting MSRP for the Forenza sedan is $13,999 and $14,699 for the Forenza Wagon.
2007 Suzuki Reno
With its sculpted European styling and lively 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine, the Reno is an attractive alternative to compact competitors. New in the 2005 model year, the five-door Reno offers budget-conscious buyers versatility for their active lifestyle. The starting MSRP for the Reno is $13,499. The Reno also has an available Convenience Package, adding power tilt-and-slide sunroof, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control.
2007 Suzuki Aerio
The fun-to-drive Aerio sedan comes standard with a sporty 2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque and adds more value in 2007 with the addition of a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. Aerio is available in two trim levels (Aerio and Premium), and buyers can choose between a front-wheel-drive system, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which comes with standard automatic transmission. Prices start at $14,299 for the Aerio and $14,399 for the Aerio Premium.
About American Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 520 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 125 countries. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.
(1) ESP is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG.
Web site: www.media.suzukiauto.com/
