Suzuki introducing two new models in revamped lineup

Posted Wed Aug 13 2008 5:32 PM by Ralph Hanson

Suzuki is set to revamp its lineup following its decision to drop GM Daewoo as its partner and forge a new partnership with Nissan. Two models from its current lineup that bear GM-Daewoo DNA, the Suzuki Forenza and the Suzuki Reno, will be dropped from Suzuki's range, and replaced with two new models in different segments.

The first of these will be a new, sporty, mid-size sedan that will be inspired by the handsome Kizashi 3 concept (pictured). The mid-sized sedan will debut in late 2009 as a 2010 model and Suzuki has stated that it will be better equipped than its major rivals from Japan, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

Additionally, a Suzuki pickup will be sold, which will be based on the Nissan-built Frontier. Called the Suzuki Equator, the pickup is also expected for a 2009 debut and will come with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, as well as extended and crew-cab variants.

The popular Suzuki Swift will be returning to North America for 2010 as a 2011 model year hatchback, with the possibility of a hybrid Swift sedan becoming available one or two years after that, and the Grand Vitara compact SUV, due for a redesign in 2011, will get two new powerplants that are more economical than their predecessors, according to Automotive News.

The Japanese company will also be adding a navigation system as standard in its SX4 compact car, in a bid to attract young customers and surprise them with the range of standard features. While many of the brand's compacts are remaining, there are conflicting rumors abounding that the XL-7 SUV will be either redesigned for 2011 or dropped altogether from the lineup.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept

Reader Comments

Wed Aug 13 2008 5:39 PM
Laz says

I would jump on one of these quick! It will probably have both 2.5L and 3.5L motors from Nissan. I hope they would include a CVT transmission too. I hope Suzuki becomes the next Subaru in the US...
Wed Aug 13 2008 7:25 PM
NoNameDenton says

Not a fan of the Suzuki mid sized pick up truck idea, the rest is a smart move for America.
Wed Aug 13 2008 8:02 PM
Renton says

I like Suzuki. I hope they do well with this new partnership.
Wed Aug 13 2008 9:24 PM
Mike says

Glad to hear they're finally bringing the Swift here, definitely has better looks and more sporting potential than the Fit, Versa, and Yaris.
Sat Aug 16 2008 7:05 PM
worker bee says

grill on the concept needs more "kizashi-ness"
Thu Feb 5 2009 8:25 PM
crockpotstepdad says

Renault and Nissan are good technological improvement partners for Suzuki. True, the -2006 Grand Vitara IS largely a GM-OPEL Dampfmaschine from good old Germany (Ruesslelsheim) as far as the very nice cockpit is concerned. In the USA we call it "Saturn", however, the Germans would NEVER slap together such a beastly rolling junkyard of a Saturn. And yes, made in Japan does mean reliability, with exception of A/C problems here in South Florida and !!$400 dollar!! blower motors, cheap-ass Yoko rubber and subwoofers burning out. 100,000 mile warranty doesn't cover anything which is broken; that's always extra $$$. Failure to offer USA customers standard items Europeans get as stock, like real spare tires which fit the car and blinkers in the mirrors, navi, HID Xenon headlamps, and diesel (ANYBODY OUT THERE READING THIS?) DIESEL DIESEL DIESEL powerplant!!! Thank God for Renault--say what you will of the Franc,ois, Vins d Pays, Fromage Souffle', whatever--they make excellent diesels and 40MPG! 40MPG! 40MPG!
We NEED DIESEL IN USA! We don't want mud flaps and bike brackets. Give us a real spare tire, a BIG V6 TurboDiesel , a nuvi, and an I-pod plug-in. Cell phone speaker would be nice.

Scot in Naples

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