2008 Suzuki SX4 Ready to Roll, and Ready for WRC
by EVANDER KLUM
Japanese automaker Suzuki will roll out the all new 2008 SX4 Sport in the U.S. market followed by the car's entry in the 2008 season of the coveted World Rally Championship (WRC).
Just like the four-door Suzuki SX4 Sport, the 2008 SX4 compact rally car will also feature the 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine under the hood. This power unit can generate 143 horsepower and delivers 136 lb. ft. amount of peak torque. The 2.0-liter is coupled with either a five-speed manual transmission or a specially tuned four-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The 2008 SX4 WRC version will feature a permanent al wheel drive (AWD) configuration. Anyway, going back to the all new 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport for the U.S. market, the car earned a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The engine also offers reduced harmful exhaust emissions, thanks to the Suzuki catalytic converter.
The Suzuki SX4 Sport's body structure and chassis complements the high performance powertrain components. The 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport comes with a rigid steel uni body that provides responsive handling, braking, minimal body roll, and good stability. The SX4 Sport also features reinforced suspension mounts, front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam suspension, KYB shock absorbers, standard stabilizer, 17-inch wheel and tire package, and large four-wheel disc brakes. All of these components contribute to provide excellent handling for the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport.
Outside, the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport features an elegant body styling and athletic stance. The car comes with a low rising waistline and large triangular-shaped windows. This unique design cues give the Sx4 Sport a sporty wedge shape style. Other features include wide track, strong fender design, and spacious cargo area.
Moving inside, the al new 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport continues to offer elegant amenities for customers with its wide range of interior features and other in-car information and entertainment systems. The SX4 Sport offers a functional and high-tech center panel with large circular controls and aluminum colored trim. The 2008 SX4 Sport comes with seating capacity for five persons, providing a spacious and comfortable ride complemented by the class-leading headroom. For music lovers, the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport offers a wide array of audio systems including the standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, available six-disc in-dash CD AM/FM/MP3 audio system with nine speakers (including subwoofer), Suzuki iPod interface, and dealer-installed Bluetooth connectivity option.
The interior amenities of the all new Suzuki SX4 Sport continue with the host of active and passive safety technologies. These include daytime running lights, four-wheel disc brakes with anti lock braking system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), high-mounted stop lamp, and safety-reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones. In addition, the Suzuki SX4 Sport offers an extensive range of airbag and seat belt systems, which include driver and front passenger advanced airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point emergency locking retractor rear seat belts, and ISOFIX-compliant child seat anchors.
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport will roll out in U.S. market carrying a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $14,770. Two optional packages are also available including the Convenience Package priced at $15,270 and the Touring Package with MSRP of $16,270.
Also, watch out for the WRC version of the Suzuki SX4 next year.
