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Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan , striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and is motivated by a strong 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180-185 horsepower, depending on transmission fitment. The Kizashi looks poised to compete on personality, feature equipment, and value, with prices starting at $19,000 and peaking at about $27,000, plus $735 in destination charges. Even the base Kizashi S is well equipped with front, side, rear side, and side-curtain airbags; dual-zone climate control; nine-speaker audio system; push-button keyless start; power windows, doors, and mirrors; stability control; and ambient lighting. Starting at $21,500, the Kizashi SE packs additional equipment, such as continuously variable transmission (CVT), 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, leather trim bits, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Suzuki expects this will be the most popular version. For those who want a more sporting character, the GTS starts at $22,500 and ranges to $25,000 with all the goodies. The GTS is available with a choice of six-speed manual transmission or performance-tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters. It...
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It's the week ending July 31, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news was the implementation and nearly immediate suspension of Obama's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. It took less than a week, but reports indicate CARS may have already burned through its billion dollar funding. Passed at the beginning of the month and officially set into motion on Monday, a brief story published last night at AutoBlog indicates that nearly 23,000 cars have already been sold. According to AutoSpies , when shoppers heard that the program could be stalled so the feds could reconcile the backlog of sales and trade-ins, last-minute buyers crawled out of the woodwork to take advantage of last-minute sales opportunities. As explained at Edmunds Auto Observer , however, a great concern to dealers is the that they must destroy the clunkers and provide proof they have been destroyed before they can even apply for the government voucher. If the money runs out, the dealers must honor the deal without receiving the reimbursement. AutoblogGreen says compressed natural gas-powered vehicles...
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Suzuki spent much of the last auto show season teasing its new design direction with a series of Kizashi concept cars, shown at the New York , Frankfurt, and Tokyo auto shows. Today, the automaker unveiled the production model those snazzy concepts portended. The Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee") midsized sedan goes on sale this winter. Billed as the company’s first all-wheel-drive sport sedan, the Kizashi is fitted with a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine teamed with a six-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Suzuki boasts that the engine will be “more potent” than that in many competitive best-sellers , which suggests the output will be north of 170 horsepower. This powertrain will be joined by a hybrid version in the future. The power can be routed through an optional intelligent all-wheel-drive system designed to both enhance foul-weather traction and performance handling. Further safety is provided by eight airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control ( ESC ). The five-place interior is available in a upscale trim, with leather upholstery, heated seats, and three-position memory. Conveniences include iPod connectivity...
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To help motorists at the pump during peak summer driving season and help encourage additional traffic to U.S. showrooms, Suzuki has announced a nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of either a new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan or Crossover model. Suzuki's "Free Gas for Summer" sales program kicked off July 1 and runs through August 31. "Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Working through our U.S. dealer network, we're happy to extend this unique program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki SX4 during the summer shopping season." Buyers of a new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan or Crossover will receive a stored value debit card of either $270 or $290 that can be used for fuel purchases. The amount is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car's EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway...
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It's the week ending July 3, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Gas prices and gas deals are a big incentive for car sales this week, as well as news on the status of the automotive industry....
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It's the week ending June 12, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest auto news of the week is that Congress approved the first "Cash for Clunker" legislation, Penske is buying Saturn, and American Honda turned 50. Read below for more bits and pieces from the auto world this week....
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Do you prefer to start fresh? Would you feel better knowing that your new car doesn’t have a used-car history? If you’re in the market for a brand new car with a new-car warranty, but want or need to keep your spending to a minimum, here are the 16 new models available in trim levels for less than $15,000 (price ranges for some models include trim levels over $15k). Click on each vehicle to learn more about its features and options. Happy hunting! 2009 Chevrolet Aveo ($11,965-$15,365) 2009 Honda Fit ($14,750-$18,960) 2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070-$15,070) 2009 Hyundai Elantra ($14,120-$17,020) 2009 Kia Rio ($11,495-$14,280) 2010 Kia Soul ($13,300-$16,950) 2009 Kia Spectra ($13,550-$16,450) 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 ($14,690-$20,895) 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ($14,340-$26,490) 2009 Nissan cube ($13,990-$19,370) 2009 Nissan Versa ($10,990-$16,330) 2009 Pontiac G3 ($14,335) 2009 Scion xD ($14,650) 2009 smart fortwo ($11,990-$13,990) 2009 Suzuki SX4 ($13,299-$15,139) 2009 Toyota Yaris ($12,205-$15,880) See the rest of our New Car Buyer's Guide for pricing, specs, mileage figures, and photo galleries of all vehicle makes, models, by pricing and category. -Deborah Neal, Editorial Director
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The tragic trend continues, car sales continue to slide from bad to worse as the nation reels amidst the troubled economy. As automakers, suppliers, and dealers struggle to survive and restructure to face the changing challenges, the plummeting sales figures do mean that tremendous deals can be found for those in the market for a new or even a used car . Few companies were spared deep double-digit declines in Februrary when comparing the month year to year. In the 40-50 percent range, Acura , Ford , Lincoln , Mercury , Pontiac , and even Toyota saw such steep declines. The 50-60 percent range includes Buick , Cadillac , Chevrolet , GMC , Mitsubishi , Saturn , and Volvo . The scariest thing, there are brands in the 60-70 percent range, such as Chrysler , Hummer , Saab , and Suzuki . At the corporate level, the numbers still look dreadful. BMW is down 32.7 percent, proving that even the well-heeled are sheepish about new car buying. Chrysler is down 44 percent—notably less than Ford Motor Company at 48.4 percent and General Motors at 52.9 percent. Even Honda saw a 38 percent decrease, made higher by the 41.5 percent drop in Acura sales. Nissan is off by 37 percent, and Toyota Motor Company...
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Most new small cars now earn good ratings in frontal crash tests but not when it comes to side and rear crashes, according to the latest crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ). The Institute just released the results of front, side, and rear tests of seven 2009 model small cars: Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Saturn Astra, Suzuki SX4, and Toyota Matrix. All performed well in frontal impact protection, however the results were mixed in side and rear crash simulations. Just 11 of the 21 current small car models the Institute has rated earn good ratings for side protection. Where the frontal impact test represents an offset collision with a same-sized vehicle, the side-impact test simulates the perpendicular impact from a midsized SUV – putting small cars as a category at a disadvantage. Only the SX4 and Matrix and its twin Pontiac Vibe also earn good ratings for protection in side crashes. The worst performer was the PT Cruiser, the vehicle also distinguished as having the oldest design. In general, newer vehicles tend to perform better, but as you’ll see below, results may vary. Safety equipment can make a difference...
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Suzuki will soon expand its product line with its own version of the Nissan Frontier , called Equator. This American-made compact pickup truck will start at $17,995 for the 2WD extended cab model with a four-cylinder engine and climb to $28,095 for the 4WD crew cab version. The truck features a five-speed manual transmission for the Base and Comfort trim levels, combined with a 2.5-liter/152-horsepower four-cylinder. Stepping up to the Premium trim level brings a five-speed automatic, plus additional amenities. The Sport trim line adds a 4.0-liter/261-horsepower V-6 with five-speed automatic transmission. The crew cab is available in both short (5 foot) and long (6 foot) bed configurations, perfect for sizing to a Suzuki bed toy. All crew cab models also include a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and a five-channel tie-down system to hold an ATV or dirt bike in place. The maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds. All told, consider this a Nissan Frontier with a slightly different, arguably more attractive, grille. Not a bad thing at all. Research the Suzuki Equator in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.Read our latest Nissan Frontier review .
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While the national attention has been focused on the roller coaster ride on Wall Street and bailout debates in Washington, the automotive industry has been reeling from the impact of the economy. The September sales figures are in, and the news is dire. Number watchers, and general domestic pessimists, will not be surprised to hear that the Big 3 were hit hard. September 2008 versus September 2007 shows Chrysler down 32.8 percent, Ford 36.3 percent, and General Motors 15.6 percent. The Big 3 weren't alone, even Honda was down 24 percent and Toyota 32.3 percent. In total, United States auto sales were under 1 million units for the month, compared to 1.3 million in September 2007. The hardest hit brands, year on year, were Hummer (-54.8%), Porsche (-44.8%), Suzuki (-46.6%), and Volvo (-51.8%). Root causes for the sales drop include consumers reluctance to make big ticket purchases and therefore holding on to their vehicles longer, the industry racing away from leasing, and the difficulty in securing loans. Dealers have been cited in the media as having ready buyers walk out because they couldn't qualify for a loan. The only bright side is for consumers considering a new vehicle...
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) recently completed crash test evaluations of eight small SUV models finding most provide good protecting in front-end collisions, but decidedly mixed results from side and rear crashes. The best performers, earning the Institute's Top Safety Pick award, are the 2009 Ford Escape, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue, and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. These models earn good ratings in Institute's frontal offset, side, and rear evaluations, and all are equipped with standard electronic stability control and side airbags. The Escape's ratings also apply to the hybrid version, as well as corporate siblings Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. “This is a huge change from just five years ago when most small SUVs were rated either marginal or poor in our side test, and standard side airbags and electronic stability control were rare," says Institute president Adrian Lund. Consumers now have multiple hybrid SUVs earning Top Safety Pick to choose from. Others include the midsize Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander, which the Institute evaluated earlier. Jeep and Chevrolet models did not perform as well. The Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet...
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Chrysler has launched its own so-called economic stimulus plan, the “ Let’s Refuel America ” promotion, which guarantees enrolled Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep customers gasoline prices fixed at $2.99 a gallon. The automaker notes customer feedback has 76 percent of respondents citing rising gas prices as a “top concern.” Given that Chrysler sales for April are down 23 percent from the same period last year, this campaign should help address corporate concerns, as well. Customers who purchase an eligible new model from now till June 2, 2008 may elect to participate in the gas card program over accepting other available incentives – a decision to weigh carefully. Participants will use a special gas card for fuel purchases, with the transaction routed through their personal credit card, which will be charged $2.99 per gallon. There are a few limitations on the fuel type and quantity; offer valid with up to 87 octane regular unleaded fuel, E85 fuel, or diesel fuel only, depending upon purchased vehicle. The following vehicles are not eligible for the Let’s Refuel America program: All SRT models, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge...
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Suzuki will pack its 2009 SX4 sport sedan and SX4 Crossover hatchback with a standard, integrated navigation system, making it the only new vehicle under $16,000 to include navigation as a standard feature. Navigation systems are increasingly common as options on an expanding range of vehicle, although the cost typically associated with them is in $1500-$2000 territory. This GPS system is sourced from segment leader Garmin, and it will offer premium services through Microsoft Network, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings, and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town. Distinguishing its points of interest (POI) functionality, the SX4 system will feature a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks, such as hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions, and other activity-focused destinations. Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the navigation system has a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages. This system should add high-tech...
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