BREA, Calif. (August 22, 2005) - Suzuki has moved from niche to mainstream, introducing four all-new models in the past two years: the Forenza sedan and Verona in 2004, and Forenza Wagon and Reno in 2005. Suzuki’s 2006 line is now even more formidable, given the arrival of the all-new Grand Vitara, which offers innovative design, technology and comprehensive safety features. The new Grand Vitara delivers the capabilities buyers expect from compact SUVs both on-road and off-road. It joins a diverse product line that now features a total of eight different body styles – six cars and two SUVs.

All 2006 Suzuki vehicles come in one highly equipped trim level, offering high levels of features and amenities for the money. Rather than selecting between the traditional base, mid- and high-end trim levels, buyers will now have the option of selecting from various option packages that fit their needs. All Suzuki vehicles come with America’s #1 Warranty, the industry-leading 100,000-mile, seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.


All-new Grand Vitara Redefines Expectations for Compact SUVs

The unique frame design of the 2006 Grand Vitara combines the refined road manners of a car-based unibody SUV with the off-road strength of a body-on-frame design. The available shift-on-the-fly four-mode four-wheel-drive system and tough unibody construction, enhanced with a built-in ladder frame, delivers off-road capability while the fully independent suspension provides quiet comfort and control on roads and trails. And with the standard 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter, six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC engine, there is plenty of horsepower for driving excitement.

The five-passenger Grand Vitara fits into the Suzuki SUV lineup just below the larger XL-7. The Grand Vitara comes in one trim level with three available equipment packages. The standard five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $18,999. The extensive list of standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Program® (ESP)¹ (including traction control), anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), six airbags (including front and rear side-curtain airbags), power amenities and remote keyless entry. Two four-wheel-drive options are available: full-time single-mode four-wheel drive and full-time four-mode four-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Three optional packages (Premium, XSport and Luxury) heap on extensive upgrades, ultimately topping out at $24,699 for a Grand Vitara with Luxury Package and full-time four-mode four-wheel drive.


XL-7 Offers Available Room for Seven Passengers in a Size That is Easy to Drive

For 2006, the Suzuki XL-7, one of America’s most affordable seven-passenger SUVs, adds standard ABS and a new radio unit with MP3/WMA capabilities that is XM Satellite Radio-ready.

Pricing begins at an MSRP of $21,999, which includes a powerful 2.7-liter, six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC engine and a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Alloy wheels, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and power amenities also are included. The optional Premium Package adds leather seating for seven, a six-disc in-dash AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/XM Satellite Radio-ready audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer, power sunroof, fog lights and running boards at an MSRP of $25,499.


Aerio SX and Sedan Provide Expressive Alternatives to the Status Quo

The fun-to-drive Aerio 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 2006 with the addition of a new AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and greater standard feature content, making the Aerio an even smarter buy.

Aerio buyers can choose between a sedan and a five-door sport-crossover (SX) body style; both now come in just one trim level with either front-wheel drive, from a starting MSRP of $13,999 (sedan), or America’s most affordable full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, for an MSRP of $15,999 (sedan with automatic transmission). Both models offer comfortable seating for five passengers, and the five-door SX adds even greater loading flexibility and more cargo space. For an affordable price, both Aerio body styles come standard with air conditioning with automatic climate control, digital clock with outside temperature gauge, power door locks and a remote keyless entry system. The Premium Package includes an upgrade to a six-disc in-dash AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with seven speakers.


Reno Five-door Gains Value and Upgrades


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 returns in 2006 with a simplified model strategy, new features and a lower price. The 2006 Reno’s MSRP starts at $13,199; Convenience and Premium Packages also are available, versus the previous S, LX and EX model designations used in 2005. Prices start at $14,149 for the Convenience Package and $15,299 for the Premium Package.


The Forenza Sedan and Forenza Wagon Have the Features Buyers Want

The Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon feature Pininfarina styling, high standard feature content, powerful engines and backing by America’s #1 Warranty. For 2006, both Forenza models have a fresh front fascia design that incorporates a new Suzuki “family� grille. Feature content and value are at the core of the Forenza sedan and Wagon, which now come in one well-equipped model with one available upgrade package. Prices begin at $13,699 for the Forenza sedan and $14,399 for the Forenza Wagon.


Verona Offers High-end Amenities and the Greatest Luxury of All – Affordability

For those seeking unexpected value, Suzuki offers its flagship Verona sedan. Popular midsize sedans are typically affordable only when equipped with standard four-cylinder engines and minimal features. The Suzuki Verona breaks midsize sedan conventionality by delivering more. Styled in Europe and loaded with more features and interior room than one would expect in the class, Verona provides an affordable alternative for people who are unwilling to compromise.

The Verona offers a long list of standard features including: a smooth 2.5-liter, in-line six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC engine; AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with six speakers; ABS with EBD; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags and more. With the benefit of America’s #1 Warranty, the Verona enjoys significant advantages over its competition – all for a starting MSRP of $18,299. The Premium Package is available and includes alloy wheels, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, air conditioning with automatic climate control and micron air-filtration system and leather upholstery.


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I gotta find one of those inline sixes to get a look at!

Zag

"2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque " ...

is this a stroked 2.0l ?

Yes

     It is a streched version of the 2.0L, unfortunately heavily adapted to fit FWD. Haven't been able to source parts to RWD it yet.

Zag

"2.3-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with 155 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque " ...

is this a stroked 2.0l ?

Now put that in a XL4 and offer it in a soft top.

Mike

i need some clarification here.

they announced a concept x

and a concept x2

so is the 2006 gv the conept x or x2 ?

and when is the other one coming out ?

Concept X. The Concept X2 will be bigger again with a bigger engine.

You lost me at IRS.  I guess we knew it would come.  At least Suzuki held out longer than ford.

i need some clarification here.

they announced a concept x

and a concept x2

so is the 2006 gv the conept x or x2 ?

and when is the other one coming out ?

The 2006 GV is the smaller concept vehicle, the X2. Suzuki is going big with their next SUV offering. It will be their first mid-sized SUV. I believe it was stated that it was going to be a mid-year release.

-Eric

The new model is due in the Dealers showrooms in OZ next week so I'll be taking one for a drive. Interesting thing is the Sales guy told me he complained to Suzuki at the Dealer Test Day about the fact that they are still using drum brakes on the rear but he reckons the pre-release model he drove that was imported from Japan for them to drive actually had discs although it won't be on the models sold here. The bigger model I was told will be out here late next year but they aren't saying much about it. 

The new model is due in the Dealers showrooms in OZ next week so I'll be taking one for a drive. Interesting thing is the Sales guy told me he complained to Suzuki at the Dealer Test Day about the fact that they are still using drum brakes on the rear but he reckons the pre-release model he drove that was imported from Japan for them to drive actually had discs although it won't be on the models sold here. The bigger model I was told will be out here late next year but they aren't saying much about it. 

I had the same discussion at the press launch a couple weeks ago. The early photos of the GV, Japan and EU models, showed rear disks but the North American version is going to have / has rear drums.

-Eric

Took a 4 door 2.7 for a drive today. It had just come off the truck and hadn't been detailed yet, just as well 'cause I found mud

The Sales guy told me to drive it like I stole it so I just had to oblige Oh yeah and I managed to pull a little of the plastic guards off underneath but he said it was all cool and nice to see someone actually exploring what it can do. He was even smiling when I was getting a little air, going sideways and doing a nice little reverse flick turn. It's smooth but the motor was a little tight. The fulltime 4wd certainly lets it hang on as you put the pedal to the floor on roundabouts and taking off in the gravel. It looks like a love child of a Rav 4 and a Territory. They let me have nosy under while it was up on a hoist. I would be very worried by the fuel lines under the passenger side as they hang down a little low and would be too easy to damage offroad. The front axles now have a 4 bolt flange instead of 3 but the rear was interesting as it has beefier axles and a 6 bolt flange. Wonder if it could be adapted to the fronts on a Vit for an upgrade. The 4wd high, high lock and low range dial on the dash is different. Kept wanting to use a gearstick. It's quiet, smooth and handles quite well though. There's not stacks of room in the wheelwells but slightly bigger rubber would fit. Spacers could be made up for a pseudo bodylift between the body and the supension and diff mounting points like they do for Subaru's. He was telling me that the shorty is only available with a 1.6 manual and no low range and the lwb has a choice of the 2.0 4cyl and the 2.7 V6. The computer has been worked a little in the V6 and it's now a drive by wire. What I don't get and he doesn't either is why Europe and Japan can get disc brakes on the rear and we can't and we don't get the traction control either although next year we may get a DVD Oh well it's not a bad vehicle but I wouldn't think we'll see many offroad. Anyway I had a little fun this afternoon