Automakers have been offering in-vehicle navigation systems for several years now, but the addition of such a system usually comes with a hefty price increase — a curious situation considering stand-alone units can be had for just a few hundred bucks. But Suzuki will address this price discrepancy with the launch of its 2009 SX4.
For 2009, the Suzuki SX4 will become the first vehicle in America with a price tag south of $16,000 to feature a navigation system as part of its standard equipment.
The navigation system — which will be standard on both the SX4 Sport and Crossover and was co-developed with Garmin — will feature Bluetooth connectivity, a lowest price gas finder and real-time traffic.
In addition to the standard features you would expect to find in a navigation system, the Suzuki unit will add a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks to the system. The locations include hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions and other activity-focused destinations.
The newly standard navigation system — dubbed T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play) — should help Suzuki move a few more units of its already popular SX4.
