Suzuki first reached its goal of selling 100,000 vehicles in the United States in 2006, but has struggled to come close to that figure in subsequent years. Part of the blame can be put on the downtrodden U.S. market, but Suzuki’s lackluster product offering is also at fault. In order to correct the situation, Suzuki is planning a product renaissance, of sorts, for the next four year.
To kick things off, Suzuki will improve upon its SX4 for the 2010 model year. Improvements for the 2010 model include a more powerful engine, a CVT transmission and the addition of a hot-hatch model.
Suzuki will follow up the 2010 SX4 with its all-new 2010 Kizahsi sedan. The Kizashi was rumored to receive four and six-cylinder powerplants, but the mid-size sedan will only be available with a 2.4L four-pot at launch. A V6 could eventually be added to the mix, but a hybrid version of the sedan will likely bow first for the 2011 or 2012 model year.
In order to capital on the small car boom in the U.S., Suzuki will launch its Swift model for the 2011 model year. The Swift is a popular model in Japan and Europe, known for its style and excellent fuel economy. The U.S. version will be powered by a 123 horsepower 1.6L engine.
To complement its new lineup of small cars and sedans, Suzuki will launch an all-new version of its Grand Vitara SUV for the 2013 model year. Power for the 2013 Grand Vitara will come from a 166 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder, according to Automotive News.
Finally, Suzuki is mulling a new version of its XL7 crossover for the 2012 or 2013 model year. Production of the XL7 ceased earlier this year due to low demand, but the new version could ride on a stretched version of the Kizashi’s architecture.
Thanks to slow sales, the Suzuki Equator – essentially a Nissan Frontier with different badging – will likely be a one and done product offering.
