Capable Vehicles, Great Value and a Growing Dealer Network Fuel the Brand’s Growth in the United StatesBREA, Calif. - 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. About American Suzuki The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of nearly 540 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer with sales of more than 2 million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has operations in 125 countries. |