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Go Truckin' With 2009 Suzuki Equator Midsize Pickup Review

November 2008
Filed under: SUZUKI Car News | SUZUKI Headlines
To bolster its versatile and dynamic product line, enhance the companyâ„¢s bold and adventurous identity and empower customers to confidently explore the world, Suzuki introduces the all-new 2009 Equator, marking Suzukiâ„¢s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market. The new Equator offers a well-rounded combination of style, utility, comfort and off-road capability, which truck buyers " many of whom are current Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine owners and loyalists " demand and enjoy.

2009 Suzuki Equator Key Features:
* Offers perfect blend of style, utility and off-road capability truck buyers demand
* Standard 2.5-liter, l4 DOHC engine delivers 152 hp and 171 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels
* Available 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine produces class-leading 261 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque
* Available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system includes four-wheel limited-slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Hill Start Assist (HSA)
* Fully boxed frame for maximum towing capability rated at 6,500 pounds
* Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations
* Comprehensive list of standard safety equipment including ABS , six airbags , TPMS
* Available leather-appointed seats with heated power-adjustable driver's seat
* Available Bluetooth phone system, Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player, satellite radio plus MP3 compatibility and MP3 player aux-in jack
* Backed by America's #1 Warranty: 100,000-miles/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty

Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., the 2009 Equator is available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. To accommodate loads ranging from ATVs to motorcycles, Suzuki offers Crew Cab variants in both Short Bed and Long Bed configurations. Equator also incorporates class-leading standard safety features into the truck, including roof-mounted curtain side-impact and rollover supplemental airbags and seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags. As with all retail 2009 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Equator, the latest addition to a product lineup poised for unique discoveries, is backed by Americaâ„¢s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

Power and Traction to the People

Built at Nissanâ„¢s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2009 Equator offers a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an available 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing an unbeatable 261 horsepower with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equatorâ„¢s V6 engine features an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, Teflon-coated pistons, micro-finished forged steel crankshaft, micro-finished camshafts driven by a silent two-stage timing chain and variable valve timing.

The Equator comes equipped with either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission available only on four-cylinder models, and offers an available shift-on-the-fly 4WD system that features an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel active limited slip traction control, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control.

Big Truck Capability in a Smart-Sized Package

The Equatorâ„¢s right-sized packaging suits the diverse needs of many pickup truck customers. Though smaller than the full-sizers, the Equator is nevertheless built with big-truck toughness. The strong, fully boxed frame is constructed of high tensile strength steel, which is stronger and lighter than conventional steel.

The Equatorâ„¢s long 125.9-inch wheelbase (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/standard bed) enhances driving stability and comfort, while its overall length of 206.6 inches (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/standard bed) provides the perfect balance of utility, maneuverability and composure for a pickup truck. Its all-steel double-wishbone front suspension balances rugged capability with everyday driving comfort. In the rear, a proven solid axle configuration uses overslung leaf springs and a long suspension travel for the best combination of on- and off-road dynamics and carrying ability. Moreover, the go-anywhere Equator has all the qualifications to enhance a customerâ„¢s weekend adventures with a maximum towing capacity rated at 6,500 pounds (V6 2WD Sport Package) to haul Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs and even a boat with a Suzuki engine.

Other Equator chassis features include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake-force distribution for optimal stopping performance in all conditions. Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road-style wheels with BFGoodrich rugged trail P265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with BFGoodrich long trail P265/65R17 tires.

Rugged Style

The all-new Equator features a contemporary exterior design with a number of unique Suzuki elements, including hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate. A large Suzuki S over the honeycomb mesh grille proudly conveys Suzukiâ„¢s dynamic spirit.

Both Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an innovative tie-down system with adjustable tracks, extending cargo-hauling versatility for active and spontaneous lifestyles. The tie-down system employs five special C cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo. A full range of accessories are available for use with the channel system, along with specialized bed accessories that make securing and transporting a motorcycle or ATV easier than in many competitive trucks.

Comfort Where Expected

The Equatorâ„¢s interior strikes a balance between pickup truck function and quality sedan comfort, with both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles featuring flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity. Additional convenience features include a dual glove box with lock and center console storage with power outlet. A number of power points and cupholders, including one-liter bottle storage in the front doors, are standard throughout the truck. The Premium, Sport and RMZ-4 packages include standard cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows and remote keyless entry.

Equator Crew Cab RMZ-4 with the Sport package offers a factory-installed moonroof. The bed extender increases cargo room, and off-road capability is enhanced with the addition of Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. On the inside, the Sport package adds a Rockford-Fosgate AM/FM/6CD/XM Satellite Radio with eight high-performance speakers and subwoofer, an auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth and audio controls are located on the steering wheel so drivers can keep their eyes on the road or the trail.

Safety Where Needed

The all-new Equator includes a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment with front and rear crumple zones, dual-stage front supplemental airbags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and tire pressure monitoring system.

All Equator models come equipped with supplemental front seat side-impact airbags and supplemental curtain airbags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers. Additionally, Extended Cab and Crew Cab models provide three-point seat belts for all rear-seat occupants, including the center position for the Crew Cab. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchor system is provided in the rear seat of the Crew Cab model.

Choices, Choices, Choices

Pickup truck buyers traditionally demand a wide array of vehicle configurations and powertrain/driveline choices to meet the needs of their multi-faceted daily routines and action-packed lifestyles. Equator Extended Cab models are available with a four-cylinder engine and 2WD in Base and Premium trim lines, with Base receiving a five-speed manual transmission and Premium a five-speed automatic, plus additional amenities. The Sport trim line combines the 4.0-liter V6 with five-speed automatic transmission and either 2WD or 4WD and adds a number of additional features and amenities.

The Equator Crew Cab offers three trim lines, all powered by the V6 with five-speed automatic transmission. The Crew Cab Base model is 2WD, while the Sport offers the choice of 2WD or 4WD. For off-road enthusiasts with a confident explorer attitude and a thirst for new experiences, Suzuki offers an RMZ-4 equipped version of the all-new Equator. A name synonymous with Suzukiâ„¢s class-leading motocross bikes, and based on the Equator RMZ-4 concept first shown at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, the RMZ-4 production model comes ready to kick sand or get muddy, fully equipped with Dana 44 axles, electric rear locking differential, Bilstein high-performance shocks, skid plates and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires. Fog lamps, chrome mirrors and door handles and a bed extender to accommodate motorcycles enhance the outside, while unique RMZ-4 seat material with red stitching, chrome instrument cluster and vent trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel further dress up the interior.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.,-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2007, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions.

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