Suzuki: What's New for 2010

2010 Suzuki Equator: There are no changes to the 2010 Equator.

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara: After a midcycle refresh last year, the Grand Vitara only receives one minor upgrade for 2010. A navigation system is now standard, while Bluetooth connectivity is now optional.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi: An all-new addition to the lineup, the Kizashi is Suzuki's latest midsize sedan. It's sized slightly smaller than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and built on a chassis designed by Suzuki. It features both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations but only one engine, a 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available as an option.

Suzuki sees the Kizashi as an affordable sport sedan, so its suspension is tuned for better cornering performance than most family sedans. It offers optional 18-inch wheels and tires and comes standard with a variable-assist electric steering system that provides more feedback as speeds increase.

The Kizashi comes standard with dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition, steering-wheel audio controls, eight airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control. Options include a 10-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, sunroof, navigation system, rear parking sensors and a 425-watt audio system.

2010 Suzuki SX4: The biggest news for the SX4 lineup this year is a more powerful version of the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It's now rated at 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque (up from 143-hp, 136 lb-ft). A CVT replaces the previous four-speed automatic, while a six-speed manual replaces last year's five-speed manual as the standard transmission.

Also new for 2010 is a sport version of the SX4 hatchback. It's essentially a five-door version of the SX4 Sport sedan so it comes standard with a lowered suspension, sport dampers and 17-inch wheels and tires. Both the SX4 Sport hatch and SX4 Crossover get revised cargo areas with under-floor storage and standard fold-down rear seats.

All SX4 models get a revised interior design for 2010 that includes a new instrument panel and a redesigned center stack. The navigation system has also been updated with added functionality, while Bluetooth is now optional. A driver-seat height adjuster is now standard along with illuminated steering wheel controls.