Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Goss Suzuki Mobi
Monday, March 16, 2009
2009 4X4 Pickup Truck of the Year
2009 4x4 Pickup Truck Of The Year
4th Place
Suzuki Equator RMZ-4
What's Hot: Simple, rugged, fuel efficient, modest pricing
What's Not: Pedestrian interior, slow steering, squeak, squeak
Our Take: A new Frontier for Suzuki
From the Logbook:
* "Like a comfy old pair of shoes."
* "Wow, that is some chassis flex-the bed almost punched a hole in the cab."
* "The driver steers, the vehicle doesn't."
* "Best in slow-speed terrain, fast and rough excites the in-cab rodents."
* "A great little truck that does everything well."
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Testing Begins
We began our test by returning to the Auto Club Dragway at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, for our performance testing, which included 0-60 mph, 1/4-mile time, and 60-0 mph measurements, as well as a few good old-fashioned smoky burnouts-in the interest of data collection, of course.
In the race from a standstill to 60 mph, it was the Dodge Ram and its hairy-chested Hemi, helped by a smooth, fast-shifting transmission, that smoked the field with a run of 7.45 seconds. Behind the Ram was the Equator at 7.96 seconds. The F-150 was next at 8.56 seconds, followed by the H3T at 8.92 seconds.
By the end of the quarter mile, the Dodge was still out in front with a run of 15.68 seconds at a trap speed of 86.59 mph. Still running in the same order as they came through 60 mph, the Suzuki with its 4.0L V-6 at full song went through the lights in 16.15 seconds at 84.18 mph, followed by the Ford with a run of 16.33 seconds at 84.27 mph and the Hummer with a still respectable run of 16.59 seconds at 81.54 mph.
While the 5.4L is outgunned against the fullsize competition in the numbers game, Ford's new six-speed transmission really breathes new life and flexibility to the 5.4L. While it wasn't the fastest, the extra cog really allows the 5.4L to make the most of its impressive 390 lb-ft of torque, allowing this version of the mod motor to hold its own in the crowd, feeling much stronger than the track data and power numbers might insinuate. We also scored Dodge's transmission high on shift quality, while the Suzuki tended to shift quickly, but short of the engine's redline. The H3T, feeling slower than it actually is, left us wishing for more gears.
As for exhaust notes, the Ford engineers must have taken a page from Dodge's book, because the F-150 had one of the best exhaust notes in the test, sounding more like a hopped-up Mustang than your typical F-Series. Whether we were at the dragstrip or in the sand dunes, listening to the mechanical symphony emanating from the F-150 and Ram as they battled it out was pure auditory ecstasy.
Back on the track, the Equator scored the shortest 60-0 mph braking distance with an excellent 135.88 feet haul down, despite a mushy brake pedal, besting the next-best Ram by almost 5 feet with its own impressive run of 140.41 feet. The H3T finished strong with a 146.14-foot stop, while the F-150 took an extra 15 feet of asphalt to drag itself down to a 160.85-foot finish. We attribute the F-150's longish stopping distance to wearing the most aggressive tires in the test. We would gladly keep the more aggressive tires and take the trade-off, but more mild Wrangler AT/S, the same as those found on the Ram, are also available on the FX4.
Over the course of our aggressive testing, the fuel-economy champion was the Suzuki with a test average of 13.55 mpg, followed by the Ford with 12.88 mpg, the Hummer at 12.27 mpg, rounded out by the Dodge at 11.51 mpg. Surprisingly, the highest single tank in the test went to the Ford with an all-highway tank achieving a remarkable 19.29 mpg.
3rd Place
Ford F-150 FX4
What's Hot: Solid chassis, high build quality, interior, value
What's Not: Stiff rear suspension, slow front traction control
Our Take: A 3/4-ton in 1/2-ton clothes
From the Logbook:
* "Tailgate step a godsend for old fat guys."
* "Needs a payload to smooth the ride."
* "The capless fuel filler attracts a lot of dirt around its mouth."
* "Lots of ABS brake barf on loose surfaces."
* "Best F-150 ever-great styling."
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2009 4X4 Pickup Truck of the Year
2009 4x4 Pickup Truck Of The Year
In all the years we have been running Pickup Truck of the Year tests, we can't remember one that was as closely matched from the start as this year's 2009 competition. With four vehicles that each had the ability of taking home the trophy, even the staff was stymied as to who the victor would be. So unsure were we after an initial poll of testers, that friendly bets weren't even taken on a possible outcome. The closeness of the competitors continued all the way in to scoring, with the point spread so close, we recounted and double-checked for hanging chads. In the end we had to pick a single winner, but these vehicles are each so capable and so geared toward our reader that even the last-place finisher was likened to being fourth in a most beautiful person contest. You may not have won, but to everyone else you still look damn good.
The eligibility requirements are simple and remain unchanged from Four Wheeler of the Year. Each vehicle is invited to participate based on it being all-new or substantially revised for the upcoming model year. Each vehicle is also required to have a two-speed transfer case, have a production run of at least 1,500 vehicles available in the U.S., and must be available to the consumer by January 15, 2009.
For 2009, our field of vehicles included the Dodge Ram 1500 TRX4, Ford F-150 FX4, Hummer H3T Alpha, and the Suzuki Equator RMZ-4. And before you harangue us through e-mail because Chevy isn't represented, we hope to offer you solace in knowing that Chevy was invited to participate with both the 6.2L V-8-powered Silverado and the 5.3L V-8-powered Chevy Colorado, but declined both invitations.
As always, we score each of the vehicles based on a testing criteria of five weighted categories that include Trail Performance (30%), Empirical (25%), On-Pavement (20%), Interior (15%), and Exterior (10%).
The Players
One of the most anticipated vehicles in our test was the all-new Dodge Ram. Not only is the design gripping, but the overall quality has been moved up the scale a notch while introducing a full complement of features, such as the Ram Box in-bed storage system, rear in-floor storage bins, an electronic vehicle information center, and a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet-on the dash. While storage cubbies and cool features are nice to have, the real news about the 2009 Dodge Ram is in the rear suspension design. Ditching the leaf-spring setup in favor of a heavier-duty multilink coil arrangement similar to the JK Wrangler, Dodge's Ram has revolutionized the fullsize truck category, such part-time haulers as the Chevy Avalanche or Hummer H2 SUT notwithstanding. Front suspension is still handled by A-arms with coilover shocks.
 Hummer H3T Alpha |  Dodge Ram 1500 TRX4 |
Our tester came in a Quad Cab configuration with the newly massaged 390hp and 410lb-ft of torque 5.7L Hemi V-8 with Dodge's Multi Displacement System backed by a five-speed automatic. It was equipped with the TRX4 Off-Road package, which includes such savory mechanical bits as a tight helical limited-slip rear differential, 3.92 axle ratios, 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires, heavy-duty rear shocks, skidplates, tow hooks, and foglamps. Our example arrived with an as-tested price of $42,030, the highest in the test.
Ford's F-150 has also been redesigned for 2009 and Ford is banking on it being a huge hit. Highlights of the 2009 redesign include a gorgeous interior, stronger frame, longer leaf springs for a better ride, a retuned coilover shock A-arm front suspension, a Super Duty-esque tailgate step, and more configurations than a Quizno's sandwich. To that Ford added its new cargo management system and an integrated trailer-brake controller for our test vehicle. Also new for 2009 is an FX4 package that has much more substance than a badge and some stickers. In addition to being a trim level on the F-150 line, the FX4 package includes a trick new electronic locker that can be activated in 4-Lo up to 66 mph and in 4-Hi up to 25 mph. Other features include aggressive 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler A/T Extreme tires, a full complement of skidplates, tow hooks, specific shock tuning, and 3.73 gears. The venerable 5.4L returns, but is now backed by Ford's new six-speed automatic transmission, making 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Our Ford had an as-tested price of $41,855.
 Suzuki Equator RMZ-4 |  Ford F-150 FX4 |
Also in our test was Hummer's first real entry in the pickup truck market with its midsized H3T. The H3T was made possible by stretching the H3, resulting in a wheelbase that has grown to 134 inches versus 116 inches for the H3, providing room for a true 5-foot bed. The H3T has its own frame with a deeper cross section for added strength as well as a higher-capacity steering pump and a quicker steering gear to make the long H3T drive more like its little brother. Leaf springs are still the order of the day in the back, while torsion bars handle the duty up front with monotube shocks at all four corners. Hummer also includes a bedrail system and storage cubbies in the bed. As with all Adventure Package Hummers, our H3T was loaded up with the 4:1 transfer case, 4.10 gears, the best skidplating in the test, front and rear lockers, 33-inch Bridgestone tires, along with unmatched approach and departure angles. Powered by the General's 5.3L V-8 with 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, the H3T was delivered with an as-tested price of $41,450.
The final contestant in our shootout is the result of Suzuki's partnership with Nissan that has resulted in the new-for-2009 Suzuki Equator. Built off of Nissan's well-loved F-Alpha platform, the Equator is essentially the same as the Nissan Frontier that has made our 10 Best Buys list as Best Midsize 4x4 for the past four years, albeit hailing in Suzuki livery. Our tester was equipped with the Suzuki RMZ-4 package that included 32-inch BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires, Bilstein shocks, rear locker, and a 3.357 ring-and-pinion, in addition to the factory bedliner and Utili-trak cargo tie-down system. The Equator had the lowest as-tested price in our group at $32,309.
2009 Suzuki Equator - Reviews from Edmunds.com
Summary What Edmunds.com says
Boasting all the goodness of its Nissan Frontier twin, the 2009 Suzuki Equator also offers a few additional features, making this dark horse a top pick in the midsize pickup truck derby.
Pros
Capable chassis, plenty of ground clearance, superb off-roader, potent V6, pleasant highway ride, roomy interior, clever truck bed accessories.
Cons
Tighter crew-cab backseat than competitors', some desirable features only available on top trim level, regular-cab body style not available.
What's New for 2009
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is a new midsize pickup truck. It's based on the Nissan Frontier and offers two cab styles, plus a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines.
2009 Suzuki Equator Vehicle Overview
Introduction
Those in the know and even casual observers will note the all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator looks pretty familiar. That's because the company's first pickup is essentially a rebadged Nissan Frontier. Arguably more handsome than its platform mate (then again, maybe not), the Equator features a few things unavailable on its Nissan cousin, such as standard front side and curtain airbags and a very generous seven-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty.
One may wonder why Suzuki decided to enter the pickup truck game now, of all times. Actually, there are a few good reasons. In the last five years, sales of midsize crew-cab pickups have doubled as folks realize they don't need a truck that can pull a house and seat a basketball team. And Suzuki, being a motorcycle, ATV and boat-engine producer, figured a capable pickup (with a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped) was a natural addition to its vehicle lineup.
As the Frontier is one of our favorite trucks, thanks to its strong V6, ideal size, relatively nimble handling and considerable off-road talents, our sentiments for the Suzuki Equator are likewise favorable. The Equator is a very capable workhorse that also happens to be a comfortable daily driver. The few downsides to the Suzuki are, yep, the same as those for its cousin, a tight crew-cab backseat and the complete lack of a regular-cab option.
That latter con is pretty minor, though, given that most small- and midsize-truck buyers get an extended cab or crew cab anyway. Boasting a handful of advantages over its highly regarded progenitor, the 2009 Suzuki Equator is a "badge job" that deserves serious consideration.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Suzuki Equator midsize pickup truck is available in extended- and crew-cab body styles. Extended cabs are available in base, Comfort, Premium and Sport trims, and all come with a 6-foot bed. Crew cabs are available in base, Sport, RMZ-4 and RMZ-4 Sport trims, and all have a 5-foot bed except the Sport trim, which can be had with a 6-footer. All trims are rear-wheel drive except the Sport (which can be either rear- or four-wheel drive) and RMZ-4s, which are 4WD only.
The price-leader base Equator is a stripper, fitted with 15-inch steel wheels and bucket seats with a console but little else, as neither air-conditioning nor a sound system is standard. The Comfort trim adds the A/C and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player. The Premium adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a sliding rear window, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, full power accessories and upgraded cloth upholstery. Opting for the Sport gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, a sprayed-in bedliner and movable tie-down cleats in the bed.
The RMZ-4 adds chrome exterior trim, heavy-duty axles, an electric locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels with off-road-oriented tires, foglamps, unique upholstery, height and lumbar adjustments for the driver seat and metallic cabin accents. The RMZ-4 Sport adds a sunroof, hill descent and hold control and an upgraded audio system with a CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio prep, Bluetooth connectivity and a subwoofer.
Oddly, an aftermarket-style navigation system is optional on all crew cabs but not available on the extended-cab Equators. Bluetooth is optional only on the RMZ-4 crew cab.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2009 Suzuki Equator comes with a choice of two engines -- a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque) or a 4.0-liter V6 (261 hp and 281 lb-ft). The V6 is the only engine choice for crew cabs and 4WD variants, while the four-cylinder is available only in the lower-trim extended-cab models. The four-cylinder is matched to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic (standard on the Premium). The V6 is equipped with a five-speed automatic only.
Properly equipped, the Frontier can tow up to 6,500 pounds. Fuel economy estimates range from 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined for the rear-drive, four-cylinder extended cab down to 15/19/16 for a 4WD V6 crew cab.
Safety
Antilock brakes, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all trims. Traction control is standard on Sport models, while stability control is only available on the top RMZ-4 Sport trim.
In government crash testing, the Equator crew cab received four stars (out of five) in frontal tests for both driver and passenger while the extended cab garnered four and five, respectively. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset testing, the Equator scored a rating of "Good," the agency's highest.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2009 Suzuki Equator extended cab utilizes small, reverse-opening doors to allow rear-passenger access to the fold-up jump seats. As expected, accommodations in these are cramped and meant only to be used in a pinch. The crew cab employs conventional rear doors along with a larger rear cabin, but passengers will find less room in back than in the Dodge Dakota or Toyota Tacoma. Otherwise, the cabin is attractively designed, with intuitive controls and comfortable front seats. The various plastics are hard, but so are those found in all compact pickups -- therefore, the Equator isn't great, but it could be worse.
Anyone planning on a fair amount of cargo hauling would be well advised to spring for the Sport trim, which includes the sprayed-in bedliner and movable tie-down system. Using two "C" cross-section channels running the length of the bed floor (one on each side bed rail and one mounted on the rear of the cab), the system employs removable cleats and a host of accessories like dividers, trays, storage bins and bike racks, providing a very flexible cargo storage solution.
Driving Impressions
The 2009 Suzuki Equator four-cylinder model makes for a good choice as an inexpensive, light-duty work truck, especially considering the higher fuel efficiency. However, for those who plan on really using the truck for more than "just getting around," the V6 is the only choice.
Providing an abundance of low-end torque, six-cylinder models are up to almost any task, with a competent automatic transmission delivering well-timed shifts whether you're tearing up the sand dunes, hauling supplies to a work site or navigating a morning commute. Steering is precise, with ample feedback, and ride quality is unexpectedly pleasant for a pickup truck (although the RMZ-4's off-road suspension makes that model's ride a little more rough-and-tumble). The 4WD models are capable off-roaders, thanks to a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches and an abundance of suspension travel. For those seeking an even more heavy-duty off-roader, the RMZ-4 Sport model is definitely the pick of the litter.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Consumer Guide Reviews of the 2008 Suzuki SX4 and Grand Vitara
About Consumer Guide® Awards
Consumer Guide® Automotive has published authoritative, objective reviews of new and used cars and trucks since 1967. Its staff of 20 includes 10 full-time automotive editors with more than 150 years combined experience.
Each year, this team selects the best overall values in 17 model segments, ranging from inexpensive compact cars to premium luxury SUVs. Considered are a vehicle's price, features, and accommodations, as well its performance during test drives by the editors.
Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy
This is Consumer Guide® Automotive's highest accolade. A Best Buy represents the very best balance of attributes within its class.
Consumer Guide® Automotive Recommended
Vehicles that merit serious consideration as great values, but may fall short of the class leaders in value or may appeal to a slightly narrower audience are awarded a Recommended label.
Consumer Guide® Automotive Sneak Peek
Sneak Peek reviews give you a glimpse of the new cars and trucks just on the horizon. Check back for Consumer Guide's full reviews.
2008 Suzuki SX4
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-suzuki-sx4.htm
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-suzuki-grand-vitara.htm
Let us know what you think!
Friday, March 6, 2009
2009 Suzuki Equator Mid-Sized Pickup Truck
The Suzuki Equator is already winning awards. It has been named 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine's "4X4 of the Year," for 2009.
The 2009 Equator was developed as a joint venture with Suzuki and Nissan North America. It is built at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee truck plant. Equator shares its platform with the popular Nissan Frontier pickup truck and the Xterra Sport Utility Vehicle.
2009 Equator is available in both 2-door Extended Cab and four-door Crew Cab body styles with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4WD) power train configurations. Both short and long payload beds are available.
There are two engine options, a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing 261 horsepower with 281 lb.-ft. of torque.
Exterior Styling
Suzuki Equator Mid
There is little about the styling of the Suzuki Equator that separates it from the Nissan Frontier. The only real styling differences between them is Equator's large, honeycomb, front grille with the large Suzuki "S" logo in the center-front bumper, and the headlight treatment and tailgate details. The styling is more utilitarian, than high fashion, which is appropriate for a working vehicle. It looks big for its class, and gives the impression of being strong and rugged - something important to truck buyers.
The 2009 Suzuki Equator's versatile cargo bed has a factory-applied, sprayed-on bed liner, and an innovative tie-down cargo system. The tie-down system employs five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed. (There are two channels in the bed floor, one on each of the bed's side rails and another in 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. This is a big selling point for those who need to secure heavy, or awkward, loads in their trucks.
Interior Styling
Suzuki Equator Mid
The 2009 Suzuki Equator's interior is very similar to its Nissan Frontier sibling's. The Instrument Panels in the Equator and Frontier are virtually identical. The Instrument Cluster features a fuel gauge on the left, followed by a large tachometer, speedometer and water temperature gauge.
The Center Stack contains the controls for the entertainment system as well as for the heating and air-conditioning system. Below are the switches for selecting drive wheels, locking the differential, optional (VDC) Vehicle Dynamic Control as well as Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. The center console features the gearshift selector, storage, and two large cup holders for thirsty workers or hard-playing adventurers. There are more cup holders in the doors, and those can hold a 1-liter bottle.
The Premium, Sport and RMZ-4 packages include standard cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows, and remote keyless entry which adds a bit of luxury to a real work truck. The Sport package also adds a Rockford-Fosgate AM/FM/6CD/XM Satellite Radio with eight, high-performance speakers and a 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, at all times.
Performance
Suzuki Equator Mid
The 2009 Suzuki Equator benefits from two Nissan-built engine options. Standard is a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. For those wishing a bit more grunt from the engine there is an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing an unbeatable 261 horsepower with 281 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Nissan V6 is one of the best engines on the market. It 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. Acceleration is quick and smooth.
There are two transmission options on the 2009 Suzuki Equator. The 2.5 liter four-cylinder comes equipped with either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic, or five-speed manual, transmission. The V6 powered Suzuki Equator is only available with an automatic transmission.
Ride and Handling
The 2009 Suzuki Equator rides like a truck, and handles like a truck. Which it should, because it is a truck. The turning radius was wide making it a little difficult to maneuver in the narrow streets near our offices. The ride was bumpy over rough roads. However this is normal for trucks, especially those with serious off-road capabilities. If you are looking for a car-like ride this vehicle is not for you. It you are looking for a capable truck, this is one to consider.
Suzuki Equator features engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel. Four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake-force distribution for optimal stopping performance in all conditions are standard. Suzuki offers a variety of available wheel and tire packages for the Equator, 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.
Equator 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, Equator offers a comprehensive off-road, traction system which includes four-wheel active limited slip traction control, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control.
We did not get a chance to drive the Equator off road, but have driven some of its Nissan siblings off pavement, and they are as good as any on the market. The Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Controls are similar to systems offered on much more expensive vehicles from companies like Land Rover.
Safety
Suzuki Equator comes equipped with 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 passenger sensor, three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
All Suzuki 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 in 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.
Conclusion
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is good addition to the manufacturer's lineup expanding its appeal. The Equator's price ranges from $17,220 for a base four-cylinder Extended Cab model, to $30,600 for a top-of-the-line RMZ-4 V6 powered Crew Cab. The Suzuki Equator is actually a little more expensive than the Nissan it is based on.
Gas mileage is good for a truck with a combined mileage of 21 MPG for the four-cylinder, and 16 for the V6.
All Suzuki automobiles and light trucks are backed by a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty. Making reliability not an issue.
This is a good truck and we hope that this is the first in a series of collaborations with Nissan.
Pros: Good value and a great move by Suzuki to partner with Nissan.
Cons: Turning radius makes it a little difficult to maneuver in tight places. And the ride can be a bit rough on streets and highways.
RATINGS
* Style: 8
* Performance: 8
* Price: 8
* Handling: 8
* Ride: 7
* Comfort: 7
* Quality: 8
* Overall: 7.7
