Suzuki finds its way
Apparently Detroit News writer Scott Burgess never travels anyplace that he hasn't been before and therefore doesn't feel the need for a navigation system. Oh, and Burgess also eats junk food and then tries to hide the evidence from his wife.
What's that got to do with anything? This week Burgess reviewed the Suzuki SX4's new standard equipment navigation system and guess what? Mikey likes it. The review confirms my belief that Suzuki has a real winner with its new Garmin sourced unit. You can remove the unit and take it with you and then click it back in for a charge. An added bonus is that it integrates with the stereo so that it will lower the volume when it wants to chat with you. Upgraded trim packages will sport such goodies as Bluetooth, real-time traffic, local events, weather forecasts and a gas price finder.
You can read Burgess' full review by clicking on the above link.
photo source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Never Mind the McMuffin, The SX4 Sports a Decent Navi
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Suzuki SX4 Gets Navi / Bluetooth
Update: The navigation unit is standard, but Bluetooth and other advanced features such as real-time traffic, local events, weather forecasts and a gas price finder,will be included as part of the SX4's upgraded trim package.
I really like the SX4, especially in 5 door "crossover" guise. The funky little hatch has always been on my watch list with the only real disappointment being that Bluetooth was not available. Well for 2009, Suzuki has gone one better than simply placing a Bluetooth stack in the radio head unit, they've gone ahead and thrown in a whole navigation system...as STANDARD EQUIPMENT!
In addition, Suzuki has already debundled its i-AWD system on the crossover and made it a $500 option. The standard AWD, while a unique selling point at the SX4's base MSRP, was a bit of a hold back for some who did not want the extra expense and weight of AWD.
I'm sure that manufacturers have watched Ford's success with it's Sync system and said to themselves, "How can I get in on that action without promising to tithe all future profits to Microsoft?" While the Suzuki Navi, probably a rebranded Garmin unit, isn't Sync it is a cheap why to add some sizzle to the dash. Well done!