2009 Suzuki SX4 to have standard GPS

Suzuki has announced that it will offer in-car navigation as a standard feature on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan and front-drive SX4 Crossover hatchback models. This is the first time a manufacturer is including integrated GPS navigation in an entry-level vehicle in the United States.

The navigation system is based on the Garmin Nuvi 700 series portable navigation device (PND). The Suzuki version, called T.R.I.P (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information, and Play) will offer a 4.3-inch touch-screen display with preloaded maps and millions of points of interest (POI), such as restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and gas stations. Suzuki has customized the POI database by adding recommended destinations such as music venues, surf spots, and other activity-focused attractions.

Buyers will be able to upgrade to a more premium navigation system, adding Bluetooth capability and Microsoft Network service—which offers real-time traffic, weather, and gas prices. Suzuki will launch a community Web site to share and download destinations and recommendations among other SX4 owners.

The system will be integrated into the audio system, which automatically lowers the volume of the radio or CD when the navigation system is giving a verbal instruction. Additionally, the Microsoft antenna is integrated into the vehicle’s antenna to continuously receive new data with the premium version.

The Garmin device can be removed from the dash-board docking station, and Suzuki advises that it could be replaced/upgraded in the future by the car owner with another similar Garmin unit. The Garmin Nuvi 700 series has performed well in our ratings (available to online subscribers) of portable devices.

Suzuki decided to add this system after hearing feedback from current SX4 owners that navigation is the most desired feature in their next vehicle. In-car navigation systems from the factory can cost $1500-$2000, or be a part of an even more expensive technology package.

Suzuki has not yet released pricing for the 2009 SX4 line, but says it will have a base price of under $16,000, signaling a potential price increase. The SX4 Sport starts at $14,270 and the SX4 Crossover at $14,770, plus $625 in destination charges. For comparison purposes, you can buy a portable Garmin Nuvi 700 series device for around $600, so with a possible increase in base price, you may be paying for the system, after all. (Suzuki will not announce pricing until closer to on-sale date this summer.)

The docking station concept is an exciting one, as it could allow users to choose the level of GPS they want and potentially upgrade it in the future, allowing for new features to be brought to the car. It is conceivable that docks could become the navigation equivalent of iPod connectors, allowing consumers to choose the device and upgrade as desired. Of course, this would require the adherence to standards. With Garmin accounting for half the U.S. market, it is a possibility. Toyota is experimenting with a dock application in the 4Runner SUV. Although Toyota offers a DVD-based navigation system on the 4Runner, the Urban Runner model includes a removable TomTom portable navigation device.

Clearly, consumer interest in GPS-enabled devices is on the rise, and we expect to see more creative solutions in the future.

What solutions would you like to see? Post your thoughts in the comments below.

—Liza Barth

Comments

[DumpMy4Runner]

Wow Suzuki is REALLY on a roll!
I have about 137,000 miles on my 4runner now, I've been thinking of trading it in. Since I've moved to the city I really don't need true off-road capability any more. What I DO need is a capable car that that gets at least as good gas mileage as my 4runner but also has AWD, as well as bike racks for the roof and fold down rear seats with a rear hatch. So I guess you can say I'm looking for a "lifestyle" car haha. And yeah I'm a slave to technology so I need my navigation and blue tooth! I looked at the SX4 previously and after test driving it I came very close to buying it. The version I tested was the better package so it was already a bit over 16k. The only thing missing on the deal was it didn't have navigation and the stereo wasn't blue tooth capable. I did go out, price the competition and did test drives and such. There are alot of other nice cars out there, that's for sure. But the one thing I kept running in to was.... no AWD or, if the other cars did have AWD they were all priced thousands more than the SX4 (specially when you equiped them equivalently to the SX4, many standard things in the SX4 are all extra charges on the AWD competition) and got worse gas mileage. The 2nd downer about the other AWD's I tested that were comparable size to the SX4... most of them looked like boxes on wheels (subie *cough*)and I'm just not ready for that estate wagon "look" you get from these other AWD cars that compete with the SX4... maybe in another 20 years or so haha. The SX4 looks up to date, fresh styling and cutting edge.
The final thing I looked at also.... the warranty of the car. The SX4 comes with 7 yr, 100,000 mile warranty with NO DEDUCTABLE, and the warranty is fully TRANSFERABLE to a new owner if I decide to sell the car down the road at some point. If you do go compare the SX4 with other AWD cars remember to ask those things about their warranty, how many years, how many miles, and just as important, IS THERE A DEDUCTABLE each time you actually need to use the warranty? and IS IT FULLY TRANSFERABLE TO A NEW OWNER at no charge?
I gotta say, now there is nothing stopping me from buying an SX4. Suzuki how did you know??? lol

[Dan Burge]

what the sx4 REALLY needs is about 25 more h.p. because the thing weighs a TON and the engine redlines up small hills. i own one and love it except for the extreamly weak engine. the mpg is nothing to boast about either, it averages about 25 mpg. but its comfy and stylish inside, and its awesome in snow. but a g.p.s. does add a huge increase in all around value. i bought a nice one for $250 and it was stolen right out of my car 4 months after i bought it. ;( now i see the tv ads with the built in center-dash gps and i want to cry. suzuki should also change the tacky red dash lights with blue ones because on sunny days you simply cannot read the info and radio displays.

[David Wilson]

I am very disappointed that CR did not mention that the SX4 sedan is a completely different ride. All they had to do was drive it around any block USA to see there is a major difference. Not as much road noise, better acceleration and handling. Suzuki made a big mistake pairing them together, they are nothing alike. I just shopped the sedan and it is as good or better value then the Subaru Impreza.