Suzuki SX4 WRC : Top cars from Australian International Motor Show

Suzuki SX4 WRC

The Suzuki SX4 is a mini SUV crossover vehicle developed by Suzuki and Fiat. Although originally intended only for the European market, the car is sold in Japan and North America as well. It was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, and is being built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary, as well as in Japan. An expected 60,000 units will be produced — 2/3 to be sold by Suzuki and 1/3 by Fiat, rebadged as the Sedici, and a Lancia sister model is expected for 2007. Design was handled by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio.
The SX4 offers a standard electronically controlled four wheel drive, alternating between front drive, automatic 4WD and 50:50 split permanent 4WD. Base engines are the 1.5 L unit identical to the one used in the Swift and the new 1.6 VVT seen in the new Grand Vitara, this one capable of 107 PS (79 kW), although the sales bulk will be comprised of the Diesel version, using a sourced Fiat Multijet engine, with 120 PS (88 kW) and 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf). The SX4 will take the Aerio/Liana's place during 2006 and 2007, with a year of overlapping.
The U.S. market version will arrive as a 2007 model year as Suzuki's entry-level AWD vehicle. Differences from the European model are the offering of 4WD as standard and a single 2.0 L inline-4 gasoline engine producing 143 hp (107 kW) and 135 ft·lbf (183 N·m).
On February 28 at the Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki confirmed that the marque will enter the FIA World Rally Championship in the World Rally Car category in 2007, using the SX4. However due to WRC calendar changes Suzuki will now debut in 2008, using the 2007 season as further development time for the SX4.
So far, sales have been strong in the U.S, as dealerships are clearing out. The main reason is for the amount of features for the price. The $14,999 base price includes a 143hp engine, power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, and remote keyless entry. Suzuki is also offering traction control, electronic stability control, and an advanced key in a sport package with starting at MSRP $16,399. Also the SX4 is currently the lowest priced AWD vehicle availiable in the U.S. market.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org