Just one year after showing the sporty SX4 hatchback here in New York, Suzuki has taken the wraps off of the SX4 sedan, hoping to build on the success of the 5-door version.  The new SX4 hatchback and XL7 helped Suzuki to its first year with sales in excess of 100,000 units in its 22 year history.

“The SX4 sedan will be one of the best-equipped compact cars in America and will perfectly complement our lineup of versatile vehicles,” said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC automotive operations.  “Since New York has been home to so many of our significant vehicle introductions, we’re delighted to return and kick off the second quarter of 2007 with the launch of Suzuki’s latest exciting product.”

With exterior styling inspired by a Japanese Kabuki mask, the SX4 Sedan is based on the Swift, which is sold in the European and Asian market. The chassis has been tuned to provide stable and responsive handling, and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes are part of the standard equipment.

Powering the SX4 Sedan is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 143 horsepower and 136 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy figures for the new sedan were not released; consumers can expect it to be similar to the ratings for the SX4 Hatchback.

The tall roof and wide doors provide easy entry and exit for front- and rear-seat passengers. Gauges are large and are backlit in red, and controls are all within easy reach. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls provide additional convenience. The SX4 Sedan comes standard with an AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system with four speakers.  The system is XM Satellite Radio ready and can be upgraded to a premium sound system, featuring nine speakers and in-dash six-disc CD changer.

SX4 is also safely equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and six standard airbags, including side-curtain airbags which protect both front and rear seat passengers.

The new SX4 Sedan will go on sale in the U.S. as a 2008 model this fall.