Suzuki has just announced that the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is going to be the first car in America for under $16,000 that will feature a standard navigation system.
The standard system is the result of a partnership with Garmin and includes many Microsoft Network enabled features such as real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings, etc. The system is officially referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play). It features a 4.3-inch flip up display with a touch screen and integrated Bluetooth that can also receive and play text messages aloud to you.
The 2009 Suzuki SX4 with the standard navigation system will be available this summer.
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PRESS RELEASE:
2009 Suzuki SX4: FIRST CAR IN AMERICA UNDER $16,000 WITH STANDARD NAVIGATION
• BREA, Calif. (April 28, 2008) - Establishing an auto industry first, and packing even more appeal into its bold and stylish sport compact, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced the addition of a fully integrated standard navigation system to the 2009 Suzuki SX4. The company's offering marks the first time a new vehicle under $16,000 will include navigation as a standard feature. The innovative navigation system will be included as standard equipment on both the four-door SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover, propelling the 2009 SX4 to the front of the compact segment as the personal technology leader.
• The Suzuki SX4's integrated navigation system is the result of a partnership with Garmin and is available with a variety of advanced Microsoft Network-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town. To further customize the system to reflect its "Way of Life" brand attitude, Suzuki will add a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks to the system. The locations include hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions and other activity-focused destinations that will be clearly identified with a Suzuki "Way of Life" icon on the navigation screen.
• "Aside from improving an already popular vehicle, this navigation system provides a unique opportunity to further express the Suzuki 'Way of Life' brand spirit and directly respond to SX4 shoppers' unmet needs," said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "We know that our customers are vibrant and adventurous at heart, so we've gone beyond a typical navigation offering to develop a system capable of enhancing driver experiences and activating a passion for living life to the fullest. Navigation makes drivers feel more confident and in control, and our customized navigation system is the perfect fit for Suzuki owners' on-the-go attitude and daily routine."
Suzuki based its decision to include standard navigation on feedback from current SX4 owners regarding their most desired features in their next vehicle purchase. In addition to improving overall favorable impressions of the SX4, Suzuki research showed the addition of a navigation system had a positive "halo" effect on a range of driver perceptions, including significant increases in drivers' "feelings of control" and "feelings of safety."
Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the fully integrated system utilizes Navteq mapping software and includes a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages. The system also comes preloaded with street maps that feature millions of points-of-interest, such as hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations and ATMs, and other Suzuki-recommended, brand-oriented destinations. A dedicated community Web site will be launched to support the sharing and downloading of user-generated recommendations for destinations and drive routes among Suzuki owners.
The touch screen navigation system included as standard equipment on the 2009 SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover will come with a number of standard navigation features and millions of unique points-of-interest. Bluetooth capability and other enhanced Microsoft Network-enabled features of the system, including real-time traffic, local events, weather forecasts and a gas price finder, will be included as part of the SX4's upgraded trim package. The 2009 SX4 is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms this summer.
Comments (20)
Nav, WTF? I don't get it.
I understand that generation that always needs something electronic blabbing in their face so they don't have to sit with their own thoughts for 2 sec's, but still, I don't get it.
Posted by zippy | April 27, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 15:36
I like a GPS in the car. I normally just turn off the voice commands. It's pretty useful when you're in an unfamiliar area, and dead useful if you get lost.
Posted by SEALBoy | April 27, 2008 4:19 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 16:19
Exactly right Seal
A good Nav system is worth every penny in unfamiliar areas, especially big cities in heavy traffic where you miss your turn and cant just pull over somewhere to look at a map.
Posted by Tim | April 27, 2008 6:23 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 18:23
It sucks that they're just going to include it in the cost. Especially for people that would rather save the $2-300 it's probably costing them to put it in.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 27, 2008 9:57 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 21:57
so what. this has a US$180 'cost'
Posted by waldorf and statler | April 27, 2008 11:35 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 23:35
Navs will become a standard in a few years on all cars. The way prices keep on dropping on Nav systems it doesn't surprise me that a car for under 16 grand includes one now.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | April 28, 2008 12:08 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 00:08
I can't imagine it costs very much. You can buy a nav with a 4.3 inch screen for less than $200 that's portable. Still, not everyone wants it. But in 5 years NAV systems will probably be standard equipment.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 28, 2008 6:02 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 06:02
Are you guys really serious???
If Honda did this would you be all HAPPY about it?
So what, Suzuki beat everyone to the punch getting a Navigation unit into a car for under $16k. That is great news for people looking for a car in this price range. A Civic LX starts at $16,000 and doesn't come with a NAV.
This is a good move on Suzuki's part.
Posted by Andrew | April 28, 2008 7:33 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 07:33
In Canada, they still don't come with heated seats - not even as an option.
Posted by brian | April 28, 2008 9:48 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 09:48
In Canada, they still don't come with heated seats - not even as an option.
Posted by brian | April 28, 2008 9:48 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 09:48
@Brian:
That's to encourage Americans to stay out of Canada... maybe... I dunno...
Posted by Jason | April 28, 2008 10:09 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 10:09
Yeah, my grandfather always nabs at me for opting for the NAV in my 335, but it does come in handy when you do miss a turn in the middle of a horrible designed city... it was enough to make him admit it came in handy.
I hope NAVs come standard in cars in a few years... BMW really sucked cash for the nav ($2,000).
Posted by Joan of Arc | April 28, 2008 10:56 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 10:56
Once you use a Nav system you never want to go to reading maps. I used to hate trying to read a map while i was driving on a road. For one it can me dangerous and two, trying to figure out where to turn reading a map while driving may make you miss the turn altogether. With Nav system you never have to worry about thatespecially the voice command ones, hell you don't even have to take your eyes off the road for a split second now.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | April 28, 2008 2:44 PM
Posted on April 28, 2008 14:44
Japanese Beat !
Posted by R3TNIAP | April 28, 2008 8:42 PM
Posted on April 28, 2008 20:42
I love my navi it tells me when im getting to my destinations and even if i know where im going its good to know if your going to be on time before your late.
Posted by Dennisil | April 29, 2008 9:56 AM
Posted on April 29, 2008 09:56
Sat Nav should be standard anyway.
Posted by John | April 29, 2008 3:29 PM
Posted on April 29, 2008 15:29
@Dennisil
"...and even if i know where im going its good to know if your going to be on time before your late"
Isn't that what a clock is for?
I love having a NAV in a car.. it's a great feature and I personally love having techie things in a car. Good job, Suzuki - I just hope you have enough respect out there so that everyone jumps to match this.
Posted by Rob | April 30, 2008 10:11 AM
Posted on April 30, 2008 10:11
I'm so glad someone finally put nav as standard equipment.
Seriously 2000 for a freaking GPS is ridiculous. The system doesn't cost them more then 200 bucks max! they should also make Bluetooth standard too as many states don't allow using a phone in the car anymore.
Wether we like Suzuki or not, this will help push the prices down on Honda, Toyotas,etc... Good for US ALL. YEAY.
Posted by tko | April 30, 2008 10:16 PM
Posted on April 30, 2008 22:16
I knew the day was coming when cars had NAV standard. I didn't bet it was going to be a frickin Suzuki. Soon, the phrase "navigation system is standard" will be as pointless as "power windows and a/c included".
Posted by Rich | May 5, 2008 11:26 PM
Posted on May 5, 2008 23:26
About time. We've been nav-raped for too long. Kudos to Suzuki for starting the trend.
Posted by Kell | May 6, 2008 6:26 AM
Posted on May 6, 2008 06:26