Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

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Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

Related posts:

1. Super Bowl Car Commercials
2. 2011 Automotive Super Bowl Commercials
3. Volkswagen Debuts Two Super Bowl Commercials

Suzuki may not be the most popular or well known automaker in the US, but that should not keep you from taking a look at their newest product. Introduced in 2010,  the Kizashi is now available in four trim levels: The base S, SE, Sport GTS, and Sport SLS.  All trim levels can be had with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). However, if you choose AWD, you can only get the continuously variable transmission (CVT).  The FWD manual starts at $18,999 and the top trim level Sport SLS AWD w/NAV is $28, 948.  After reading this in Motor Trend, I knew this car could be a game-changer for them.  I had to drive one to find out.

I drove the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD, with the CVT and paddle shifters. This model is loaded with a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo with Bluetooth, heated leather seats with memory, heated side mirrors, power sunroof, auto headlights, auto rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension and sport steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The only additional available option on my test car was navigation.  Standard on all Kizashi’s is Keyless push-button ignition, USB port, front and rear side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, dual zone climate control, and led interior lighting.

The exterior of the car is very nice for the price point with tight body gaps and a quality appearance. The chrome add-ons, aggressive stance, and sporty trunk lid lip are all complimentary to the main body lines of the car.  Inside the car has an even higher quality look and feel. The doors have a solid ‘thunk’ when closing them and the fit and finish inside is top notch for the price.  My first impression was, “Wow, I can’t believe this is a Suzuki!”. The front seats are among the most comfortable I’ve experienced, with eight-way power adjustments, power lumbar, and the aforementioned memory.  Entry into the backseat is a less than perfect requiring one to duck inside due to the low roof line, but once in the back, the seats are extremely comfortable and average-sized adults will fit just fine.  Overall the interior feels like you are in a much more expensive car.

After pressing the push-button ignition to start it, the engine runs very smoothly and sounded more like a V-6 than a four-cylinder at idle.  The initial acceleration does not feel as powerful as 180 horsepower would suggest with the CVT modulating the power to optimize fuel economy of EPA 22 city/29 highway.  Not until you mash the gas do you realize this is not a slow car.  The Kizashi takes off with a shiftless surge of power that will keep up with if not best much of the competition in zero to 60 and the quarter mile.  Be careful though, since you don’t experience shifts with a CVT, speed climbs deceptively quick.  Braking is firm and controlled.  The ride is firm and sporty, yet did not jar me when I hit a few rough railroad crossings and an occasional pothole during my drive.  Overall, the car has a nice balance between sport and comfort.

The Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD is a solid, well-built, and impressive car for the money. It provides a lot of value with excellent, comfortable seating and equipment normally found on cars at higher price-points.  It would have been an even better car with a manual transmission (a six-speed manual is only available on front wheel drive models), though shifting with the paddle shifters was somewhat of a happy medium.  It could be that I am just not used to a CVT and how different it behaves.  If you are looking for a mid-size car with sport-touring intentions, this should be on your list.

Before You Buy

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership. Find the Lowest Price on Your New Car at CarWoo Today!

Related posts:

1. 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack Review
2. 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport Review
3. 2011 Subaru WRX STI Review

The aftermath of the deadly Japanese earthquake and tsunami continues to leave the Asian country on alert. Earthquake aftershocks following the violent 8.7 magnitude shake, massive rationing of everyday goods, power supply and nuclear radiation concerns as well as the fact that many unfortunate people have lost lives has provided a reason for sombre time. However, some optimism reigns for when the sadness can be dealt with moving forward. Japanese auto companies (like many other industries and offices in the region) have positioned themselves along with their employees taking stock in the recent events, helping whenever possible.

Honda, Nissan and Toyota provided immediate, official accounts to damage and injures but several waited until further evaluations of the aftermath before releasing statements. After company assessments over the weekend Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Subaru and Suzuki reported on the situation of their operations. Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors and Suzuki sent out word Monday that their factories and headquarters escaped damage. This was not an immediate surprise since most of these automakers’ infrastructure was in the southern part of Japan, away from the earthquake epicenter. Despite minor damage to equipment, Subaru as well as its parent Fiji Heavy Industries, survived with the seismic event without loss.

Cooperating with energy conservation efforts in Japan as well as to insure the safety of employees, all automakers have suspended production for the Monday and Tuesday. The temporary ceasing of automotive manufacturing operations is also performed following assessment of several facilities and suppliers reported damage.

While the industry is currently idled in Japan, most of the country’s automaker who did not suffer major damage intends to be restarted later this week. Subaru, Toyota and some Nissan facilities plan to resume production on March 16th while Mitsubishi Motors has production set to restart the next day. Planning initially to be restarted Wednesday the 16th, Mazda revised their production idle to the 20th of March. Mazda cited their shutdown extension as a move to assure their employee’s well being.

While some plants are set to restart production on the 16th of March, Nissan and Honda plans regarding their harder hit operations will have some of the Japanese auto company starting later. Though the corporation reported six of their manufacturing plants suffering stress from the earthquake, Nissan’s Tochigi Plant (production facility for most notably the GT-R supercar) and the Iwaki Plant (builder of Nissan VQ series engines) sustained concerning damage in the natural disaster. Following the earthquake, fires were reported at both Nissan manufacturing plants that were promptly doused before spreading. With no major injuries or serious damage, Nissan will have the Tochigi Plant and Iwaki Plant complexes back in production by the March 18th.

Honda has been the only manufacturer to announce an on-site death of an employee. A 43-year old R&D associate in Tochigi was killed when a wall collapsed in the building’s cafeteria. While reporting one death, Honda injury toll in Tochigi is revised to 17 employees (dropping from an original account of 30). Suspending production until the next week, Honda’s intends to restart production of all plants for the 20th of March.

In their most recent press release, Honda also mentions the status of North American automobile production and supply. Saying the current situation has no immediate impact on the manufacturing plant in the United States and Canada. However, Honda is actively monitoring the supply line. Well 80% of their products are produced in North America, the Honda CR-Z, Fit as well as the Acura RL and TSX are imported directly from the recently closed Japanese facilities. Honda is also convinced they have enough Japanese-made vehicle components to sustain plants in the United States and Canada. Toyota and Nissan, who have manufacturing presence in the United States, were able to follow Honda’s suit by assuring North American stock of parts is sufficient for the short-term. However, Nissan is cautioning there will be delivery delays of the GT-R and 370Z. Fortunately for the company and North American customers, a ship of 600 Nissan Leaf electric vehicles that left a day ahead of the earthquake and tsunami is proceeding safely to the United States.

There are those who believe that an industry who propel people to prosperity. In reality, the converse is actually true. The Japanese people, despite their cultural of discipline and self-motivation, have been positioned in a time of need. Among those helping the cause for aid and assistance is Japan’s home-based auto companies. Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan have donated a collective amount of 660 million yen (roughly the equivalent of $8.23 million US dollars) to aid efforts. Mitsubishi Corporation itself has provided 400 million yen (almost 5 million US dollars) in immediate aid to the relief preparations. Honda North America has also pledged to match Red Cross donations of the 29,000 employees without limit. Beyond monetary assistance, Honda is also donating 1,000 portable gas generators and 5,000 gas canisters. Nissan’s non-monetary work included the donation of vehicles and fork lifts as well as food and blankets. Most notably on the 11th of March, Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama City served as temporary shelter to 150 people affected by the natural disaster. In the building, food and warmth were provided in a show of corporate/community spirit.

The human toll is compiled in number, but the tragic reality is many of us can never be accurately measured since there is no true measure of a value of an individual life. As charity and human kindness is extended to the Japanese public in this dark time, we like forward to a brighter future as a global community whether dealing with a large corporate or a single person. One person expressing this hope is Toyota president Akio Toyoda who issued a personal statement first expressing “I offer my prayers to all those who lost their lives in the March 11 Tohoku Earthquake and its ensuing aftermath, as well as my sympathy to the survivors and their families.” Acknowledging the relief effort as the first priority, Toyoda ended saying “Determined to provide hope for not only those suffering and forced to undergo extreme hardships, but also for the region overall, we will do our utmost toward the realization of recovery.”

Information source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Company, Mazda Motor Corporation Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation

Photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation

Related posts:

1. Effects of Japan Earthquake on the Auto Industry
2. US Plant Production In Doubt Following Japan Auto Shutdowns
3. 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Signifies Healing for Hurt Country

Over the past few years, there’s been a surge of small, affordable hatchbacks coming on the market, and they continue to flow. We have the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Mazda3, VW Golf, and plenty of others to choose from in this range. It’s no surprise – they’re cheap, fuel efficient, have room to store all sorts of crap with the rear seats folded down, and some are even fun to drive. So it’s no surprise that Suzuki (remember them?) wants back in the game.

For 2010, Suzuki added a new model – the SX4 SportBack. This variation on the SX4 wagon makes a few changes for the better. The SportBack gets rid of the roof rack found on the SX4 Crossover and adds a body kit and rear spoiler. To go along with the sportier look, Suzuki lowered the SportBack by 15mm and tightened up the suspension. A new powertrain across the SX4 line is welcome – now we have a 2.0-liter four-banger with a tick more power and 30 mpg on the highway. New transmissions include a standard 6-speed manual or optional CVT to replace last year’s 4-speed automatic. Our test model was fitted with the 6-speed. It wasn’t bad, but I found six speeds to be a bit much for the relatively weak engine.

Suzuki has always been good at providing a good value, and the 2010 SX4 SportBack isn’t changing that. Coming in at $17,949, this “hot hatch” comes standard with power accessories, leather steering wheel, fog lights, six-disc CD changer with upgraded audio, cruise, automatic A/C, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, and most surprisingly – standard navigation. The navigation needs some explaining – it’s not an integrated system like you’ve seen in countless other new cars – it’s a portable Garmin unit stuck into a pop-up slot on the SX4′s dash (see picture below.) Weird, yes, but it works. One feature missing – standard auxiliary audio input – a big downside, though there is an iPod interface available.

So, how is driving the SX4 SportBack? Frankly, it’s a weird little thing. The seating position and overall comfort certainly leave something to be desired, the lack of a real center console feels econocar cheap, and the interior materials aren’t of the highest quality. But after all, you are driving a sub-$20K sport hatchback. The 6-speed manual transmission has one too many gears for the car’s power output, and shifting just doesn’t quite feel quite – it’s a bit too imprecise.

There is, however, more interior room than you’d expect, and overall it’s a pleasant ride. The amount of standard equipment in the SX4 SportBack is great compared to competing models, and the price is definitely right.

The problem with the SX4 is that it’s just not unique enough to stand out from the contenders. Other than the value factor (which might just be enough for some buyers,) there’s nothing about the car that screams “buy me instead!” Other cars, like the Toyota Yaris and especially the Mazda3 and VW Golf are more fun, more engaging, and have more personality than the SX4 – but they’re also more expensive and/or get worse fuel economy. The 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack adds a bit of spice to an otherwise uninteresting car. But it makes sense – and that’s more than enough for many buyers, especially nowadays.

Before You Buy

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership. Find the Lowest Price on Your New Car at CarWoo Today!

Related posts:

1. 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Review
2. 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa
3. 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport Review

Known more for their motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles than road-going cars and trucks here in North America, Suzuki can finally stake a firm stand in the small-car market with an economy car that doesn’t actually feel like one.

The Suzuki SX4 comes in two flavors; one is an all-wheel drive four-door hatchback, the other is a four-door front-wheel drive sedan. Both offer everything you expect from a small car: small dimensions on the outside, a roomy interior and fuel-sipping mileage. However, this particular vehicle also offers you a fantastic driving experience as well as several luxury features that are found on more expensive automobiles.

The SX4 Sport sedan comes in several different trim levels, from the base Sedan that offers a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder and five-speed manual transaxle, air-conditioning, four-wheel disk brakes with ABS, power everything, steering wheel controls for the radio and cruise control, and side airbags all for under $15,000. Of course, you can step up to the higher levels, such as the SX4 Sport with Convenience Package test vehicle, and get such pricey items as 17-inch wheels, aero kit, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and a outside temperature gauge/fuel mileage computer for less the $2,000. Or choose the Touring package and reward yourself with a nine-speaker premium stereo, SmartPass keyless entry and starter, and even navigation (coming in 2009) for not much more.

Inside, occupants will notice the tall roof, high seating position and excellent outward view of the SX4. The seating position is good, with firmly-padded seat and easy-to-reach controls, although certain driver may have sit closer to the dash, causing you to bend your legs, which will hurt your knees after a long drive. There is a Kareem-Abdul Jabbar-like 39.4 inches of headroom in front and 37.4 inches in back, dwarfing all others in its class except the Nissan Versa. Front passenger legroom is immense, although legroom in the back will be tight for long-legged people. The trunk is a roomy 15 cubic feet.

Everything falls into hand while sitting behind the wheel, with radio controls consisting of large and mostly well-labeled buttons for your use. Below the radio are the three knobs for the automatic climate controls, which is a cinch to use. At the top of the dash is where one can find the temperature and fuel usage display.

The Sport’s interior is made of quality materials, from the tight seams on the dash panels to the solid thunk of the doors, although a few cheap bits do make themselves known. The plastics used are rather hard, but are on par in its class. Behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel are three large gauges that have sizable numbers for quick glances and glow a dark red at night. Each gauge is ringed by a silver-colored ring, which is accented by the stereo and climate-control knobs also having their own touches of silver. That little bit helps break up the monotony of a rather dark interior.

There are a few faults to this interior. I love the touches they’ve made with adding features like the climate control and fuel display, but why skimp on a center armrest? What about adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat? Also, the rear seats should fold down (they don’t), and who had the audacity to approve those awful chrome pieces accenting the center console?

The exterior on the SX4 Sport has the aforementioned aero kit, which includes pronounced front and rear chin spoilers and side sill extensions. Rounding out the more aggressive looks are 10-spoke 17-inch allow wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport 7000s.

Overall, the outside is good-looking and clean, if a bit ill-proportioned. The lines are clean and there are no extraneous trinkets to clutter the exterior. However, with a tall roof and a short overall length of less than 15 feet, it looks squeezed together from both ends. The big mirrors produce a big-eared effect in how far they stick out, and the rear end sits far too high. The SX4 comes off more cutesy than manly.

Luckily, a drive behind the wheel can help you overlook the chic-ness on the outside.

This little Suzuki’s best attribute is its steering. The rack-and-pinion steering has been tuned almost perfectly with a nice weighty feel and perfect feedback. Tie those attributes in with 17-inch Dunlop and KYB shocks, and you’ve got a car that corners flatly, bites into the turns nicely and really engages the driver. Even the brakes work well with good response to sharp inputs.

When you are not attacking corners, though, the ride can come off as overly stiff. The SX4 won’t beat you up, but you’ll feel and hear all those bumps when going down the road from the suspension. There’s also a fair amount of road noise and wind noise that emanates through the cabin, but again, it’s no worse than the competition.

One weak point that holds this car back slightly is the engine. The 2.0 liter makes 143 horsepower and 136 lb. ft of torque, so you would think it would be more than peppy. Well, it’s not.

The four-cylinder does have enough power to move out of the way of the public transit bus coming up behind you. However, full throttle sprints from a dead stop provide nothing but a deep bellow from under the hood. Quick passing ability is also a slow process. Chalk it up to the soul-sucking four-speed automatic, which is a very good one despite the dilution of performance, with nice shifts both up and down. Regardless, opt for the five-speed manual. And don’t expect good gas mileage, as I averaged just 22 mpg in my mostly city driving, which is below the EPA’s city rating on the sticker.

I was very surprised by this little Suzuki. It is a fun alternative to the more bland offerings from Chevrolet, Toyota, Kia, etc. If you’re in the market for a new compact that’s actually fun to drive, and you do not stop by your local Suzuki dealer, don’t say I didn’t tell you what you’re missing.

Let dealers compete for your business and have the upper hand in negotiations before going into the dealership. Find the Lowest Price on Your New Car at CarWoo Today!

Base Price: $14,339
As Tested: $17,458
Architecture: Front-engine, front-wheel drive five-passenger compact sedan
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter DOHC I4 with four-speed automatic transaxle
Length: 177.6
Wheelbase: 98.4
Mileage: 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Weight: 2745 lbs.

Related posts:

1. 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Review
2. 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack Review
3. 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa

The Suzuki Hayabusa was already one of the coolest, fastest street-bikes on the road, but Suzuki has decided for the 2008 model that they will not only redesign the super-bike, but increased the size of the engine from 1299cc to 1340cc, and features an all-new suspension. The new Hayabusa will be available in Orange, Blue, and Black.

It’s not a particularly dramatic redesign for the ‘Busa, but it certainly looks more sleek and aggressive than the previous model (click on the pictures to enlarge):

I’ve never written about bikes on AutomoBlog.net yet, but this is a good time to start. Suzuki is hoping the new Hayabusa will out-run it’s long-time rival, the Kawasaki ZX-14; let’s hope it does at around $12,000.

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa Wallpapers:

source: Bikeland.org | SuzukiCycles

Related posts:

1. 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport Review
2. 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack Review
3. 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Review