EQUATOR: Unchanged for 2010.

GRAND VITARA: (photo) The Grand Vitara now comes with a standard navigation system, making it the least-expensive SUV to come so equipped. Higher trim levels get an upgraded nav system with the MSN Suite that includes real-time traffic, Doppler weather radar, movie times, gas prices, and airline arrival/departure information.

KIZASHI: (photo) The Kizashi is Suzuki’s all-new mid-size sedan; although it appears to be slightly smaller than traditional mid-sizers like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Kizashi uses innovative packaging, similar to the SX4, to provide the back seat legroom and trunk space of a larger car. Designed entirely in-house, the Kizashi is planned to take on more luxurious and fun-to-drive rivals like the Volkswagen Passat and Acura TSX. The Kizashi will initially be powered by a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual or a continuously-variable automatic transmission.

SX4: (photo) The SX4 gets a new engine; displacement is the same as last year — 2 liters — but power is up (150 hp and 140 lb-ft, up from 143 hp and 136 lb-ft). A 6-speed manual replaces last year’s 5-speed, and a continuously variable automatic transmission replaces last year’s 4-speed automatic. All this results in a 2-3 MPG improvement in EPA fuel economy estimates. Other improvements include a revised instrument cluster and center stack, height-adjustable driver’s seat, new seat fabric, illuminated steering wheel stereo and cruise controls, and an improved navigation system. The hatchback is now available with front-wheel-drive; this new model is called the SX4 Sportback, and it gets the same lowered suspension as the Sport sedan. The all-wheel-drive hatchback — still called the Crossover — gets an improved cargo bay with an underfloor storage area and a fold-flat seat.