Suzuki's got some exciting things in store with the arrival of its first pickup truck.

Displayed for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the Equator is based on the Nissan Frontier, an estimable truck I've driven several times before.

Three concept versions were shown at the show -- the Quad, billed as an ATV with businesslike knobby tires and camouflage green finish; the RMZ-4, with an off-road design and equipped to handle SUZUK TRM-Z bikes, and the Quay, a dressy looking, hard working truck with a 6,500 pound towing capacity, lowered suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and a dressy, silver grille.

The most recent addition to the Suzuki lineup is the Suzuki SX4 Sport four-door sedan, a good looking compact car that will be a lot of fun on the road.

The 2008 SX4 Sport, at least to my eyes, is a pretty classy little sedan. That's as it should be because Suzukis are what I call premium subcompacts -- though they cost a bit more than entry-level models, they generally have a richer look to them and are better-equipped than their lesser-priced competitors.

The SX4 Sport comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 143 horsepower with a five-speed manual transmission or an available specially tuned four-speed automatic transmission. The estimated EPA fuel economy rating is 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with automatic transmission.

Stylewise, other than the obvious distinction from the crossover model -- the existence of a trunk -- the SX4 Sport has a tough looking front fascia and grille, and for visibility, a fairly low waistline, making it easier for Pittsburghers to see down hills at intersections.

All SX4 models have a full complement of standard equipment, including a 23-mode inteligent all-wheel-drive system, steering wheel mounted audio controls, A/C, power windows and locks, four-wheel disc brakes with Bosch ABS, six air bags, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and keyless entry.

The SX4 Sport is backed by a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

The starting MSRP for the SX4 Sport is $14,770 plus $625 destination and handling.