Equator and Kizashi make Suzuki's vehicles popular heading into 2012

All four of the vehicles Suzuki sells in America report year-to-date sales that are higher than in 2010.

The Equator pickup truck (pictured) leads the way with a 49% increase in sales this year with 1,963 units sold through December.

The popular Equator, a midsize truck, remains available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Each offers rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations.

To accommodate loads ranging from Suzuki’s ATVs to motorcycles, Suzuki offers Crew Cab variants in both Short Bed and Long Bed configurations.

In addition, the Equator incorporates class-leading standard safety features, including standard side-impact and rollover airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as well as standard stability control on V-6 models.

Built in Smyrna, Tenn., the Equator offers a choice of either a 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an available 4.0-liter V6 DOHC engine producing 261 horsepower with 281 lb.-ft. of torque.

The leading-edge Kizashi Sport performance car is a strong second, with a 20% sales boost over last year with 6,345 units sold so far in 2011. This is the car that gives Suzuki its pedigree.

The way Suzuki tells it in promotional materials: "The Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale without abandoning Suzuki's traditional emphasis on content and value. Its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is augmented by the vehicle's overall mission to provide strong yet refined street performance."

The Grand Vitara sport-utility vehicle's sales this year are up 11%. There were 4,509 units of the compact SUV moved from U.S. showrooms.

The SX4 sport sedan, hatch and crossover family show the lowest gain at 8%, but is the volume leader in the lineup with 11,189 vehicles sold.

All Suzukis offer a 100,000-mile, seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corp. was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor and markets its vehicles in America through a network of about 250 automotive dealerships.

The Japanese company's world headquarters is in Hamamatsu, Japan.

Last year, Suzuki sold more than 2.5 million new cars and trucks and more than 3 million motorcycles and ATVs.

Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, Suzuki sells vehicles in in 193 markets.

Reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Suzuki