- Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Suzuki, India
Click above for two high-res shots of the new Suzuki Alto
Suzuki will bring its seventh-generation Alto to the Paris Motor Show this October, featuring stylistic and powertrain upgrades to compete with the best and brightest from the budget-oriented, compact class. Based on the A-Star concept introduced at last year's New Delhi Motor Show, the new model will be built in India by Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant, and will likely packing a 1.0-liter engine which should make Euro V emissions regulations a breeze to exceed. Expect the new Alto to find its largest market in India, along with limited sales throughout Europe. For an economy car, it's a pretty decent looker from what we can tell from the two shots Suzuki's released ahead of the show, and we expect it will find plenty of buyers looking for a relatively cheap way to get around. Check the press release after the break for more.
Gallery: Paris Preview: Suzuki Alto
[Source: Suzuki]Continue reading Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Suzuki
Suzuki has teased us with three separate Kizashi concept cars and finally told us that a production vehicle based on the last concept would be coming to America in 2010. Work is apparently underway on the new Camcord competitor, and proof of Suzuki's efforts have appeared in a Southern California parking lot. Although the entire car is covered in camo, a few subtle details, including the grille and profile, appear to keep with the original concept, which garnered a substantial amount of acclaim when it was originally unveiled.
As pointed out by Autofiends, the Kizashi sedan looks a bit smaller than the vehicles it will be competing against, particularly when you consider that the Honda Accord has grown so large that it's now classified as a full-size car, akin to the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne. We welcome the idea of a smaller and sportier option, especially one equipped with an offshoot of GM's 3.6-liter V6, which is expected to join Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive when the production Kizashi debuts next year.
[Source: Autofiends]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Economy, Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Japan, Suzuki
As Autoblog's resident kei car fanboy, I like to share news and links about the diminutive forbidden-fruit rides whenever something interesting pops on the radar, like yesterday. Today, it's just a photo, courtesy of the gang at Speedhunters. The tiny kei pickup is a Suzuki Carry, which, in the hands of a normal business owner, does precisely that. This one's obviously a wee bit more specialized though, as the rear wing and roll bar suggest. This little work truck's job is drifting. It might look wrong, but there's something so right about it. Who says you need triple-digit horsepower to have fun?
[Source: Speedhunters]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Tech, Crossovers/CUVs, Suzuki
As previously reported, Suzuki has decided to include navigation on its SX4 Sport and Crossover before you make the first mark on the options list. That will make the $15,999 car the lowest priced car in America to come standard with talking maps. And now they're set to arrive in the SX4 Special Editions that arrive in Suzuki showrooms this month.
To recap, the nav system is called TRIP -- Travel, Real-time traffic, Information, and Play -- and incorporates several Microsoft features. Drivers can get traffic info, weather reports, headline news, stock quotes, movie listings, the lowest priced gas in the area, and directions to 500 nationwide Suzuki dealerships. If buyers go for the expansion module, they'll also get Fodor guide reviews of eateries and nightlife spots. It sounds like an awful lot to do in such a little car, but that's the march of progress.
[Source: Suzuki]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trends, Marketing/Advertising, Suzuki
Porsche and Suzuki rarely come up in the same breath, but here is something they both share: neither will be in Cobo Hall when the Detroit Auto Show opens in January. Joining the Stuttgart sportscar/SUV/SUS maker in skipping the show, Suzuki has said that they are pulling out for a slightly different reason. Whereas Porsche had said that Detroit wasn't a very important market for them, Suzuki is saying they didn't like the space they were offered. Here, Suzuki is hitting closer to what many people feel is the real problem with Cobo, there just isn't enough room. It's a fine hall with a storied past, and as a journalist it's nice to be able to get to any press conference within a minute from the media center, but it's not very big compared to the other halls around the world. With a name like "2009 North American International Auto Show" it needs more square-footage. It's still the most important auto show in the country, if not the world, and maybe losing Suzuki and Porsche don't hurt it too much, but this move by Suzuki could be marking a trend that can only be stopped with a major expansion. Back in January, we mentioned that a plan is being formulated to expand Cobo Hall, but the project is still in the financing stage as far as we know. Hopefully something can be done before long to save this great show's reputation.
[Source: Detroit News]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Hatchbacks, Suzuki, India
Although it is undoubtedly toned down a bit, Suzuki has been able to create what appears to be a nearly production-ready version of the A-Star concept it showed at the last New Delhi Motor Show just six months ago. The Indian release of the new car indicates just how important the emerging markets are to automakers, though the A-Star is likely to be available in most every country besides North America. Looking over the shots, evidence of cost-cutting is rather obvious, especially in the hard plastic interior. Still, for its intended market, the low price and relatively good looks will likely be more than enough to make this a successful platform for Suzuki.
[Source: Team BHP via Jalopnik]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Suzuki
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Suzuki SX4 WRC Edition.
While we haven't driven the boosted Suzuki SX4t, we hear it's a scream. So when we caught wind of a special edition SX4 inspired by the automaker's participation in the World Rally Championship, our happy balloon was on its way to reaching capacity. It deflated quickly. No, the SX4 WRC isn't turbocharged, doesn't have any trick all-wheel-drive programming and is little more than a wannabe racer of the lamest variety. Think the OZ-edition Mitsubishi Lancer, but with half the cred and none of the good stuff.
Instead, Suzuki Germany is attempting to cash in on the SX4's minimal rallying cred with the stock, 107-hp 1.6-liter four-pot, "rally design" 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/60 R16 rubber, a body kit that includes a new front bumper and rear bumper and side skirts, and with a mesh grille and "carbon-look" detailing. Inside, Suzuki's German arm is all about budget bling with a leather shift knob, faux carbon fiber trim, navigation and privacy glass, plus keyless entry and starting. Thankfully, you won't be able to pick up the Suzuki SX4 WRC in the States, and for 19,500 euro, we somehow doubt the rally-ravens in Deutschland will be running to dealers with loans in tow.
[Source: Suzuki via World Car Fans]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Economy, Japan, Suzuki
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Suzuki Wagon R and Stingray Limited
In Japan, Suzuki expects the Wagon R to eclipse the 3,000,000 units sold milestone this month. To commemorate, it has launched Limited versions of both the Wagon R and its Stingray variant (whose front-end styling looks very similar to the old Toyota bB). The new limited edition variants give Japanese drivers slightly flashier boxes in which to transport themselves. Among the features included in the cars' special packages are new grilles and foglamps, Alcantara-covered seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels with silver contrast stitching, and rearview mirrors with LED turn indicators. The 660cc kei-spec engine is untouched, and the cars can be ordered beginning today. Prices range from ¥1,115,000 for the 2WD Wagon R to ¥1,314,600 for the 4WD Stingray. Needless to say, we want both.
[Source: Suzuki]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Suzuki
Suzuki's swapped the ladder frame architecture of the past to create a more civilized XL7, a welcome change from the Vitara roots of the original. The XL7's unitized Theta II platform, on loan from General Motors, also serves as the basis for the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Suzuki also borrows the General's 3.6 liter V6, trying its very best in this application. The XL in the name is an apt descriptor, this is a lot of vehicle, and the price makes it a lot of value. So, what had to be sacrificed to bring such family friendly acreage in for the $22,000 of our trial unit?
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: Suzuki XL7
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Car Buying, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Suzuki
We knew critics of Chrysler's $2.99 Gas Guarantee would crawl out of the woodwork before too long, and here they come. Automotive News reports that The Union of Concerned Scientists has called Chrysler's program a "cynical deal", noting that at today's current average price of $3.61/gallon, a customer would save about $400 a year under Chrysler's program. Being the smart folk they are, the scientists also pointed out that customers could save the same amount from a 3 mpg bump in fuel economy over 15,000 miles or a year of driving, and that better fuel economy also continues saving the customer money after three years. Damn, scientists are so smart with the math.
The criticism hasn't stopped Suzuki, however, from announcing its own free gas deal. For vehicles purchased between May 1st and June 30th, Suzuki is offering 0% financing and three months of totally free fuel in its "Free Gas for Summer" program. Buyers will basically get a stored-value credit card that's charged with a different amount of money depending on the model purchased.
These incentive programs are nothing but promotions designed to grab headlines and make buyers feel like they're getting more money back than they actually are. Playing off the media's hysteria over high gas prices, Chrysler (and Suzuki) is betting buyers will feel that paying $2.99/gallon for three years is more valuable than a $2,000 cash back rebate. Trust the math, it's really not. Nevertheless, it will likely sell more Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles than a boring $2,000 rebate would.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Mazda, Nissan, Pontiac, Suzuki
It's been two weeks since our last podcast -- we tried to do one last week, but technical difficulties scuttled the effort. With that in mind, we packed some extra content into Autoblog Podcast #93. It's the usual rollicking good time where we discuss our current Autoblog Garage occupants, hit a few news items like the neo-M1 concept from BMW, Suzuki's content addition to the SX4, and the unveiling of the new Mazda6. Most importantly, we burn a healthy amount of minutes on the new Knight Rider suckfest. We also take a few emails from our podcast at autoblog dot com address. Thanks for your hour and seven minutes!
SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
DOWNLOAD the show now
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Gadgets, Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Hatchbacks, Suzuki
Click image to enlarge
Integrated nav systems are cash cows for the automakers. We've discussed this here before. While you can run to the local Target and buy a perfectly useful portable unit for around two-hundred bucks, clicking the nav checkbox on a car or truck's option sheet will probably run you ten times as much. That's painful. For the 2009 model year, however, Suzuki's looking to give shoppers some relief by making touchscreen nav standard equipment in the four-door SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive SX4 crossover (the enclosed PR makes no mention of the 4WD crossover, but we're assuming that it also benefits from this). This makes Suzuki the first automaker to offer the feature as standard equipment in a sub-$16,000 vehicle. What a novel concept: using desirable equipment as the carrot instead of the stick.
The flip-up unit, supplied by Garmin and dubbed "T.R.I.P", also delivers Bluetooth connectivity, features live traffic info, helps locate the lowest gas prices, and is pre-loaded with a number of points of interest. The automaker is even launching a social networking-type website where owners can upload and share their favorite routes and places to go. Will standard nav help Suzuki win over new customers? It sure isn't going to hurt. Given that the technology has dropped in price so precipitously, it's probably not even costing Suzuki too much in the grand scheme of things. And if the presence of that nav unit gets some fence-sitting new car shoppers to write out a check for at least $16,000, it's probably worth whatever it cost to integrate it into the base package. Maybe Suzuki's onto something.
[Source: Suzuki]Continue reading 2009 Suzuki SX4 getting nav system as standard equipment
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Suzuki
Click above for a high-res gallery fo the Suzuki SX4t.
When Suzuki launched the SX4, we couldn't help thinking that the oddly shaped hatch had some aftermarket potential. Suzuki seemed to think the same thing and tapped Road Race Motorsports, the renowned SoCal tuning firm, to create a one-off concept for the Chicago Auto Show. Road Race decided that it could do better than just some wheels, brakes, a body kit and a few engine mods, so its created the SX4t, a turbocharged version of the all-wheel-drive hatch that could mark the beginning of Suzuki's ascendancy into the aftermarket.
Road Race fitted a Mitsubishi 16G GT3 turbocharger onto the 2.0-liter four-pot, which delivers seven pounds of boost and increases output to 221 hp and 208 lb.-ft. of torque, a substantial bump over the stock mill's 143 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Suzuki, that should drop 0-60 times to under seven seconds when equipped with the five-speed manual.
More impressive, however, is that Suzuki is giving Road Race its blessing and that could mean that the turbo upgrade, along with plenty of other go-fast bits, could be available from your local Suzuki dealership. The cost of the turbo kit, with all the necessary plumbing, will come in at relatively steep $5,400 when it goes on sale this June. Suzuki estimates that the installation would run between $1,100 and $1,200 at the dealership, but wouldn't say if fitting the kit would affect the seven-year/100,000 factory warranty on the powertrain. While dropping close to $10-grand on an SX4 for wheels, brakes and engine mods might be a tough pill to swallow, it will have to suffice for Suzuki enthusiasts hoping that the automaker would release a rally-inspired SX4.
Hit the jump for the full press release from Suzuki.
Continue reading Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Motorsports, Euro, Hatchbacks, Suzuki
In the United States, Suzuki is more known for its superlative motorcycles than mainstream automobiles. It is a notion that has even been played upon by the manufacturer's marketing department in recent commercials. In other parts of the world though, particularly in places where small cars garner more of a following, the small Japanese compacts are popular enough to get their own race series. The inaugural Suzuki Swift Sport Cup kicked off in New Zealand back last November and culminated last month. Next up on the calendar, the United Kingdom gets a taste of the 1.6L 123-hp hatch in its own Swift Cup. The kiwi version utilized tarmac tracks, but the UK cars are optimized for dirt. This weekend will see seven identical Monster Sport Europe-built vehicles battling it out on part of the Pirelli International Rally course, the first of six rounds for the cup.
The low operation costs of the series and the accompanying television deal makes for an attractive package for participants, not to mention the high point prize. The overall championship winner also gets a fully funded ride in the 2008 Wales Rally GB WRC race. The vehicle entry will be a Suzuki Swift Super 1600, of course.
[Source: AutoMotoPortal.com]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Etc., Safety, Suzuki, First Drive, India
It's a common test-driving practice to attack a corner a bit aggressively and "see what she can do." A swan dive was the answer a driver in India received from a four-door Suzuki/Maruti Swift DZire during a test session. The car skidded out of control, hit a large rock, and then tumbled into the Shambhavi River. The attempt to emulate the Amphicar wound up more like an impression of Alvin, unfortunately. All four occupants were injured and ended up in the hospital, while the car itself appears to be a total loss upon its winching to shore. Reckless driving has been cited as the cause, although with a name like Swift, it's possible the driver was just trying to follow instructions. We wonder if driver training in India is as dismal as here in the United States, and judging from the looks of the car, we're inclined to think that the injuries were due to a lack of seatbelt use. Thanks for the tip, Rahul!
[Source: Daijiworld]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'SUZUKI' Category
Thursday, October 25th, 2007
Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki
Following the debut of the first Kizashi concept in Frankfurt, the folks at Suzuki’s design studios have butched up the concept even more. Check out the Ben Hur/James Bond tire-chewing alloys. Though there may be plans afoot for the Kizashi to see production, those wheels are not included among them.
Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 2 Concept
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, SUZUKI, Concept Cars, Sedans,Saloons | No Comments »
Monday, June 17th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Aerio
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Aerio (2004-) ()
Suzuki Liana (Europe)
Liana (2004-) ()
Suzuki Aerio Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.3 16v
1.4 DDiS - 1.4 16v CRD
1.5 16v aut.
1.5 16v aut. 4WD
1.6 16v 4WD
1.6 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.8 16v aut.
1.8 16v aut. 4WD
2.3 16v aut.
2.3 16v aut. 4WD
2.3 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 5d
(2004 - )
Limousine 4d
(2004 - )
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
Monday, June 17th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Alto
Info: 6th generation Alto, based on a new platform offers cheekier styling and more interior space. This model will not be exported.
Available version:
0.7 12v 3s-aut.
0.7 12v 4WD
0.7 12v 4WD 3s-aut.
0.7 12v 4WD aut.
0.7 12v aut.
0.7 12v
Variation:
Hatchback 5d (2004 - )
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
Sunday, June 16th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Escudo (Mk.II.)
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Suzuki Escudo (Mk.II.) SUV 5d
Alternative names:
Suzuki Vitara (Canada)
Suzuki Grand Nomade XL-7(Grand Escudo) (Chile)
Suzuki Grand Escudo XL-7 (Asia)
Chevrolet Grand Vitara (Chevrolet - Argentina)
Grand Vitara (1998-) ()
Suzuki Grand Vitara (Australia)
Chevrolet Tracker (CAMI - Canada)
Chevrolet Tracker (Brazil)
Vitara - Grand Vitara (1998-) ()
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.0 16v
2.0 16v 4wd 103 kW
2.0 16v 4wd 94 kW
2.0 16v 4wd aut. 103 kW
2.0 16v 4wd aut. 94kW
2.0 HDI
2.0 HDI aut.
2.0 TDI 64kW
2.0 TDI 80 kW
2.0 TDI aut. 64kW
2.5 V6 24v 4wd 106 kW
2.5 V6 24v 4wd aut. 106kW
2.5 V6 24v 4wd aut. 118 kW
2.5 V6 24v aut. 118 kW
Previous version:
Variation:
Suzuki (Japan) Grand Escudo (Mk.II. Facelift)
SUV 5d
(1997 - )
SUV 5d
(Helly Hansen - S Limited)
(2002 - )
SUV 3d
(1997 - 2003)
SUV 5d
(Grand Escudo)
(2000 - 2003)
SUV Cabrio
(1997 - 2003)
Info:
This is Suzuki’s mainstream 4WD vehicle. It has been marketed under the brand identity of a “cross-country sedan”. The Escudo comes in 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engine versions. The 3-door versions are equipped with 1.6-liter engines, while the 5-door versions are fitted with a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine. Even for the V6 2.5-liter version, the sticker price remains just over the 2 million yen mark. Suzuki refined the Escudo in December 2000.
Assembly Plants:
Chevrolet (Argentina)
Chevrolet (Ecuador)
Chevrolet (Venezuela)
Prince Motors (Taiwan)
Suzuki (Indonesia)
Donors:
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
Sunday, June 16th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Every / Carry
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Suzuki Every / Carry Van
Sales Company:
Available version:
Previous version:
Variation:
Suzuki (Japan) Every+ / Every Landy / Carry(Export)
MPV
(Carry Pick-Up)
MPV
(Van)
MPV
(Wagon)
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
