Suzuki to Preview Hot Hatchback in Geneva with Swift S-Concept

Ever since Suzuki presented the latest generation of the Swift in the summer of 2010, we were wondering if the Japanese automaker had any plans to add a sportier version to its supermini's range. Well, it appears that Suzuki does have something in mind as the company will be exhibiting a new concept car named the SWIFT S-CONCEPT at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

All we get for now is a teaser rendering showing the latest Swift sub-compact dressed in a new and more aggressive outfit with blistered front wheel arches, a new front bumper and grille design, unique headlamps and exterior mirrors plus a large roof wing.

According to Suzuki, the overall development concept was to create "a stylish sport compact with premium performance." Apparently we'll have to wait until the Geneva Salon to find out what the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve.

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Suzuki Recalling Grand Vitara and SX4 in the States

More than 32,000 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles are being recalled in the United States over an improperly manufactured component of the tension adjuster pulley that could cause the drive belt to either slip or come off and lead to engine overheating or stalling.

Suzuki said the recall concerns the 2009-2010 model year Grand Vitara SUVs equipped with 4-cylinder engines; 2011MY Grand Vitara vehicles produced prior to October 17, 2010; 2010MY SX4s and 2011MY SX4s manufactured before October 14, 2010.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that in the affected vehicles, the tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress.

According to the government agency, if the spring breaks, the drive belt can slip, causing a squeaking noise, or come off, in which case, the driver will have to use increased steering effort, while it can also cause the engine to overheat or stall.

The Japanese firm's dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2011.

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Super Bowl Video: Suzuki Kizashi Chased by Evil Snowmen

With the Super Bowl XLV rumored to reach out to a record number of viewers this year, it’s no surprise that automakers are queuing up to take a shot at convincing potential customers to buy their products.

Suzuki’s focus will be on the Kizashi sedan, featured in a TV spot called “Wicked Weather”. The clip shows the all-wheel drive version as it’s being chased by a pack of evil, almost-zombie-like snowmen. While it sounds like an idea uttered in at an Amsterdam café, the CGI is convincing and the Japanese sedan seems to cope well with the snowy roads. Hit the jump to see the video.

This is Suzuki’s first appearance at the Super Bowl and the ad is going to be broadcast in 19 markets, located in the Eastern and Southeastern part of the U.S., as the manufacturer strives to recover from last year’s dwindling sales.

By Csaba Daradics

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Suzuki Debuts Brand New MR Wagon in Japan

Suzuki has announced the arrival of its new home market MR Wagon kei car, which has been fully redesigned for the first time in five years featuring a fresh styling and a brand new 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine matched to a continuously variable transmission.

The Japanese firm's kei car is built on a newly development platform and measures just 3,395 mm long, 1,475 wide and 1,625 tall. With a wheelbase 65mm longer than its predecessor at 2.425mm, the new MR Wagon promises to offers increased passenger space as well as a little more ride comfort and improved stability on the road.

In Japan, Suzuki offers the 0.7-liter three-cylinder engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged flavors, which produce 54HP and 64HP respectively, while buyers can also opt between front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Other highlights include a touch screen audio system on the upper part of the center console and the availability of an ESP system with Hill Hold Control.

The boxy shaped kei car is available for order in Japan with prices starting from 1,131,900 Yen (about US$13,700).

Hat tip to Leopaul D.!

Source: Suzuki via Carview

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Suzuki Launches 4x4 Variants of New Swift and Kizashi in Germany

Suzuki is broadening its European lineup with the launch of all-wheel drive variants of its newly introduced 2011 Swift supermini and Kizashi sedan. Starting with the Swift, the 4x4 model is offered exclusively with a 94-horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The company said it returns a fuel economy of 6.7 lt/100km urban, 4.9 lt/100km highway and 5.5 lt/100km combined, with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

The five-door Swift 4x4 is priced in Germany at €14,490 [US$21,000] with standard features including air conditioning and an MP3-capable CD radio with steering wheel controls and a USB port.

The Kizashi 4x4 sedan features Suzuki's so-called intelligent all-wheel drive system (i-AWD), which allows the driver to manually switch the car from front- to all-wheel drive with the push of a button, with power coming from a 178HP-strong 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

According to the Japanese automaker, the Kizashi 4x4 averages 11.3 lt/100km in the city, 6.6 lt/100km on highway and 8.3 lt/100km on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 191 g/km.

Prices in Germany start from €29,900 [US$41,000]. The standard equipment package features a two-zone automatic climate control, Xenon headlights, ten-way power adjustable and heated driver's seat with memory function, and more.

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Suzuki New Mini-MPV Solio Concept

Suzuki Motor Corp. reportedly has just introduced a new mini-MPV called the Solio. Solio has a length of 3710 mm, and according to the plan will go on sale in Japan in early January next year.

Japanese home-made car manufacturer will use a capacity of 1200 cc engine that can generate power of 91 hp. The machine was then mated with automatic CVT transmission and using a front-wheel drive. In addition, Suzuki also brings four-wheel drive version as an option. Suzuki parties feel confident with its newest product, the evidence they target can sell the Solio as many as 12,000 units per year.

Not only that, the Solio is also rumored to be made to the Mitsubishi brand. As is known Suzuki and Mitsubishi often make the same car with different brands. Under the agreement, Suzuki will make 800 units per month Solio to Mitsubishi. "Supplies from Suzuki is expected to generate new customers for Mitsubishi and add a new line-up for Mitsubishi with a mini MPV Solio," wrote the Mitsubishi in a release quoted from Carscoop, In addition, Suzuki additionally brings four-wheel drive chronicle as an option. Not only which, a Solio is additionally rumored to be done to the Mitsubishi brand. As you well known, Suzuki as well as Mitsubishi often have a same automobile with dissimilar brands. Under a agreement, Suzuki will have 800 units per month Solio to Mitsubishi. Suzuki not explained some-more item about fuel consumption of this automobile, as well as a cost.

Suzuki New SX4 Car Diesel Design

Speculation about the existence of a diesel-engined SX4 is fulfilled. Maruti Suzuki in India ready to launch a diesel car that early next year. Maruti Suzuki SX4 diesel announced it will begin production in January 2011. Then the next car will go on sale to the public.

SX4 diesel will be equipped with the same 1300 cc engine with the Fiat Linea and Punto. Diesel engines will also adopt the technology is applied to the Swift DDiS. But Suzuki claim there are a number of new technologies that dicangkokan the SX4 diesel engine. Among variable geometry turbo that can produce power and torque is greater.

Design: The SX4 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio. The Suzuki SX4 was initially introduced as a five-door hatchback which was marketed as a crossover. The sedan was unveiled at the 2007 New York Auto Show and was later on launched in Japan, India and a few East european countries. The "SX 4" term was used by American Motors (AMC) for a sporty liftback model.

Engine: After using the Fiat 1.3l multijet engine for its Swift and Swift Dzire, Maruti will continue to use the DDiS engines. In the European market, the SX4 is sold with 1.9-litre and 2.0-litre DDis engine options. We expect, Maruti to launch the SX4 diesel with a 1.6-litre DDis, and this should be Maruti's reply to the VW Vento diesel, which produces 105-bhp from a 1.6-litre oilburner.

Features: The SX4 diesel is the twin of its petrol variant. There is no difference between the two except for their hearts.

Competitors/Overall Evaulation: The main rivals of the SX4 will be its own petrol sibling, the Honda City, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta Hyundai Verna and the recently launched Volkswagen Vento. The SX4 has a huge plus with the Maruti brand having the largest after sales and service network and good ownership experience.

Suzuki Launches New Solio Small Wagon in Japan, will Also be Available by Mitsubishi

Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. on Friday unveiled its new domestic market Solio, a tall mini wagon that will go on sale in the country in early January. The Solio measures 3,710mm in length and will be available exclusively with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine producing 91HP, linked to a CVT and either front- or optionally, four-wheel drive. The Japanese automaker said it targets domestic yearly sales of around 12,000 units.

Soon after the Solio's press reveal, Suzuki and Mitsubishi released a joint statement announcing that the two firms have mutually agreed on the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supply of the vehicle to Mitsubishi. Under the agreement, Suzuki will offer 800 Solios to Mitsubishi per month beginning from spring 2011.

"The OEM supply is expected to generate new customers for MMC, as it will make possible response to a wide variety of customer needs by adding a new genre to MMC's existing lineup – a compact height wagon," said Mitsubishi in the statement.

With this deal, Suzuki said it "aims to improve its productivity and lower production and development costs through further increasing economies of scale."

The deal comes only a few weeks after Mitsubishi and Nissan announced a similar but far more comprehensive OEM partnership.

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