Suzuki
Suzuki to show off Kizashi Sport in Paris
Suzuki has revealed that it will bring the Kizashi Sport to the Paris Motor Show, happening next month. The sportier Kizashi will make it’s European debut following it’s American debut at the New York Motor Show. Unfortunately the US-spec model is more of an esthetics upgrade, meaning no work have been carried under the hood. This is likely to be the same for the Euro-spec Kizashi Sport.
The US model features light weight 18-inch alloy wheels, a ride height that is lower by 10mm, a honeycomb lower grille, slightly different front bumper, a boot lid spoiler as well as side skirts. The interior sports, among others, a steering wheel with perforated leather, leather seats with contrasting stitching and aluminum accents.
Along with the Kizashi Sport the company will also debut the all-new Swift hatchback – a car that looks pretty much like the model it replaces but completely new underneath and inside.
2011 Suzuki Swift: More images released!
Suzuki has finally released more juicy images of the all-new Swift hatchback, which seems to look more like another facelift instead of being new but the truth is that this is a completely new model. Its larger than the outgoing Swift and has a different interior.
Two engine options will be available at launch in Europe including a new 1.2 liter gasoline that produces 94hp and 118Nm of torque. There is also a revised 1.3 liter turbo diesel that pushes out 75hp and 190Nm of torque. Both powerplants are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while there is also an option for a 4-speed automatic.
The 1.2 liter petrol with the manual unit accelerates to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds while it’s top speed is figured at 165km/h. It has a fuel economy figure of 5.0 liters per 100 kilometers. The diesel model hits the century mark in 12.7 seconds and goes on to hit a similar top speed. It returns 100 kilometer with 4.2 liters of fuel.
Images of the interior reveal a Suzuki Kizashi-inspired design and it definitely looks better than model it replaces. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Suzuki reveals initial details and images of the 2011 Swift
Suzuki has officially released initial details and images about the 2011 Swift which goes on sale in the UK this autumn. Although it looks pretty much the same except for some minor exterior upgrades, this new Swift is actually larger than the outgoing version. Its longer by 90mm and its wheelbase is now 50mm longer, totaling at 2,430mm. The rear passengers will be very thankful for this.
Its also wider by 5mm and taller by 10mm while its front and rear tracks haven been increased by 10mm and 15mm respectively. The increase in track is said to improve the handling of the already nimble Swift, but only an actual test drive can confirm this. The 2011 model also features lighter yet stiffer materials.
The revised hatch will be available with a 1.2 liter gasoline engine with variable intake and exhaust valve timing or Dual VVTi. It produces 94 PS at 6,000 revs and 118Nm of torque at 4,800 revs. With a manual transmission, the engine delivers 56.5 mpg while emitting 116 grams per kilometer. A 1.3 liter diesel unit is expected to arrive next year. According to the company this engine would be able to deliver 67.3 mpg.
Exterior wise we can notice a reworked front fascia with a new grille, headlights and front bumper. Over at the back, it has new taillights, bumper and boot lid, according to a spy shot that was taken in Hungary recently. Suzuki has yet to release information pertaining to the Swift’s equipment and interior but said that the latter is more sophisticated and dynamic. While we wait for more information, go ahead and check out two high-res images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
2011 Suzuki Swift caught uncovered in Hungary
The Suzuki Swift is about to be updated with a 2011 model and the nimble hatchback was caught uncovered while being transported in Hungary, where it will be manufactured at Suzuki’s factory in Esztergom. The plant is located about 60 kilometers away from Budapest.
The image shows us only the rear end which is updated with new taillights, tailgate and rear bumper. Overall the rear end has been given a more roundish look. The 2011 Swift is also said to feature a new platform and new small engines.
There is also talk about a force-inducted powerplant as well, however we will have to wait for an official confirmation. Please click on the links below to view a high-res version of the image.
Masterplan unveiled: Volkswagen-Suzuki to produce EVs and hybrids in India
When Volkswagen bought a stake in Suzuki earlier this month, the German carmaker mentioned “growing emerging markets” and “innovative and environmentally friendly compact cars” and how Suzuki fit its plans. Well, it becomes clearer now as both VW and Suzuki have revealed that they will be working jointly on hybrid and electric car projects in India, accoding to a report by carazoo.com.
What can both sides bring to the table? Wolfsburg is quite advanced in its quest for a super green car – the Up! Lite Concept for instance consumes just 2.44 litres of diesel per 100km while putting out just 65 g/km of CO2. This is achieved by combining an 800cc TDI engine, electric motor, 7-speed DSG gearbox, slippery aerodynamics and a 695kg weight. Suzuki on the other hand have a range of small cars and is active in fuel-cell electric car development. It’s also the market leader in India with a wide support network and established manufacturing facilities.
The two companies are looking at establishing a development base in India and it’s rumoured that they plan to build it at Suzuki’s R&D centre.
India is fast becoming the centre of the small car universe and carmakers are falling over themselves to get a piece of the action. Honda and Toyota will each launch a compact car concept at the upcoming India Auto Expo to tap this rapidly booming market. But while the others are planning basic small cars (which Suzuki and Hyundai currently dominate) VW and Suzuki are already aiming for the next level – small green cars.
Volkswagen buys stake in Suzuki!
Volkswagen’s vociferous appetite to add brands to its stable has seen it buy a 19.9% stake in Suzuki, barely days after finalising a deal to buy 49.9% of Porsche. This latest US$2.5 billion deal is, what VW calls “a comprehensive partnership” where “both companies will establish a cooperative relationship while respecting each other’s independence as a stand-alone entity,” says Wolfsburg. Suzuki is set invest up to half of the sum received into buying VW shares in an arrangement that’s similar in spirit to the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
“In terms of product portfolio, global distribution and manufacturing capacities, VW and Suzuki ideally complement each other. The strengths of each company make for a perfect fit in exploiting their respective advantages as well as rising to the challenge of the global market. Both parties are focused on achieving synergies in the areas of rapidly growing emerging markets as well as in the development and manufacturing of innovative and environmentally friendly compact cars,” the official press statement reads.
Sounds like good news for markets like India, where Suzuki is a market leader with the Maruti brand. Imagine a inexpensive modern compact car based on the Volkswagen up! riding on Maruti’s extensive network – Mr. Ratan Tata might not sleep so well if something like that takes off!
Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid Concept makes its appearance in Tokyo
Suzuki is currently presenting the Swift Plug-in Hybrid Concept at 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The concept is designed primarily to be driven only on electric power on short day-to-day drives. It is powered by a 55kW electric motor with plug-in charging capability and has a tiny 0.66 liter combustion engine that acts as a generator. The vehicle can run solely on the electric motor for 20 kilometers and beyond that the engine will kick in. Look for more images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
