This is the dashboard of the new Suzuki Swift, which was caught on camera and published by Italian website alvolante.it. According to reports, the new Swift will be launched in UK sometime in the third quarter of 2010, riding on a new platform and featuring evolutionary styling from the current car, which has been a hit worldwide. With Volkswagen as Suzuki’s new stakeholder, will the Swift come with Wolfsburg’s TSI and TDI engines? Not unless VW wants to create another “in-house rival” for the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia, but we’ll see.

From the above image, we can see that the new Swift’s dashboard replaces the simple and basic layout of the current car for a more “sophisticated” flowing look normally found in bigger cars – in fact, much of the dash architecture is similar to Suzuki’s D-segment Kizashi sedan.

The current car’s single line stereo display has grown by quite a bit, and the circular side air con vents are replaced with conventional square units. Also seen here are simple VW-style dials with a silver outline flanking a central LCD display. Look lower and you’ll find a start/stop button. Current keyless entry equipped Swifts require you to twist a knob located at where the ignition normally is.

A bigger copy of the image is after the jump. Swift owners, what do you think?

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki Motor Corp’s domestic car sales recently passed the 20 million unit milestone. This was spurred by strong performance in the small vehicle segment – Suzuki sold a total of 624,723 units in Japan last year to claim a 32.7% market share in the small car segment, an increase of 1.1%.

The company is seeing growth elsewhere too. In 2009, Suzuki made 1,479,231 vehicles outside of Japan; a record for the company and a 5.3% jump over 2008. The majority of these were accounted for by Maruti Suzuki in India where it holds a 54% market share of passenger vehicles sold. A master in developing markets, Magyar Suzuki in Hungary, which supplies Europe with the Swift, Splash and SX4, recently celebrated being the domestic market leader for the thirteenth consecutive year.

Suzuki’s car production began in Hamamatsu in October 1955 with the Suzulight pictured above, which was powered by a 360cc two-stroke engine. The company fast gained reputation as a “small car expert” and introduced the Suzulight Carry Pick-up in 1961 and the Fronte 800 City car in 1967. This was followed in 1970 by the introduction of the Jimny, which Suzuki says is the world’s first compact and lightweight 4X4. The debut of the Alto in 1979 cemented Suzuki’s stronghold in Japan’s mini car segment and provided the perfect product to conquer India.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

The Suzuki SX4 compact crossover has been reasonably popular in urban areas such Klang Valley, thanks to its trendy pseudo-SUV looks and competitive pricing for a fully-imported from Japan model. The awkward looking sedan however, has failed to create any impression whatsoever on the Vios/City buyer – it’s truly a rare sight.

For 2010, Suzuki has refreshed the SX4 crossover for Europe. Blink and you’ll miss the redesigned front bumper and grill. Inside, the climate control panel has been revised and now incorporates a display strip and ring lights for the temp and fan knobs. The new instrument cluster comes with a full trip computer while the steering wheel audio buttons are now illuminated. Comfort is said to be improved, thanks to cushioned armrests on the doors, additional sound insulation and new design carpets. Other measures include a larger engine under shield cover together with improved transmission damping and increased rigidity of body parts.

The UK gets two engine options – a 89 bhp/215 Nm Peugeot-sourced 1.6-litre DDiS oil burner and the M16A 1.6-litre which should be familiar to local SX4 owners. However, the petrol engine has been improved for 2010 – it’s now Euro 5 compliant and has a new cylinder head and block for improved cooling and ‘knock’ or detonation control limits. The new max output of 118 bhp is achieved by extending the intake and exhaust valve lift and utilising a variable inlet manifold. The result is improved intake efficiency throughout the rev range. Max torque is 156 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

In comparison, our own Malaysian-spec SX4 has only just recently been upgraded to a 110hp and 150Nm engine in October 2009 up from a previously weaker 101hp and 140Nm engine.

More pictures after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Volkswagen currently holds 19.9 percent of Suzuki stake and that makes them the company’s largest single shareholder. This new stake purchase is a relatively new thing to happen and we haven’t exactly seen any new fruits of the partnership yet. In fact, Suzuki’s most recent concept car unveiled in India earlier this month still reeked of the company’s past association with Government Motors.

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Maruti Suzuki has launched a new Swift variant with a 1.2-litre petrol engine which complies to the stricter Bharat Stage IV standard. BS-IV, which is India’s equivalent to Euro 4, will come into force this April.

The new K-series engine, with a power output of 84 bhp and 113 Nm replaces the old 1.3-litre engine with 87 bhp and 111 Nm. Maruti Suzuki claims better refinement and fuel consumption of 17.9 km/l, 2 km/l better than the old 1.3. As a comparison, the M15A 1.5-litre Swift sold in Malaysia has 101 bhp and 133 Nm.

But many Swift buyers are turning to diesel. Maruti introduced the Swift with Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine (common rail turbo with 75 bhp and 190 Nm) back in 2007 and it has been selling well ever since. Despite increased competition, Maruti sold 10,900 Swifts in December 2009, the model’s highest monthly sales since its debut back in May 2005.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

This is the Maruti Suzuki Concept rIII, designed in India by a “team of young and enthusiastic engineers”. Built on a theme of “togetherness”, the Concept rIII is for the “big family” with “bigger needs” without the bulky looks of a traditional MPV. The seating configuration is in a 2-2-2 formation.

It’s a good effort that looks neat and modern, but after yesterday’s post on the Opel Meriva, we can’t help but draw similarities between the two. As with the GM product, the Concept rIII features rear-hinged “suicide” doors and a kink in the windowline! This compact MPV sits on a stretched SX4 platform with a monocoque body, so it should offer a more car-like experience compared to body on frame rivals like the Toyota Innova, which Indians are familiar with.

Shinzo Nakanishi, MD & CEO of Maruti Suzuki revealed that the company will introduce CNG (compressed natural gas) technology in the near future, so that could make an appearance in the production rIII. Or perhaps, Volkswagen drivetrains, now that Wolfsburg and Suzuki are walking hand-in-hand. Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel should be available, as per Maruti Suzuki’s current cars.

Maruti Suzuki, which holds about 50% market share in India, will be keen to diversify its range as rivals take aim at the small car segment, which is its stronghold. The brand also showed off the Kizashi sedan (which it bills as Super Luxury) at the Delhi show.

More pictures after the jump!

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Following the purchase of 19.9% of Suzuki, Volkswagen has wasted little time in executing its masterplan. Back then, VW said: “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”. Now, VW and Suzuki have revealed that they will be working together on hybrid and electric car projects in India.

The two companies are looking at establishing an R&D centre in the Subcontinent, and it’s likely to be on current Suzuki premises. VW has an arsenal of efficient drivetrains while Suzuki has plenty of small cars in all shapes and sizes. The latter also has a fuel cell programme going on. Will the Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept soon be reality?

It will be interesting to see the fruits of this marriage take shape, and how affordable they can make it to be. Millions of Indians adopting green cars will not only be good for VW and Suzuki, but the rest of the world, as the booming nation is set to be one of the top emitters of greenhouse gases.

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Word is that coming up next is a new monocoque MPV based on a stretched version of the Suzuki SX4’s platform. This formula has been tried and tested by many manufacturers and has resulted in cars like the Nissan Grand Livina and even our very own “stretched Myvi”, the Perodua Alza.

Apparently the new SX4-based MPV will be displayed at the Auto Expo 2010 exhibition in New Dehli next year and it will be called the Maruti Suzuki R III Concept. Though it carries the word concept in its name, expect it to go into production very soon.

Maruti Suzuki already carries a people mover product in its portfolio called the Eeco, but it is yet another van-like product like the ERV/APV. The Suzuki R III Concept MPV will be a car-like vehicle like the Grand Livina and the Alza.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Since Suzuki isn’t officially majority owned by Volkswagen yet, technically it isn’t a brand yet. But 19.9% is more than 0%. So when the announcement came out, a lot of us assumed that it would be hard for Proton to be linked up with Volkswagen again anytime in the future. And now the latest is that Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn told a German magazine that he does not see any need for any further Merger & Acquisition activity after taking up a stake in Suzuki.

His exact words – “There are some who knock on our door. Some really want to come under our roof as they see we’re on a good path strategically. But we are satisfied with the current line-up.” As for the 19.9% stake in Suzuki, he says time will tell whether Volkswagen will increase that number.

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

The latest news is that DRB-HICOM’s plant in Pekan will be exporting its first Suzuki Swift in April 2010. The Bernama report did not say which markets the Malaysian-assembled car would be sold in, but logic says that it’s the ASEAN region.

UPDATE: Chips Yap of Motortrader dropped us a tip that our Pekan plant’s sole export market for now is Brunei.

DRB-HICOM group MD Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil also revealed that its Suzuki Malaysia Automobile unit would be launching two new Suzuki models soon, and one of them will be CKD. Our local Suzuki line-up currently consists of the Swift, Swift Sport, the SX4 Sedan, the SX4 Crossover and the Grand Vitara. I’m not sure what else is available to be launched, perhaps the Kizashi and a new locally-assembled Alto? There is also the Suzuki Splash (a co-developed model with GM and also sold as the Opel Agila), also known as the Suzuki Ritz in India.

Since Suzuki is now (or soon to be) just under 20% owned by Volkswagen, this is as close to Malaysia being a VW regional assembly hub as we’ve been able to get so far. Volkswagen makes good cars and we should enjoy them with CKD price tags!

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

The tale of the hungry giant called Volkswagen continues! Days after acquiring majority stake in Porsche, Wolfsburg has announced the purchase of 19.9% of Suzuki for US$2.5 billion. The deal, which is billed as “a comprehensive partnership” will also see the Japanese manufacturer invest up to half of the sum received into buying VW shares. This cross buying arrangement sounds similar to the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Both companies will establish a cooperative relationship while respecting each other’s independence as a stand-alone entity, says VW.

“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 press statement reads.

This partnership has real potential to upgrade the standard of motoring in developing markets. Think about it; Suzuki is a small car expert and VW is among the best in making efficient, frugal and clean drivetrains, and the merger of these qualities could bring about a revolution greater than the Tata Nano.

Conveniently, Suzuki is the market leader in India with its Maruti brand and VW is deep rooted and hugely successful in China, so both sides have something great to offer the other. We reckon that the fruits of this marriage will be really sweet – how about a Maruti up! or a next gen Swift Sport with a 1.4 TSI engine?

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

No, this is not a scam. Suzuki has drawn up this US-only scheme for the good looking Kizashi saloon which hits American showrooms this month. Suzuki calls its D-segment challenger ’sports sedan’ and has targetted not Accord/Mazda 6 buyers, but junior execs from premium brands such as Audi and Acura!

To be eligible for the $100 cheque or debit card, those considering an Audi A4 or Acura TSX (the European market Accord) must first test drive a Kizashi at a Suzuki dealer and complete the registration form. Then, if you still actually buy the Audi A4 2.0T or a four-cylinder Acura TSX within 10 days, the 100 bucks is yours.

“The Kizashi was designed to offer a premium driving experience consistent with the near-luxury sport sedan segment. With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced AWD system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we’re providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We’re definitely putting Kizashi’s premium without the premium moniker to the test,” explains Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations.

Novel idea isn’t it? Will something like this work in our part of the world?

For more information about the Kizashi, read up Paul’s earlier post here.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

The Suzuki SX4 Sport Crossover (that’s the hatchback version, not the sedan) has been updated with new specifications in Malaysia. On the outside, the model adds auto-retractable side mirrors with intergrated signal indicators, new design 16 inch alloys, and a new front grille.

Inside, there is a new meter cluster with an integrated MID, a new design for the automatic climate control panel, armrests for the front seats, illuminated audio controls, and an additional dash center speaker and aux-in socket for the audio system.

The most significant change has been to the engine – output is now 110 horsepower at 5,600rpm and 150Nm of torque at 3,800rpm instead of the previous power figures of 101hp at 5,600rpm and 140Nm at 4,000rpm. This means the engine will now perform much better – it now makes more torque, but at a lower RPM at the same time. The 4-speed automatic remains. Other technical changes include a revised front suspension for better comfort, and the addition of ventilated discs for the rear brakes.

The car goes for RM89,998 in Peninsular Malaysia, OTR with insurance. From what I heard, the CBU Japan odd-looking “tall” sedan version can be had at some Suzuki dealerships for much cheaper under RM80k after a RM12k discount.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki recently unveiled the 2010 Kizashi but along with the announcement, the auto maker did not reveal power figures of the new Japanese sedan. The Kizashi is initially offered with a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder powerplant that can output 185HP at 6,500 revs and 230Nm of torque at 4,000 revs. The engine has 16 valves and features a DOHC setup. The power unit is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission that allows the vehicle to hit 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.

Fuel consumption is rated at 23 miles to the gallon (US, city) or 31 miles to the gallon (US, highway). Furthermore, apart from a front wheel drive setup there is also an all wheel drive configuration. Buyers can also opt for a CVT tranny, but horsepower will be reduced to 178HP at 6,000 revs.

Suzuki will add a range-toppng V6 petrol unit later on and as reported earlier, a hybrid variant will join the line-up as well. Both these additions will be offered in about two years. In the US, the 2010 Kizashi is offered with four trim levels including S, SE, GTS and SLS.

The basic S model comes with features like sport front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, up to eight airbags, push button start and more. Pricing for this model starts from US$20,000. The range topping SLS model fitted with the all wheel drive system costs US$24,000.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

The plug-in hybrid system in this modified Suzuki Swift features a combustion engine that’s much smaller than its production Swift counterparts – only 658cc producing 54 horsepower (40kW). But what it does have is a 74 horsepower (55kW) electric motor to run the car at all times, powered by lithium ion batteries. The combustion engine kicks in to recharge the batteries, making this a series hybrid system much like Volt. One full charge can take the car about 20km.

Because there is no need for a conventional geared transmission, the lithium ion batteries are positioned in the center console where a car’s transmission would typically be, between the two front seats. The seats are quite funky though – with a design reminding me of expensive ergo office chairs.

Look after the jump for larger photos of the Suzuki

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki has so very quickly updated the Alto for the Tokyo Motorshow 2009, though it’s still calling it a “concept” for now.. This update may seem like it’s coming a little too soon considering the Alto has just been launched in India and various other countries.

It could be either one of two things. One is it’s a facelifted model being previewed a little too prematurely. I have a feeling that it could also be not really a new car but a more premium and refined take on the existing car for the Japanese market, and potentially any other market that can accept paying a little more for a compact car.

See in Japan, people don’t exactly buy a really small car because they can’t afford anything better. Alot of the times its more of a choice. It’s a very Japanese thing really. These customers don’t mind paying a little more for extra design finesse and refinement.

Or even a little more uniqueness, which is why you have the Mira and you also have the Mira Custom. Or Move and Move Custom, etc. Even the Alto shares a nameplate in Japan with a different looking vehicle – the Suzuki Alto Lapin. So this is it, an updated Alto for the Tokyo show, and it does look sharper than the original Alto. Look after the jump for 5 shots of the Alto Concept.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki has officially revealed the 2010 Kizashi mid-sized sedan, that is offered in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive forms. Based on the Kizashi Concept that was previewed two years ago, the mid-size sedan is treated to a large prominent grille up front with curvaceous design lines under the projector beam headlights, which is also evident at the rear end. There are two exhaust tailpipes as well, on each side. The Kizashi also sits on the ground with 18-inch alloy wheels, treated to a multi-spoke design.

Inside, you can choose between cloth or premium leather seats. With the latter, you will get three-stage heating and memory function. Both material options are finished with French seams, hard cover rears and low fatigue foam. More features include, key-less entry (with start/stop button), iPod connectivity, Bluetooth (optional) and a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system (optional). There is also a three-spoke steering wheel, in front of a two-gauge (with chrome outline and light blue lighting) instrument panel, with an LCD display.

Now to what is under the hood. Before I can continue, I must say that Suzuki has neglected to mention official performance figures of the Kizashi, along with the engine output numbers as well. We do know that it is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder, mated to either a 6 speed manual or a CVT transmission. With the CVT, buyers will get steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The engine includes an aluminum block and cylinder heads, aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings, dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft and a balancer shaft that delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Suspension wise, the Kizashi with a rigid steel unibody features MacPherson struts in the reinforced front suspension, while the rear is treated to a multi-link setup, which is constructed with embedded aluminum to improve handling. As mentioned earlier, the Kizashi is also offered with an all wheel drive system, which is Suzuki’s first for its sedan segment. The system’s torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage and throttle input.

Safety wise, it comes with eight airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD and a tire pressure monitoring system. You can also go home with Suzuki’s synergetic vehicle dynamic control, which allows you to have more fun with the car, with minimal intrusion from the ESP. The auto maker also revealed that it is developing a hybrid variant of the Kizashi, and that it will be added into the line-up in the future. Expect the new sedan from Suzuki to hit US showrooms by December. Continue reading to view an image gallery and to watch a half-hour long video.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

A German magazine reported last week that Volkswagen is looking to take up a 10% stake in Japanese carmaker Suzuki. Taking up stake and collaborating with the Japanese company in various areas such as network and product collaboration will allow Volkswagen to enter the Indian market with more success than they currently are having. Suzuki currently dominates the Indian market through the local JV, Maruti Suzuki.

The small little cars that Suzuki and Daihatsu are so good at building at seems to be a secret art that no one else can master. Most of the time the cars come out too cramped as there is not very efficient use of space, or they end up being too costly to manufacturer and price at the appropriate price tag that it needs to have.

Suzuki could benefit from Volkswagen’s technologies such as various fuel-saving tech such as FSI, TSI, TDI diesel and even hybrid tech, and Volkswagen could definitely use Suzuki’s access in India, and perhaps its K-car platforms in case it wants to do something smaller than the NSF (the Up! concepts – future Lupo).

Either way, investors seem to think positively of such a deal, as Suzuki shares went up by nearly 7.7% before settling down up 5.5% at 2,195 Japanese Yen.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Changan-Suzuki, Suzuki’s auto arm in China has launched the facelift version of the Suzuki SX4 and SX4 Sedan for the Chinese market.

The facelift consists of a redesigned bumper, revised grille, concave surfaces above the fog light, as well as a new skid-plate at the rear of the hatchback. The facelift also matches the 2010 SX4 for the European market.

The Suzuki SX4 facelift range also comes with a slightly updated interior and a revised GPS navigation system. Please continue reading to view an image gallery.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd have updated their Suzuki Swift for the 2009 model year. The locally assembled Swift retails at RM 73,788.00 OTR with insurance and comes in 5 colours, including Bayside Blue, Silver Grey, Supreme Red and Tranquility Black as well as one new colour – Superior White.

Suzuki has basically added 2 features – a keyless entry and start system, and auto-retractable side mirrors with integrated signal indicators. The keyless entry system allows you to open the door via pressing a button on the door handle, and the keyless engine start is not unlike Latio’s where you turn an ignition knob, not as sexy as a start button but it works. Its primarily to allow you to access and start the car without having to take out the key fob from your pocket or in the case of ladies, your handbag.

The rest of the car should remain largely the same – a 1.5 liter DOHC engine with variable valve timing producing 101hp at 6,000rpm and 133Nm of torque at 4,000rpm mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, good cute but perhaps now dated looks and one of the best handling and fun factor in its class.

Look after the jump for more shots of the Swift.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

The media blitz about Suzuki canceling its D-segment Suzuki Kizashi earlier this week was fueled by Japanese business daily The Nikkei. Now it appears that the show will go on, and the Kizashi will go on as scheduled to make a production debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April 2009! As for when a showroom debut will happen, that will happen at the show in April.

The Nikkei’s sources must have made a mistake somewhere, but they’re not to blame for believing it’s true! During this time where the market is shifting towards smaller and fuel efficient cars, Suzuki who is an expert at building small cars wants to come up with a large car in a segment that it has absolutely no presence in. Will anyone take a chance to buy something so distant and unfamiliar in that range of cars in this time and day?

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

We have another recession casualty here, this time it’s a Suzuki. Joining the ranks of cancelled projects by car manufacturers such as the recent NSX is the upcoming (not anymore, for now!) Suzuki Kizashi D-segment sedan. Despite what seems to be a properly running full production model running around all sorts of terrain and even the Nurburgring, the large sedan has been canned. Suzuki is an expert at doing small cars, and small cars seem to work best in current times. More and more car manufacturers are moving down the segments, so why would Suzuki move up? Good for them for making this decision!

UPDATE: Suzuki executives have denied the report and said the Suzuki Kizashi is not dead, and will be making a production appearance as scheduled at the New York auto show in April.

Source

Related Posts:
Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept
More about the Suzuki Concept Kizashi

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

GM originally owned 20% of Suzuki but sold 17% back in 2006 in a transaction worth USD$1.96 billion. With this recent sale, it ceases to have any stake in the Japanese automaker. It also sold its 20% stake in Subaru in 2005, and part of that ex-GM stake is now owned by Toyota.

What’s next to go? Saab? Perhaps Buick will go to a Chinese company, since the brand is rather popular in China, doing even better there than in the US. There was also a story about it trying to flog off Hummer to Tata or Mahindra.

Perhaps at the end of the day Proton can buy GM for US$1

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki Great Britain is now offering a Clarion 2-DIN multimedia system priced at £1,499 including VAT, excluding installation, which can be specified for the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Swift Sport and the Suzuki SX4. Suzuki claims the unit has been developed specifically for Suzuki, but the wordings on the top right indicate its the MAX973HD, a model that been out since last year!

Features of the new 2-DIN head unit include GPS navigation, CD, DVD and iPod connectivity, and a touch-screen 7 inch LCD interface to select songs, playlists and artists. There is also a CD-ripping function that can store MP3 recorded from CDs onto its on-board 40GB hard drive.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

This special GT styling package is currently offered to owners of the Suzuki Splash who want to spice up their little hatchback in certain market regions.

At this price segment these bits of kit probably do not offer any aerodynamic benefits at all, but almost every car looks better with a little diffuser-ish design on the rear bumper to help it look less fat, especially with increasingly strict crash test regulations bloating those bumpers up.

Any European entrepreneur want to develop a similiar styling bodykit for the Suzuki Splash-derived Opel Agila?

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

One advantage of selling a CBU car in Malaysia is that you can react to model offering changes very quickly. That is why Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd is able to bring in the facelifted Suzuki Grand Vitara so quickly shortly after it was unveiled internationally in early October 2008.

There are very minor changes on the front end – so minor that at first glance you may think that it looks exactly the same. I had trouble spotting the difference, to be honest. The bumper design is almost the same except the foglamps have been moved further away from the center to help the Grand Vitara look wider. There is also a new design for the front grille. From the side view, you will now notice a new 17 inch wheel design.

On the interior, there is a new multi-information display integrated into the meter cluster. The climate control area also has been redesigned. The steering wheel audio switches are now illuminated. Finally, the seat upholstery now has a new design for the fabric.

The facelifted Vitara adds a 2.4 liter engine to the model line-up but in Malaysia we continue to get a 2.0 liter model producing 138hp at 5,900rpm and 183Nm of torque at 4,300rpm, mated to a 4-speed auto with ratios from 2.862 to 0.688. One technical change is the addition of disc brakes at the rear.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara minor facelift retails for RM117,125.90 OTR with insurance (RM113,900 without insurance).

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Here are more details on the Suzuki Alto, which we sort of had a look at earlier in teaser form and also as a rebadged Nissan Pixo. The new compact A-segment hatchback is targeted to sell about 60,000 units a year in Europe following its Spring 2009 launch. It’s also set to be one of the few top sellers in India under the Maruti name.

The new Suzuki Alto measures 3,500mm long, 1,600mm wide and 1,470mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,360mm. This means it is shorter, wider but lower than the Viva which has dimensions of 3,575mm x 1,475mm x 1,530mm. As for boot size, the Alto can take 129 liters with the rear bench in place and utilised.

The Alto uses a MacPherson strut suspension design at the front and what Suzuki calls a proprietary 3-link torsion beam at the rear, whatever that means. Under the hood is the inline-3 1.0 liter K10B unit that made its debut with the Suzuki Splash. It produces 68 PS at 6,000rpm and 90Nm of torque at 4,800rpm.

With a kerb weight of 910kg for the high-spec automatic version, it has a power to weight ratio of 13.38kg per PS, compared to the Viva 1.0 Premium automatic’s 13.33kg per PS. This means its performance should be very similiar to the Viva 1.0 Premium, though the VIva’s peak torque of 90Nm kicks in earlier at 3,600rpm.

Look after the jump for 3 more shots of the Alto.


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Video: Suzuki Alto

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki has unveiled a facelifted version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara flagship, now available with a new larger 2.4 liter engine.

The new 2.4 liter engine produces 166 PS in the three door body and 169 PS in the five door body. The engine features a balance shaft, a three-stage variable air intake and a tumble control valve for the intake to for the best possible fuel-air mixture.

Other changes include new ventilated discs for the rear brakes, extra shock-absorbing elements at the front to reduce pedestrian injury risk, and ESP is now fitted as standard. Apparently the interior and exterior styling has received minor updates as well but they are probably so minor that other than the new wheels, I can’t seem to detect any.

Look after the jump for a photo of the 3-door body and the new interior.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki has just unveiled its all-new Suzuki Wagon-R in Japan. It’s essentially the same car and model line-up as the Mazda AZ-Wagon, offering two different styling options, two engines and three choices of gearbox.

The base model is the Suzuki Wagon-R while the more upmarket racy version is the Suzuki Wagon-R Stingray, mirroring Mazda’s AZ-Wagon and AZ-Wagon Custom Style cars. You have the choice of either a 54 PS normally aspirated 660cc engine or a turbocharged 660cc offering 64 PS.

Look after the jump for more photos of the new Suzuki.

PHOTO GALLERY: Suzuki Wagon-R
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.

Suzuki has unveiled a preview of the next generation Suzuki Alto, which will make its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The new Alto was shown to us in concept form as the Suzuki A-Star Concept. The new Alto will replace the best-selling Maruti Alto currently sold in Japan, but the Maruti 800 based on an even older Alto will still soldier on, repositioned with less specs and a lower price to compete with the Tata Nano.

As India is the Alto’s biggest market, the world production center for the new Suzuki Alto will be situated in Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant. If Suzuki Malaysia deems the Alto suitable for Malaysian consumption (Hyundai seems to think so with the recently introduced Indian-sourced i10), the Alto we get will most likely come from India.

The recent news of a free trade agreement being discussed between ASEAN and India will be good news for the i10 and the Alto if it is introduced here as it would mean less taxes for Indian imports.

One more photo of the new Suzuki Alto available after the jump, with more details to be revealed as we approach the 2008 Paris show.

Related Posts:
Next generation Suzuki Alto spotted in India

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sat, 20 Mar 10 13:16:35 +0000.