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Suzuki sees big future in small cars at Tokyo

Riding the crest of a sales boom around the world, Suzuki will have a major presence at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show starting later this month. The Suzuki stand will feature a ‘Small Cars for a Big Future’ theme, reflecting the huge future possibilities envisaged by the company for compact cars. “Each of our exhibits will embody the unique spirit and technological prowess that have made Suzuki the leading name in compact car design and production,” said a Suzuki spokesperson.

Kizashi 2

After wowing the car world with Concept Kizashi at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Suzuki will unveil Concept Kizashi 2 – a crossover sports wagon – at Tokyo Motor Show. The Kizashi 2 design conveys the dynamism of a top athlete and inspires a powerful sense of excitement. Conceived for energetic people from all walks of life, Concept Kizashi 2 has an aesthetically pleasing form that reflects a dual focus on status and vitality in a way that generates excitement about its performance and heightens the pleasure of ownership. Under the bonnet a 3.6-litre V6 – the biggest engine ever used by Suzuki – is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for powerful acceleration and superb levels of performance. As announced at Frankfurt last month, Suzuki engineers are also pursuing solutions such as hybrid technologies for the mid-size concept programme.

Sustainable Mobility (PIXY + SSC ‘Suzuki Sharing Coach’)

Suzuki will unveil a new people-focused vehicle concept at Tokyo called Sustainable Mobility. It consists of a single seater low-speed transport pod called PIXY and a minicar-based mobility unit called the Suzuki Sharing Coach (SSC) which forms an automobile when paired with the PIXY. PIXY and SSC together deliver personal, shared urban transportation in line with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Next Generation Vehicle and Fuel Initiative, aimed at realizing the world’s most people-centred motorized society. PIXY is a one person transport device based on the concept of ‘friendly’ mobility. Moving at low speeds on footpaths and inside buildings, it’s enjoyably easy to operate, even for people unable to drive conventional cars. The SSC is a minicar-based mobility unit, which can hold a maximum two PIXY units. PIXY is not the only unit SSC can be coupled with. It can also be paired with a sports car unit called the SSF and with a marine unit called the SSJ, resulting in a new kind of personal mobility and sharing system.

X-HEAD

The X-HEAD is a cross utility vehicle offering a host of possibilities for people wanting to explore their world. Boasting a DNA borne of the legendary off-road capabilities of the Jimny and Grand Vitara and the load carrying capacity of the APV, X-HEAD epitomizes functional dependability and fun. A key feature of X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes. For example, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which provides sleeping space for two adults; a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility; and a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for emergency rescue operations in a wide range of extreme environments.

Palette

The Palette is a minicar aimed at parents who cherish time with their children, and at young drivers who like having fun with their friends. Combining emotionally appealing styling cues with a cabin roomy enough for four people, Palette delivers a level of comfort unprecedented among minicars. It also boasts revolutionary packaging, with left and right-hand powered sliding doors and a low, flat floor for maximum convenience.