Suzuki Shows Off its Sporty Swift S-CONCEPT in Geneva

Suzuki, with a smidgen of vigor instilled by Volkswagen's investment and interest, brought its Swift S-CONCEPT to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show this year.

Building on its hot hatch heritage, Suzuki's Swift S-CONCEPT is the manufacturer's attempt to remind people that they're still around in the segment. Although this concept is based on the latest Swift (which debuted in Europe in 2010), the S-CONCEPT is lower and wider than its regular production counterparts. Scroll down for the specs.

Suzuki added just the right amount of sporty styling under that garish yellow, such as revised fascias, new lights, a large rear wing and fifteen-spoke 18's wrapped around beefy 225/45 R18 tires. Inside are sport buckets and seating for four accented by carbon fiber trim. Put together, these factors have created a neat little hot hatch that looks the part. No word on what's lurking under the concept model's hood - if there's anything, that is.

Designed to go up against cars like VW's Polo GTI and Ford's upcoming Fiesta ST, this sporty concept is a looker that should...should...be able to compete globally. Will we see it in the US? HA! Only if VW's all-powerful leaders decide that Suzuki belongs Stateside. Here's an idea, V-Dub: take on Scion.

By Phil Alex

"Technical data:
Length: 3,890 mm
Width: 1.755 mm
Height: 1,475 mm
Wheelbase: 2,430 mm
Engine: M16A (1.6 L)
Drive: Front wheel drive
Tires: 225/45R18
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Color: Lightning Yellow Pearl (Geneva 2011 Special Edition)"

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

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.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

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.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

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 caf�, 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

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

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

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________