Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs
Suzuki Ionis Concept
Let me say this again…Suzuki will NOT be ignored.
In addition to the P.X concept, Suzuki will also be showing this sleek MPV concept called Ionis at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
The 134 in. long MPV is a super-green fuel cell vehicle with an electric motor driving its front wheels and features an interior that's all show-car. The most eye-catching part of this concept is probably its trick exterior shell designed to emulate the flow of water and changes color to lighting conditions.
Interior pic after the jump…
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Galley 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Son of sexy beast!
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John F 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Looks like a sad fish
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Jay 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Suzuki is really trying, and I admire them for that. But yes, this does look like a sad fish.
Part of Suzuki's problem, at least in the USA, is bad product overlap. They have 3 models that all start out within $1,000 of each other (Aerio, Reno, and Forenza). I really don't understand why the Reno and Forenza even exist, as the Reno is similarly sized and priced as the Aerio, but it's heavier, not nearly as powerful, has only a slight bit more interior volume, and gets worse fuel economy. The Forenza has only 3 more cu.ft. of interior space than the Aerio and a smaller trunk, plus it too is less powerful, heavier, and gets worse fuel economy. They could at least do us the common courtesy of coming up with different brands and badge-engineering them if they're going to have 3 models that all compete with each other.
I really want to like what Suzuki's doing, as they do come out with some good niche products, but sometimes I wonder what the heck they're doing...
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Jason E. Rist 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Odd! That's one letter away from Iosis.
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Dick 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Would it were not for an S, but a diamond or double chevron on the nose it could be a Renault or Citroen.
Kudos for the effort!
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Scott 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Why the long face, little Ionis?
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WDP 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Looks too much like a Citroen or Renault to me.
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Za 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Front would need work in a production model but it's a worthwhile endeavor.
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Non-Bizarro Adam 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
You know what, if the Chevy Uplander had looked like this, I would have given GM a lot of credit for doing something bold. Instead, they put out something just as ugly, but without any of the cute/quirky qualities of this car. I really hate to bag on GM, considering I think they do put out some pretty sweet vehicles (not just the Corvette), but if they took more design risks like this it would be easier to support them. Even if some people hate it, being distinctive and ugly is better than being ordinary and ugly (see CTS, as even people that don't like the 'art & science' bit give it kudos for being 'Cadillac').
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whofan 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
I thought the Uplander was the most hidious thing I`ve ever seen. I admit it`s starting to grow on me but in my book Chrysler is still king when is comes to vans. I was thinking Volkswagon when I saw this Suzuki.
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CrunchyCookie 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Does anyone know who's responsible for sticking the Forenza/Reno and Verona in Suzuki's face? Did GM do it to them or did they do it to themselves?
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Punching Myself 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
I'd like to see this car in production in the US. The front end would need some work for sure and I'm a little concerned about the weight. I don't want to see one of those things blow off the Macinac Bridge.
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Rob 11:17PM (12/18/2005)
Poor sad fish. At least it would be back with it's family if it blew off the macinac bridge. ... Jesus. I can't really say I've seen a much uglier vehicle since.. that Nissan that is the scaled down version of the Infiniti FX35. This thing looks like a Pacific Grouper, really. - Sigh. - Maybe I'm prejudiced against Suzuki cars..but.. if they made cars half as well as they made bikes (See GSXR1000, 1300 Hayabusa, Etc.) Mitsu, Subi and Honda would be in deep ish. I just thank god this monstrosity is only a concept and not a production run example.
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