Autoblog

REPORT: 2011 Suzuki Swift engineered to meet U.S. regulations

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Suzuki Swift Sport Click above for high-res image gallery

There are things that Suzuki does well, and things it doesn't do so well. Among the former are its motorcycles and small cars like the Swift. Among the latter, well, just take a look at their success in the North American market. Unfortunately, the company doesn't offer the Swift - an almost universally praised little hatchback - in North America, a decision which Suzuki admits in hindsight was a mistake. But the company has been hard at work on a successor to the hot-selling hatch, and rumors have been circulating that this version could, in the end, make it Stateside.

The latest news comes from the mouth of Suzuki's chief engineer Takashi Nakayama via Car and Driver, who says the next-gen Swift is being developed with United States crash and emissions regulations in mind. Although that doesn't mean it will necessarily make it here, it does give Suzuki the option. In the meantime, the company is toiling away, preparing the ground for the arrival of its new Kizashi sedan while getting by on a lineup consisting of the underrated SX4, ho-hum Grand Vitara, what's left of XL7 stock and the rebadged Nissan Frontier known as the Suzuki Equator.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: 2011 Suzuki Swift engineered to meet U.S. regulations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST

_{2010 Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept - Click for high-res image gallery}

The Suzuki Swift is a competent subcompact that the Japanese marque sells both in Japan and Europe. In the latter, the little hatchback is available with a solid 1.3-liter diesel dubbed DDIS. To make things even cleaner, Suzuki has announced that it will introduce a plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, and the powertrain reminds us of nothing less than a smaller Chevrolet Volt.

The model, which is just a concept at this point, uses a 660 cc engine, probably sourced from a kei car. The engine charges the lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats - we suspect they extend into the middle of the rear seat as well. The batteries power a 54 kW motor that moves the front wheels.

We'll learn more when we get to Tokyo, but for now, check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid

[Source: Suzuki]

Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

Generally regarded as one of the top motorcycle brands all around the world and a major producer of Kei cars in Japan, Suzuki has never quite lived up to its promise as a sporty alternative to more mainstream offerings in America's small car and SUV arenas. Still, we're pulling for the brand to make an impact in our neck of the woods, and according to a report on Automotive News, that could possibly (finally) come in 2011 with the introduction of the Swift.

We've been hearing from Suzuki for years that the Swift would in fact make it to U.S. shores in due time, and we're hopeful that the next-gen model is as competent and fun to drive as we hear the current model is from our European friends. One new vehicle does not a successful brand make, however, so Suzuki is also said to be working on the next installment of its Grand Vitara line for 2013.

Additionally, a new crossover is reportedly on the drawing board to replace the XL7 that was killed back in May when Suzuki halted production at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The new CUV would show up in 2011 or '12 and be based on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the recently-unveiled Kizashi midsize sedan, which is expected to hit showrooms for the 2010 model year.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Suzuki Swift... will we get it?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Suzuki

We've been hearing for quite some time that the subcompact Suzuki Swift could possibly make it Stateside, and while we think it probably should have made the trip about four years ago when the latest generation was first introduced, we'd still accept another fun-to-drive little hatchback with open arms.

With that in mind, it's with keen interest that we gaze upon these new spy photos of a left-hand-drive Suzuki Swift out and about testing in heavily camouflaged form. We can clearly see at least a passing familial resemblance to the newly-unveiled Suzuki Kizashi sedan, primarily in the revised Swift's mostly uncovered face.

According to the spy shooter, the next-gen Swift will be available with a range of gas and diesel engines across the pond and may be offered with both hybrid and all-wheel-drive options. We're not holding our breath for any of this to come to America, but Suzuki fans all around the nation are surely keepin' the faith. Hat tip to James!

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: 2011 Suzuki Swift... will we get it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Beijing Bumblebee gathering - click above for high-res image gallery

Less than one week before Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen goes into wide release in China, fans of the morphing vehicle-turned-robot movie franchise took to the streets of Beijing in full Bumblebee regalia.

What looks to be a well-organized event was put on by website Autohome.com.cn, and it appears that they even managed to get General Motors' Chevrolet division in on the act, with a new Bumblebee-spec Camaro to lead the procession of like-painted fan cars.

We're not sure we'd go with the yellow-and-black stripes treatment on our own rides, but we remain impressed with both the dedication and the sheer variety of cars that have been given the 'Full Bumblebee,' including a couple of new Cruze sedans and a passel of Aveos, a Ford Focus, a Suzuki Swift and an SX4, a Citroen C4 - even a Mark II Volkswagen Golf. Check out the high-res photo gallery after the jump, and be sure to click on the link below for even more shots of the event. Thanks for the tip, Joe!

Gallery: Beijing Bumblebee Gathering

[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Google Translate]

We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loris Capirossi to race on four wheels in the Suzuki Tempest Rally

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Suzuki, Motorcycle, Specialty

Loris Capirossi, who usually races on two wheels in MotoGP, will give it a go on four wheels, though he'll be remaining loyal to the Suzuki brand in the process. The race will take place on November 8 in Aldershot, U.K. as part of the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup rally racing series that we told you about last April. The Italian motorcycle racer has driven in rally events in the past, but his low experience level against the talented crew of professional rally drivers will make the successful MotoGP racer a major underdog. As an added bonus, Capirossi will race against his motorcycling boss, Paul Denning, who is also racing as a guest at the Tempest Rally. That should be fun.

It isn't that uncommon for racers from one sport to take part in another. Recent examples such as Travis Pastrana and Michael Schumacher prove that success in one discipline can in fact equal a measure of success in another. For his part, Loris says he'll do his best to be competitive. We wish Capirossi the best, but we expect him to be back on his factory Suzuki GSV-R mount in short order.

[Source: Motorcycle.com]

Loris Capirossi to race on four wheels in the Suzuki Tempest Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Swift Sport Cup kicking off this weekend in UK

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Suzuki

In the United States, Suzuki is more known for its superlative motorcycles than mainstream automobiles. It is a notion that has even been played upon by the manufacturer's marketing department in recent commercials. In other parts of the world though, particularly in places where small cars garner more of a following, the small Japanese compacts are popular enough to get their own race series. The inaugural Suzuki Swift Sport Cup kicked off in New Zealand back last November and culminated last month. Next up on the calendar, the United Kingdom gets a taste of the 1.6L 123-hp hatch in its own Swift Cup. The kiwi version utilized tarmac tracks, but the UK cars are optimized for dirt. This weekend will see seven identical Monster Sport Europe-built vehicles battling it out on part of the Pirelli International Rally course, the first of six rounds for the cup.

The low operation costs of the series and the accompanying television deal makes for an attractive package for participants, not to mention the high point prize. The overall championship winner also gets a fully funded ride in the 2008 Wales Rally GB WRC race. The vehicle entry will be a Suzuki Swift Super 1600, of course.

[Source: AutoMotoPortal.com]

Suzuki Swift Sport Cup kicking off this weekend in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Swift DZire takes a dip during test drive

Dan Roth — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Suzuki, First Drive, India

It's a common test-driving practice to attack a corner a bit aggressively and "see what she can do." A swan dive was the answer a driver in India received from a four-door Suzuki/Maruti Swift DZire during a test session. The car skidded out of control, hit a large rock, and then tumbled into the Shambhavi River. The attempt to emulate the Amphicar wound up more like an impression of Alvin, unfortunately. All four occupants were injured and ended up in the hospital, while the car itself appears to be a total loss upon its winching to shore. Reckless driving has been cited as the cause, although with a name like Swift, it's possible the driver was just trying to follow instructions. We wonder if driver training in India is as dismal as here in the United States, and judging from the looks of the car, we're inclined to think that the injuries were due to a lack of seatbelt use. Thanks for the tip, Rahul!

Gallery: Suzuki Swift crash

[Source: Daijiworld]

Suzuki Swift DZire takes a dip during test drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maruti Suzuki unveils ironically named Swift DZire sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Suzuki, India

Click above (if you must) for more of the Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

It's a shame that more of Suzuki's line-up isn't as well designed and executed as the nimble little Swift hatchback. But we swear, this was not what we had in mind.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the country's largest automaker and majority owned its the Japanese parent company, has taken the wraps off of the ironically named Swift DZire today, initial spy shots of which we lamented several months ago. Rather contrary to its name, we're left wondering what's so desirable about a trunk that it's worth butchering erstwhile attractive hatchbacks. The resulting conversion ends up looking like the hatch version, only with a tumor growing out the back. Maruti calls its "The Heart Car", but we'll go for the bypass, thank you very much.

More details are available at the DZire micro site, in the press release after the jump, and images in the gallery below for those with bizarre fascinations.

Gallery: Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

[Source: Maruti Suzuki]

Continue reading Maruti Suzuki unveils ironically named Swift DZire sedan

Maruti Suzuki unveils ironically named Swift DZire sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Suzuki Swift sedan nabbed in India

John Neff — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Suzuki

As we mentioned in an earlier post today, the Swift hatchback would be a great addition to Suzuki's lineup in the U.S. Much better than a mid-size truck, at least. The Swift is a well regarded little car in markets abroad where it's sold as a three- and five-door hatch, but if this spy shot supposedly taken at Suzuki's manufacturing plant in India is to be believed, a sedan version of the Swift is right around the corner. After glancing at the design, however, we're not so sure that's a good thing. The image was originally hosted on the GM Inside News forums by member indica (NOTE: the image was originally posted by amitverma on the team-bhp.com forums), and the comments that follow are not flattering. Panel gaps wide enough to drive, well, a Suzuki Swift through and tons of unoccupied space between the wheels and the wells in which they sit are tops on the list of what's wrong with this car, though we think the back end just look fugly. Those taillights look similar to ones used on the Yaris Sedan, and they don't look good on the Toyota, either. Unfortunately we have no information about the Suzuki Swift Sedan other than what this pic provides, but we'll keep our feelers out for more.

[Source: team-bhp.com, GM Inside News]

Spy Shots: Suzuki Swift sedan nabbed in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki's Project Splash, Swift Sport headed to Paris

Alex Nunez — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki

Next month in Paris, Suzuki will be unveiling the Project Splash concept (they're calling it a "clinic model") , a modern-looking-tall-bodied hatchback based on the Swift subcompact. The Splash will show off a new 1.2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and seat five passengers.

Suzuki is keeping the rest of the info about Project Splash to itself for the time being, though they did release a design sketch (above). With the big shield grille, wide, thin headlamps, and downward-sloping roofline, we're seeing what appears to be some Audi Q7 influences. The car offers us a peek at the direction Suzuki's taking with an upcoming model, so we're very interested in seeing the finished product.

Of more immediate concern to our European readers is the other planned Suzuki debut in Paris: the Euro-spec Swift Sport. The Swift Sport launched in Japan a little over a year ago, where it's powered by a 98kW (133hp) 1.6L VVT 4-cylinder. If the powertrain is unchanged for Europe, sales should be brisk when it hits showrooms in the Fall.

Of course, now that we know the Swift is headed to the US as well, it's time for everyone to cross their fingers and hope that the Sport is part of that plan.

(Press Release, Swift Sport photos after the jump)

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki's Project Splash, Swift Sport headed to Paris

Suzuki's Project Splash, Swift Sport headed to Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, SUV

May I have the envelope, please? Not quite yet.

However... the finalists are:

BMW 3-Series
Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus IS
Mazda MX-5
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Porsche Cayman S
Suzuki Swift
Volkswagen Passat

The finalists were selected by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists in a secret ballot. To pick the winner, the jury will rate each finalist in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April. (Last year's winner was the Audi A6.)

Three specialty awards will also be handed out by the WCOTY program: World Performance Car, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year. (Finalists in these categories are selected separately from the WCOTY finalists.) Check out the WCOTY website for details.

Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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