Suzuki iK-2 and iM-4 concepts suggest future style

Suzuki might no longer sell cars in the US, but the Japanese brand is showing that it's still vibrant in the rest of the world by unveiling two concepts at the Geneva Motor Show. The models also debut some the company's future technology and preview the look of upcoming production vehicles.

The iK-2 Concept (top) foreshadows a future compact hatchback, and Suzuki is clear that a production version is due to arrive in Europe in 2016. Its styling is a flowing take on the traditional five-door hatchback, especially around the front fenders. More importantly, the model also rides on the Japanese brand's next-gen platform that promises to be lighter, more rigid, offer better efficiency and improve safety. Power comes from the new Boosterjet engine, but despite the speedy name, it's a 1.0-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged three-cylinder. A mild hybrid system is also going to be offered on the iK-2, but outputs for the powertrains aren't specified yet.

The more interesting of the pair visually is the Suzuki iM-4 Concept (pictured inset) that imagines a simple, mini offroader, possibly a replacement for the Jimny. It's on the same platform as the iK-2 but with a much higher ride height and quirky styling. The grille and headlight configuration take inspiration from a pair of sunglasses, Suzuki claims. The model also features broad, fairly unadorned surfaces and short overhangs. The whole look just gives the impression of a little mountain goat ready to go anywhere. Power goes to all four-wheels thanks to a 1.2-liter engine and mild hybrid system.

With Suzuki long gone from the US, your best chance to look at the brand's latest concepts might be to check out our live galleries from the Geneva show.

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iK-2 – SUZUKI'S NEW COMPACT HATCHBACK CONCEPT

The smartest compact car developed by pursuit of compact hatchback ideals to a new even higher level for Suzuki

Excellent design and utility integrated into a single package

Design theme of "Liquid Flow", elegant design with flowing lines suggestive of an energetic movement of liquid

Built around a new-generation platform and equipped with BOOSTERJET engine

Production model to be released in Europe in 2016

Making its global debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki Motor Corporationreveals its new compact hatchback concept car, the iK-2. The iK-2, the smartest compact car, offers all the elements expected in a car of this size. Suzuki is well known as the compact car expert, having built up unrivalled know-how in developing compact cars from the Suzulight in the 1950s and the Alto in the 1970s, to our latest model　line-up. In the iK-2 Suzuki takes the ideal of the compact car to a new level. The Liquid Flow design expresses the energetic movement of liquid, giving the car a classy, elegant, yet dynamic look. The model is built around a new-generation platform and comes equipped with the BOOSTERJET engine, a new direct-injection turbo petrol unit. By adding the production model based on this concept car to the line-up, Suzuki will give drivers a much greater value of a compact car in which Suzuki excels. The production model will also be available with SHVS mild hybrid system and is to be released in Europe in early 2016.

Concept

The iK-2 is inspired by the concept of "Harmonised Force." Harmonisation of optimised packaging by the compact car expertise, pleasant driving experience by the latest technology, and a flowing exterior design that beautifully wraps those shapes an ideal compact car. It delivers a dynamic, efficient driving performance thanks to its new-generation platform and BOOSTERJET engine. The exterior design, featuring sweeping curves all over that blend smoothly into the whole, exudes style and elegance. This is the smartest compact car packed with utmost compact car value, impressively meeting the conflicting requirements of a compact: design, utility, comfort, manoeuvrability, driving performance, fuel efficiency.

Design features

The "Liquid Flow", suggestive of the dynamism of an energetic movement of liquid with its low, wide silhouette, is inspired by three keywords: "harmony," "elegance," and "energy wave." Instead of straight, mechanical lines, the body sports flowing curves throughout the body which perfectly create a harmony, conveying classy elegance.

Expressive character lines that begin at the front and sweep toward the rear create attractive highlights.

A series of chrome accents on the front grille and headlamps flow into the character lines on the side of the body, increasing the harmony of the whole car.

An elegant, sporty profile: a cabin with sleek glass area mounted on a low, wide, flaring body.

A bold, avant-garde front fascia with a wide bumper grille and distinctive LED headlamps.

Muscular fenders confidently absorbing the flow of energy from the body, paired with a mechanical wheel design.

Sloping rear window to channel the flow of energy forward.

Lightning Silver body colour emphasises the shadows of the body with its curving lines and amplify its elegance and energy.

New environmental technologies

New-generation platform
Suzuki's new-generation platform is designed to efficiently increase rigidity while reducing weight via a fundamental redesign of the underbody's structure and also optimising overall vehicle design, including parts mounted on the underbody. This improves fuel efficiency, safety, handling, stability, and NVH performance across the board. Moreover, Suzuki will streamline development by consolidating its existing four platforms to three and modularizing functional components. This will enable bringing out new cars in a more efficient way that can be tailored to fast-changing market demand.

The new BOOSTERJET 1.0 litre direct-injection turbo engine
The Boosterjet 1.0 litre direct-injection turbo engine newly developed by Suzuki saves fuel while delivering driving pleasure. Fuel efficiency has been improved by reducing engine displacement, and output and torque are boosted with a turbocharger. In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars.

Specifications

Overall length: 4,023 mm
Overall width: 1,920 mm
Overall height: 1,450 mm
Wheelbase: 2,520 mm
Tyre size: 225/45R18
Engine: 1.0L BOOSTERJET engine
Platform: New-generation platform

iM-4 - SUZUKI'S NEW MINI 4X4 CONCEPT

Intelligent yet tough. An iconic mini 4x4 which expands possibilities and enjoyment of a compact car

Simple, iconic exterior design fusing innovation with Suzuki's design heritage

Reliable 4WD performance succeeding Suzuki's 4x4 DNA

Outstanding fuel economy thanks to a new-generation platform and SHVS mild hybrid system

Suzuki Motor Corporation unveils its world-premiere concept model, the iM-4, at the 85th Geneva Motor Show. Since releasing the LJ series in 1970, Suzuki has been constantly coming up with new ideas in the compact SUV and crossover categories with models such as the first Vitara in 1988 and SX4 in 2006. The iM-4 is our vision for a new compact 4x4 that embodies that DNA while bristling with the latest technology. Its innovativeness, uniqueness and Suzuki's DNA make it the iconic mini 4x4.

Concept

The theme of this car: "Shape the Inspiration." The iM-4 is a personal vehicle that opens up new possibilities and new ways to have fun.

Packaged in a simple yet iconic design, the compact iM-4 is intelligent but tough, offering reliable performance rooted in the Suzuki 4x4 tradition coupled with the latest fuel-saving technology. The minimalist design blends perfectly into the driver's lifestyle, while its distinctive character brings real inspiration to the daily routine.

With its 4WD system, high minimum ground clearance, and high hip point, the iM-4 is designed to be your credible partner that is easy to drive while also offering performance that lets you confidently drive in snow and on unpaved roads. It has a user-friendly interior and luggage area, and also incorporates cutting-edge technology with a new-generation platform and SHVS mild hybrid system, which deliver excellent fuel consumption with low CO2 emissions.

Design features

This car is designed to be simple yet iconic, pure yet lovable, and innovative yet retro.

The unique and minimalist body consists of plain surfaces and round roof, with straight, architectonic lines that give it a beauty and precision. The large-diameter tyres jutting out at the four corners firmly support the body and hint at the car's power and muscular performance. Dramatic features such as the front fascia with its sunglass-clad look, the helmet-like roof, and the slits on the C-pillars which convey historic Suzuki cars of the past inspire the driver to be creative.

Capsule-like minimalist body that gently embraces the driver.

Plain surfaces and the round roof create a rich expression and give the body simple yet endearing character.

Straight, architectonic lines of the shoulder and glass areas communicate beauty and precision, as does the rectangular motif repeated in features such as the front and rear lower grilles, door mirrors and handles, headlamps, and rear combination lamps.

Sunglass-like front grille and headlamp design coupled with the headlamps' inner architectureand helmet-like roof give the car a lovable appearance.

Suzuki design essence including blacked-out A- and B-pillars, clamshell bonnet, and front fender garnishes are incorporated throughout the vehicle. The configuration of the area around and behind the C-pillar incorporate slits that pay tribute to historic minicars such as the Fronte Coupé and the first Cervo.

Flared bumpers, 18-inch wheels with five-trapezoid design, and side body moulding of the side body deliver a forceful impression of a 4x4.

Innocent White body colour, which expresses modernity, and a clean appearance that stirs the viewer's imagination.

New environmental technologies

New-generation platform
Suzuki's new-generation platform is designed to efficiently increase rigidity while reducing weight via a fundamental redesign of the underbody's structure and also optimising overall vehicle design, including parts mounted on the underbody. This improves fuel efficiency, safety, handling, stability, and NVH performance across the board. Moreover, Suzuki will streamline development by consolidating its existing four platforms to three and modularizing functional components. This will enable bringing out new cars in a more efficient way that can be tailored to fast-changing market demand.

Innovative SHVS mild hybrid system
The SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), Suzuki's new mild hybrid system incorporating an ISG (integrated starter generator), provides engine power assistance using the motor and achieves efficient power regeneration. The SHVS system used for the iM-4 also features lithium-ion batteries. Coupled with a newly-developed high-efficiency ISG, this regenerative braking system is the perfect hybrid system for a compact car. As well as improving fuel efficiency, it also keeps down the size, weight, and cost.

Specifications

Overall length: 3,693 mm
Overall width: 1,709 mm
Overall height: 1,566 mm
Wheelbase: 2,438 mm
Tyre size: 215/45R18
Engine: 1.2L DUALJET engine + SHVS
Drive system: 4WD
Platform: New-generation platform

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