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Next week's
Tokyo Motor Show will see Suzuki take on larger Japanese manufacturers with its own fleet of concept vehicles. We'll see the
Kizashi re-emerge in a whole new sports wagon crossover form. The Kizashi 2 sits on huge 22-inch wheels and brags to hold the biggest ever engine used by Suzuki, a 3.6-litre V6. Meanwhile the Japanese firm has confirmed that it will be looking into hybrid systems in the future, so expect later concepts to utilise such systems. The coupé-like swooping roofline of the K2 gives yet another indication of Suzuki's future design direction; both Kizashi concepts used similarly profiled front lighting and exhaust pipes, whilst the prominent front grille is also retained - if a bit smaller.
One of the most important cars for Suzuki on show is
the Splash. Providing the basis for the new
Vauxhall Agila, the compact Japanese offering differentiates itself with front and rear styling tweaks as well as extra standard equipment including Stability Control. It also promises to deliver sharper handling. The Splash will be launched in Europe in the Spring next year, although there is no word yet on pricing.
Despite having the theme "Small Cars for a Big Future", the Suzuki X-Head looks to deceive that claim, if on imposition at least. The Japanese Tonka Truck is designed for the more active among us and can hold various load-bed units including a 'Camper' component that holds two beds, a 'Fashion' unit that carries a somewhat ambiguous 'stylish urban mobility' description and also a 'Rescue' load-bed that can work in various weather conditions.
Less childhood fantasy and more family oriented is the Palette. Some 40mm longer in the wheelbase than the outgoing Wagon R, the mini family vehicle shows off Suzuki's flat-floor loading system and electric sliding rear doors designed for easy access. And that's about as 'concept' as it gets.
Joining the fleet on centre-stage will be the Suzuki SX4 WRC Rally Car set to make its debut at Rallye de France in full competition specification. Whilst on a completely different front, Suzuki will debut its bizarre SSC and PIXY personal mobility vehicles - something that probably won't take off over here, but Eastern cultures might just be convinced.
Kyle Molyneux - 15 Oct 2007