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Suzuki Drops Another Dark Teaser of S-CROSS Concept

The highlight of Suzuki's presence at the Paris Motor Show that runs from September 27 (for the public from September 29) to 14 October will be the S-CROSS concept.

In addition to a shadowy image of the study's front end and a more revealing sketch released by the Japanese carmaker back in August, Suzuki has now dropped a third teaser photo that gives us a look at the crossover model's…very SEAT-like… rear end.

While Suzuki has already prepared us for the world premiere of a new concept model called the S-Cross at the Paris Motor Show on September 27, behind the scenes, the company's engineers are hard at work finishing the development of the actual production version that may replace the current SX-4. Read more »

Suzuki Debuts European Market 2013 Grand Vitara at the Moscow Auto Salon

The launch of the lightly refreshed 2013 Grand Vitara (as the Escudo) in Suzuki's home market of Japan earlier this summer has been followed up by the reveal of the European specification model at this week's Moscow International Automobile Salon.

The update brings some cosmetic tweaks on the outside and new design features on the inside to keep customers interested in the compact SUV that has started to show its age as the current model has been in production since 2005.

The 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show in September will host the world premiere of a new concept model from Suzuki named S-Cross, which previews an upcoming production model in the compact crossover segment.

The Japanese automaker released a teaser sketch and a cropped image of the S-Cross that appears to be a thinly disguised concept of the prototype Suzuki we spied in the middle of July and which we rightly noted at the time was a larger model than the current, sub-compact SX-4.

As part of a presentation today in Japan, Suzuki previewed its new Wagon R tall mini that will benefit from the addition of a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge') and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system dubbed "ECO-COOL"

The Wagon R with ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this September.

It's in the human nature to find someone to blame for an accident, or two in this case, as after the Suzuki Vitara Mk1 (evidently) suffered a first crash, the final blow came when a group of men were trying to tow it up a hill.

We can only speculate what when wrong or what they could have done to prevent it – for example, we don't know if they had pulled the emergency brake and set the shifter in gear or whether they had placed any rocks under the front tires, but the result is that the Vitara rolled down the hill to its death.

Information Specification Modification Image Review 2013 maruti cervo
In a tussle to capture entry level segment in the Indian auto market, Maruti is aggressively working on Maruti Cervo to launch it in the Indian auto market by the first quarter of 2012. Maruti Cervo is a five door hatchback model with spacious passenger cabin. Maruti Cervo will be equipped with the 0.7L, 660cc petrol engine which is able to produce maximum power of 60bhp. This power-plant delivers peppy performance with great fuel efficiency.

The arching roofline, sporty headlamps and fog lamps which is placed next to its large grille makes the front appearance of Maruti Cervo very aggressive. Its rear is also appealing with its high mounted large tail lamps. The rear seat of Maruti Cervo can accommodate only two passengers while the front row has a lot more storage space as compared to the rear row. The luggage box has enough space to carry daily shopping bags.

After the launch Maruti Cervo will surely attract the younger generation with its sporty stylish look, classy interiors and sleek exterior design. The extremely sleek look, efficient engine and economical price range is bound to give a good start to Maruti Cervo. According to the predictions and speculation of auto experts, Maruti Cervo will be the fastest and most selling car in the Indian auto market, after its launch.

If we go into detailing of structure and specifications the Maruti Cervo is designed with intelligence to compromise the low cost factor and the occupants will find it spacious also with a good boot space provided in the car. It is equipped with powerful 0.7L, 660cc petrol engine. The heart is capable of churning out a max torque of 64 Nm at 3500 rpm and Max Power of 60 bhp.

After going through several Maruti Cervo reviews, it can be concluded that it is a good deal in its price range and the company is marketing it as a fuel efficient car which could be very helpful in this inflation era and a boon for Middle Income families. The exteriors are a bit similar to other hatchback models but what makes it apart is its beautiful and sophisticated design which makes it a better option as a family oriented city car. Also the design of Maruti Cervo is helpful to cross the menace of daily city traffic easily. It comes with a 5 speed manual transmission.

The exteriors are beautifully carved and slanted roofline which makes it look unique. The headlamps and fog lamps are designed to glide with its bumpy exteriors; the rear wiper is truly an amazing concept as it helps to drive even in non favourable weather conditions. Also on the safety point of view Maruti Cervo is designed to absorb front and rear shocks. Its sleek design is beautifully engineered along with the par excellence engine in its economical price range.

Maruti Cervo Interiors- Maruti Cervo will be a 4 seater. You can put only 2 passengers in the backside, if you try to put 3 passengers it would be troublesome. This will be the only where customers needs to compromise. The wide dashboard of Maruti Cervo has eye-catching style and is smartly designed. When it to head and leg room, it gives sufficient space for all the occupants. It will have common interior features like AC, audio system, power steering, seats belts, central lock etc.

Apart from the exteriors of the Maruti Cervo the interiors of the car is also attractive and spacy. The drive wheel is a three spoke power steering type for easy and comfy handling in the city streets. The steering wheel is adjustable as well. Maruti Cervo is expected to come with a dashboard that is wider than the usual and comprising of round AC vents at both ends and the instrument panel just behind the steering wheel. Overall the price toll of this car is going to play a major role for the Company. source:carkhabri.com,carsingh.com,cardekho.com

2012 Maruti Ertiga review

Specification Modification Information Image Review 2012 Maruti Ertiga

With the launch of Maruti Ertiga, earlier codenamed as Maruti R3, Maruti Suzuki India has taken into its ambit almost all car segments. Following the robust branding and low maintenance nature of Maruti cars, Maruti Ertiga has hit bang on the MPV market of India. Seven seater Maruti Ertiga is tagged as the great Indian family car. This can be also attributed to the effective price tag associated with Ertiga MPV. The new MPV received its name from Indonesian language in which Ertiga means Three Rows. Albeit the looks and features scream that it is a Multi Purpose Vehicle, Ertiga is positioned in the sub-segment of Utility vehicles and this new segment is called as LUV-Life Utility Vehicle by Maruti. With this, Maruti officials claim they have created an entirely new segment in the Indian auto industry.

Ertiga’s launch has also announced Maruti’s entry into the utility segment of cars where the company is currently not a major player. Maruti in India has a bee-line of cars including some of the best selling ones in almost every segment. It has Maruti Gypsy and Maruti Grand Vitara in the SUV segment; however these have meager sales as compared to SUVs of other brands. Besides, there are vans including Maruti Omni and Maruti Eeco that provide good option and are value for money cars but still used mainly be fleet owners. Ertiga is the first utility vehicle which is targeted as a premium product and is equipped with such features which attract urban audience.

As always Maruti has designed the vehicle keeping a typical Indian in mind, making Ertiga a suitable fit for the young dynamic confident Indian who wants to hold back individuality and yet retain Indian custom of ‘togetherness’ With looks taken from one family member the interior are inspired from the other member, Maruti Swift. The beige interiors, seating for 7(2+3+2), split design in the centre for easy movement from middle to last row, roof mounted AC vents, large boot etc. make Ertiga cool and classy. The 3 spoke tilt adjustable electric steering wheel, 5 speed manual gearbox, power windows with electrically adjustable mirror add comfort to the drive. Whereas the Audio controls mounted on the steering, powerful 4+2 speakers and USB compatibility makes sure that the MPV allows the passengers to enjoy every ride

The cabin has a convenient layout of 2+3+2 seats that makes a comfortable ride for all the seven occupants in the car. The interiors are done in beige with ‘waterfall design’ centre console and someexcellent fit & finish levels. The exciting elements include steering mounted audio controls, power steering, modern 2-din music system that supports CD player, AUX and USB. Furthermore, many cubby holes and abundant storage spaces in each row assures a hassle free journey to all passengers. The safety aspect is well taken care with all the standard features like airbags, ABS with EBD and much more.

Maruti Ertiga is packed with petrol and diesel versions. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.4L K – Series engine, which delivers a peak power of 95 PS along with a peak torque of 130 Nm. On the other hand, the diesel version with 1.3 Litre DDiS engine outpours a peak power 90 PS alongside peak torque of 200 Nm. Both petrol and diesel variants are mated to 5-speed manual transmission.
source:carkhabri.com,cardekho.com,http://cars.pricedekho.com

Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Swift dZire

maruti suzuki swift and Dzire front view

We love a bargain in this country. We also love a good saloon, what with all the prestige that seemingly innocuous third box brings. So when the government announced that ‘small cars’ – which is what most Indians equate ‘hatchbacks’ with – would be defined by a four-metre length cutoff, it only served to further widen the chasm between saloons and their bootless counterparts. The excise benefits meant that soon hatchback makers everywhere got their measuring tapes out and began filing down bumpers to make the cut. Meanwhile, the saloons basked in the warm glow of premium adulation, with their Rs 10-lakh price tags and optional leather seats. But remember, we love a bargain in this country, so it wasn’t long before the regulations were exploited.

Enter the compact saloon – a concept that seems illogical and aesthetically compromised, but actually makes tremendous economic sense. Tata was the first to nip the idea in the bud with the Indigo CS, which has been a huge success. Maruti followed suit with its new Swift Dzire which, unusually, is actually shorter than the car it replaces. A length of just 3995mm means it is officially a small car, and as a result Maruti’s been able to price it cheaper than the old car too! So what’s the catch?

While it’s better resolved than the old car, tacking a boot onto a car with as prominent a bonnet as the Swift is bound to look awkward. It doesn’t look like a conventional three-box saloon, and we wonder how this will go down with the Indian buyer looking for that ‘big car’ feel. You also kiss 124 litres of boot space goodbye compared to the old car and the 316-litre capacity is abysmal by modern standards, which really begs the question – is the Dzire really any better than the hatchback that spawned it?

We love the new Swift – in fact we crowned it our 2012 Car of the Year. It has two fantastic engines, is fun to drive, very refined, handsome to look at and has a modern cabin. So it’s good to see that most of its good bits have been adapted to the Dzire in the saloonification process. But, acknowledging the premium expectations of the discerning Indian saloon buyer, Maruti has taken some very welcome steps to make the Dzire plusher.

maruti suzuki swift and dzire interior and steering

The interior is now a two-tone black-and-beige affair, the faux metal ditched for faux wood. The bigger rear doors open to a more reclined seatback, softer seats and beige upholstery. They’ve even recalibrated the rear suspension so the chauffeur-driven are little less rattled.

So it’s clear that the saloon – or notchback, to be precise – has a few tricks up its sleeve, so surely it must cost a fair bit more, right? Not quite. With the Dzire’s special introductory pricing, there’s only a difference of Rs 53,000-66,000, variant for variant, between it and the hatch. If that sounds like a lot, remember the old cars were closer to Rs 1 lakh apart.

And what about India’s favourite car-buying question? Since the engine mapping and gearing are unchanged and Maruti has kept the kerb weights of the two body styles identical – the economy (at least on the diesels) is near-identical too.

On paper, there isn’t much between the Swift and the Dzire – it’s more about what you want from your car. Yes, the saloon offers a little more comfort, a more pleasant cabin and a bit more boot, but the hatch isn’t exactly terrible on these fronts either. As with the previous generation, Maruti is marketing the two cars very differently. It says if you drive yourself and don’t travel with passengers or luggage often, get the hatch, no question.

There’s also no question about the Dzire’s incredible appeal. Dealers tell us that customers who were waiting for delivery of their last-gen models were more than happy to upgrade to the new car, despite the reduced boot space. They also said most buyers had their heart set on the Dzire before they even stepped into the showroom and that some who came for the hatchback were even swayed into upgrading to the saloon. So, with the two priced so closely, will the new booted car cannibalise sales of its little sibling? It remains to be seen. Maruti maintains the current Dzire prices are only introductory and will go up over the next few months and, for many buyers, a tight budget governs the purchase. Still, with such a competent saloon at such an attractive price in a market like ours, we wouldn’t be surprised. We love a bargain, after all.

2012 Suzuki Kizashi

Information Specification Image Review 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
Success is measured in a variety of ways. For automobiles, success is generally determined by sales numbers, but in the case of the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi this metric proves elusive. While the Kizashi is one of the better choices among midsize sedans, Suzuki's limited dealer network makes it more of a sleeper success in the segment.
It's likely that if Suzuki's presence and marketing budget were as large as its competition, shoppers would take notice of the 2012 Kizashi. With distinct European styling and a refined interior that exceeds expectations, it's a shame more people either don't know about it or don't have convenient access to one. Furthermore, the Kizashi provides as much comfort as it does excitement behind the wheel.
Comparing the Kizashi to more readily available midsize sedans reveals that it's slightly down on rear legroom, but by no means cramped. And while the Suzuki's 2.4-liter engine provides ample motivation, there's no turbo or V6 option. Nor is there a hybrid alternative.
But even with these minor drawbacks, the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is still worthy of consideration among tough competition. We rank the Hyundai Sonata and related Kia Optima on top of the family sedan segment, with the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry remaining great choices as well. But if you happen to have a Suzuki dealer nearby, we highly recommend checking out the 2012 Kizashi, as it's really a success waiting to be noticed.

Available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual or CVT transmission, or all-wheel drive with CVT, the Kizashi offers exceptional value in S, SE, Sport GTS, and Sport SLS trims. The Kizashi is equipped with a 185-hp 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine with the six-speed manual or a 180-hp version with the CVT. Standard features include sport bucket seats, projector headlamps, keyless â??Smartpassâ? pushbutton start system, automatic dual-zone climate control, and steering wheel audio controls. Safety features include a class exclusive eight airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and tire pressure monitoring system. As well, the Kizashi already meets 2014 NHTSA crash standards. Optional features include a Rockford-Fosgate audio system, leather interior, heated power seats and Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Under the Hood

The Kizashi is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which teams with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive models come only with the CVT. Mechanical features include:

180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder (185 hp with manual transmission)
Front- or all-wheel drive
Fully independent suspension
Available lowered sport suspension

Safety

Standard safety features include:

Antilock brakes
Electronic stability system
Side-impact airbags for both rows of seats
Side curtain airbags for both rows of seats

source:cars.com,autos.aol.com,edmunds.com

Fiat, Suzuki ink pact for Multijet

Fiat to supply upto 100,000 diesel engines every year to Suzuki.

Fiat and Suzuki Motor Corporation have reached an agreement for the supply of Fiat’s small diesel engine -- the 1.3-litre Multijet -- to Maruti Suzuki. Fiat India will supply up to 100,000 Multijet 75hp SDE engines every year for a three-year period that begins in the third week of January. Production of the engine for Maruti will start at Fiat India Automobiles’ Ranjangaon plant near Pune.

These volumes will be in addition to the 1.3-litre Multijet SDE engines already licensed by Fiat and manufactured by Suzuki Powertrain India. The 1.3 Multijet is a BS IV four-cylinder, 16V engine. It powers the all-new Swift and these additional supplies will enable Maruti to fulfill its deliveries of the car to the over 100,000 buyers who booked it. An estimated 80 percent of demand was for the diesel version. The SX4 and Ritz are also powered by the 1.3 Multijet engine.

With the colossal swing towards diesel-engined cars in the Indian market, carmakers have struggled to supply enough diesel models to their customers. With over 100,000 bookings for the all-new Swift, the problem was particularly significant for Maruti. Earlier, Maruti Suzuki had imported diesel engines from its Hungary facility.

Review and testdrive of new SWIFT DZIRE

We first broke the news about the sub-four-metre new Swift Dzire on our website on December 31, 2010. We also brought you the first pictures of the car on our website on April 26, 2010 and in our May 2011 issue. As you can tell, we have been tracking the evolution of this car very closely and that’s because a saloon car for potential hatchback money is not easy to ignore.

The second-generation Dzire is quite different from the car it replaces. For starters, it’s only 3995mm long so it is a whole 165mm shorter than its predecessor. To keep length under the crucial four-metre mark, the new Dzire sports an extremely short boot. As a result, the new Dzire looks more a notchback than a proper saloon.

The good thing is that the tail section is well integrated with the rest of the body and the whole look is more cohesive than the older car. Rear styling is neatly executed but the squarish profile of the bootlid links the new car with the older Dzire. Boot space, at 316 litres is a whole size down on the old car, but is large enough to hold a weekend’s luggage.

Maruti has tweaked styling to differentiate the Dzire from the new Swift on which it is based. The front gets a slatted grille while the bumper features a wider air dam and larger enclosures for the fog lights. It’s only aft of the B-pillar that the two cars really look different. The rear quarter glass has a more conventional fall to it and the rear door is marginally larger as well.

Cabin design is identical to the Swift’s though the use of beige plastics on the lower portion of the dashboard and door pads, and the light seat fabrics really enhance the ambience inside. The front seats, also from the Swift, are very comfortable, while existing Dzire owners will notice the increased space in the back courtesy the new Swift platform’s 40mm longer wheelbase. Rear-seat comfort is decent but the backrest is a tad too reclined. Adjustable headrests and a rear centre armrest do enhance comfort here.

As before, Maruti will sell the Dzire with two engine options – an 86bhp, 1.2-litre petrol and 74bhp, 1.3-litre diesel. Both engines are identical to those on the new Swift, as is the gearing. The K-Series petrol engine benefits from Variable Valve Timing and this has resulted in a 2bhp power bump compared to the older car. Driving the car at the media launch at the Buddh International Circuit, we were reacquainted with the engine’s good low-speed response, slight lack of mid-range punch and impressive top end.

Surprisingly, it was the diesel that was more enjoyable at the track. With the turbo on song past 1800rpm, the engine’s healthy mid-range performance allowed us to power out of the slowest corners with ease. In real-world conditions, that should translate to good driveability.

new maruti suzuki swift dzire interior view

Gearshifts on the five-speed gearbox were smooth and light in operation too. This brings us to the big surprise – the new Dzire will also be sold with a four-speed automatic transmission on the petrol model. The gearbox complements the petrol engine quite well and shifts are smooth too. Moreover, it adapts well to changes in throttle inputs. It’s only when you floor the throttle that the build of power is slightly jerky. Maruti will offer the automatic in only the middle-level VXi trim so you don’t get many goodies like climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, rear defogger or essentials like a driver seat height adjust and seatbelt height adjuster. A fully loaded version would have simply priced the automatic out of contention.

The Dzire shares suspension hardware with the Swift, though the rear has been tuned for comfort. While it was not possible to pass judgement on ride quality given the smooth tarmac at the circuit, we expect the softened setup should rid the Dzire of some of the Swift’s low-speed firmness. The flipside is that the Dzire also tends to roll a fair bit more than the Swift. What we did like though was the feedback at the steering wheel and good body control even when driving the car at its very limit.

On the whole, the new Dzire makes a compelling case for itself. It is smart to look at, comes decently specced and is good fun to drive too. The engines are refined and also score on the fuel economy front with ARAI-tested figures of 19.1kpl for the manual petrol and 23.4kpl for the diesel. Automatic transmission only adds convenience to the package.

Whille Maruti will announce prichttp://carzera.blogspot.com/2011/12/maruti-announces-auto-expo-plans.htmling on February 1 at the car’s launch, we hear the new Dzire will cost as much as the model it replaces which will continue to sell in taxi avatar.

If that’s the case, Maruti has yet another winner on its hands.

Suzuki reveals Auto-Expo plans

The upcoming Auto Expo in Delhi will see the Japanese bike-maker showcase its international range of sport and touring bikes. This includes the Hayabusa, Intruder M1800, GSX-R1000, GSR750, DL650A (V-Strom) and RMX450Z. The Indian range will be showcased too, with models like the SlingShot Plus, the GS150R and the Access 125 scooter. Also at the Expo will be the newly launched Intruder M800, which comes with an 805cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled, 8-valve V-Twin powerplant.

For visitors who wish to know more about each product, there will be a special interactive touchscreen stand that will impart product details. And that’s not all. The stall will also host Paintjam, a theatrical art performance by the internationally acclaimed improvisational speed-painter Dan Dunn.

The theme for Suzuki Motorcycle is titled ‘APNA WAY OF LIFE’. This focuses on consumers at an individual level and also shows how a customer relates to the Suzuki Motorcycle product in daily life.

Maruti announces Auto Expo plans

Maruti Suzuki has revealed its plans for the upcoming 2012 Auto Expo.The big news for
the small-car giant will be its aggressive entry into the UV segment with two models – both of which will be showcased at the Expo in New Delhi.
First up will be the global unveiling of Maruti’s first compact MPV, the Ertiga. As originally seen in our spy images, the Ertiga looks similar to the Swift from the front, with peeled-back headlights that stretch to the pronounced wheel arches. The rear treatment looks well proportioned, if rather generic in comparison. The Ertiga will seat seven and will come with petrol and diesel engine options.Along with the Ertiga, Maruti will also showcase a comp
act SUV concept. Both these new models are the result of a joint effort between Maruti Suzuki in India and Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. According to Maruti, the compact SUV concept has been designed in a record time of just nine months.
“As the market gets more competitive, we have to gear up for the new dynamics. We are thus showing the best we can offer. The new models like the SUV, MPV and MUV will prove to the world that we are future-ready. We need to get first-hand feedback for this,” says Maruti Suzuki managing executive officer marketing and sales, Mayank Pareek.

Maruti will also add another engine to its popular K-series family - the K14. As the name suggests, the K14 is a 1.4-litre petrol motor that is equipped with variable-valve timing (VVT). It will displace 1372cc and deliver a decent 95bhp. The Ertiga will debut this new engine, but will also be available with a 1.3-litre DDiS ‘Super Turbo’ diesel engine.

Some of parent company Suzuki’s international compact cars – like the Solio, Palette and MR Wagon – will also be on display at Maruti’s Auto Expo stand, which Pareek says are intended to “study consumer feedback."

Suzuki reveals Swift EV Hybrid concept

Suzuki has released details and pictures of a new concept, this time a variant of the Swift, called the Swift EV Hybrid concept.

As the name suggests, this concept is powered by an additional battery that helps extend its overall range, a set-up similar to the Chevrolet Volt. While in motion, it is powered first by an electric motor and backed up by a small range-extending petrol engine. On battery power alone, the car has a 30km operating range.

No specific details have been mentioned, but it shouldn’t stray too far from the Swift Plug-In concept that was shown at the 2009 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show. The 2009 concept was based on the previous-generation Swift and featured a 658cc mill, offering 54bhp, working in tandem with a 74bhp electric motor, powered by lithium-ion batteries. Back then the series hybrid system offered around 20km of pure electric mode driving as compared to a 30km range for the 2011 concept.

In terms of looks, the Swift EV hybrid looks similar to the conventional version but features visual tweaks such as LED headlamps and tail lamps, a covered grille and wheels, modified interior that is white and green in shade and also features two large digital screens. The 2011 Swift EV Hybrid concept will be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show.

According to Suzuki, the Swift EV Hybrid is strictly a concept, although there are reports in the Japanese media that suggest that the hybridised electric hatch could go on sale sometime in 2013.

Suzuki unveils Regina concept

Suzuki has unveiled details and pictures of an all-new concept car christened Regina. Suzuki calls the Regina a city-car concept that will be placed below the Swift.

According to Suzuki, this concept represents the firm's vision of "a next-generation global compact car with excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to lightness and superior aerodynamics".

There are no exact mechanical details revealed yet, but Suzuki says with a conventional petrol motor, this concept could return a fuel economy of at least 32kpl, which translates to a mere 3.1litres/100km.

The Regina concept, a 730kg four-seater, is 3550mm long, 1630mm wide and 1430mm tall and has a 2425mm wheelbase. Interior styling is rather minimalistic but is highlighted with all hues of green.

The Regina concept will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in early December.

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