“In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word ‘Kizashi,’ which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate,” said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. “Now that the production model Kizashi has arrived, we expect the name and the product itself to clearly demonstrate the bold statement this company knew it would be making with the debut of this vehicle – while simultaneously suggesting what will emerge in the Suzuki lineup as we look ahead to the future.”

The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows the type of design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on content and value. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is augmented by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.

Confidence-Inspiring Performance

Built at Suzuki’s brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. Benefiting from an oversquare bore/stroke ratio and 10:1 compression, this newest Suzuki powerplant delivers 185 HP (@ 6,500 rpm) and 170 lb-ft of torque (@ 4,000 rpm) with the manual transmission. When mated to the performance-tuned CVT, the 2.4 liter DOHC inline four delivers 180 HP (@ 6,000 rpm). In either configuration it is a more powerful engine than those engines which are standard in many conventional midsize sedans. The twin cam four employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight, compact installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Drop-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, while affording relaxed – and economical – cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may also opt for an available performance-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today’s consumers demand, without compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with available paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for America’s growing number of fuel-conscious consumers.

In order to distinguish itself in a saturated segment, Suzuki breaks away from the traditional values normally associated with mainstream sedans and builds on Suzuki’s now well-established belief – via Swift and SX4 – to deliver a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. That driving experience was validated on Germany’s Autobahn, Switzerland’s Alpine corners, the cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nurburgring.

An exceptionally rigid steel unibody – with reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension constructed with embedded aluminum – allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, a sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of driving enthusiasm and safety. Kizashi’s sophisticated braking system offers standard four-wheel disc brakes and includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.

All-Weather Capability

Kizashi’s next generation i-AWD system is a rare option in its class, as this safety and performance enhancing feature is more typically found among luxury sport sedan offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also delivers enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated when the driver selects the “AWD” switch on the instrument panel, power to the rear wheels starts immediately upon acceleration. Torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage, throttle and steering input.

Offered in combination with Kizashi’s i-AWD is an advanced electronic stability control system, adding an additional layer of driver control to preclude the need for electronic intrusion that inhibits the driving experience. In the event of vehicle oversteer (a tendency of the rear wheels to lose traction) the synergetic vehicle dynamics control activates the AWD system to transfer driving force from the rear wheels to the front and helps inhibit rear wheel skid. At the same time, the system provides additional steering assist, making it easier for the driver to countersteer.

The Kizashi also offers extensive corrosion protection, including under-body resin panels, zinc plated steel sheets and hot wax embedded in the suspension mounting points. The sport sedan’s all-weather-friendly features continue with three-stage heated seats, heated mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a rear seat pass-thru for skis (the seats are also split-fold for those with even larger loads).

The end result is a security blanket provided by both heightened traction and enhanced sensory inputs. Driver and passengers are both better informed of road conditions and – ultimately – made more secure.

Safety Features

The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the 2010 Kizashi already meets some of the crash standards put in place for the year 2014, including rigorous side pole crash, rear offset collision, and European pedestrian protection standards. Better visibility is achieved in the Kizashi with standard projector beam headlights, supplemental side mounted signal lights, fold-down rear headrests and available rear sonar and backup camera. Enhancing driver confidence, the Kizashi also offers a reinforced rigid chassis for added stability and control.

Premium Feel

Suzuki has taken advantage of its expertise in the compact car segment to efficiently execute larger interior proportions that afford comfort and practicality without the wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel – such as standard sport seats – in line with the vehicle’s on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi’s sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle’s available leather seating and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors. The Kizashi also offers extensive sound insulation to help suppress road, tire and wind noise.

The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program for the driver’s seat. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki’s attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and high-density, low fatigue foam. Other premium feel details include ambient overhead and footwell lighting, felt flocked glove-box and center console storage tray, soft-woven headliner and a-pillars and leather door pull-straps, all standard.

For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi’s interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®(1) connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®(2). For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®(3) provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power pushed through an 8-channel, 10-speaker system, including a subwoofer and advanced digital sound processor.

Grades – and Upgrades

Enjoying a standard level of equipment fully appropriate to its near-luxury aspirations, Kizashi’s base level ‘S’ exceeds any traditional definition of ‘base’ with standard push button start, sport front seats, steering wheel audio controls, automatic dual-zone climate control with passenger rear vents, stability control, 8 airbags and integrated-chromed dual exhaust tips.

For those Kizashi customers wanting more in the way of comfort and composure, the SE adds a standard CVT transmission, 215/55-17 tires mounted on alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver seat with 3-position memory, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and parking brake lever.

Opt for the GTS and you have your choice of 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions with paddle shifters, 235/45-18 tires on alloy wheels, one-touch moonroof, fog lights, a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate® audio system and integrated Bluetooth® hands-free calling and audio streaming. Kizashi’s top-tier spec, the SLS, adds leather appointments to the interior, three-stage heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, Home Link®(4) universal garage door opener, windshield wiper rain sensor and rear parking sensors. In addition, those focusing on where they’ve been will enjoy exterior heated mirrors and an automatic day-night mirror, while those focusing on where they’re going benefit from automatic on/off headlamps.

Kizashi will offer exceptional value versus traditional mainstream, midsize sedans. Its core models will be very well-equipped, offering everything from dual climate control to push-button start, a USB port, 17-inch alloy wheels and eight airbags, yet will still cost between $22,000 to $24,000 – even with available all-wheel drive. Along with Kizashi’s exceptional ride, handling and NVH control, this makes a premium sedan available to the public at a non-premium price. For those who wish to spend even less, a well-equipped base model with many of the same features will start below $20,000.

(1)( )iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

(2)( )Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

(3)( )Rockford Fosgate is a registered trademark of Rockford Fosgate.

(4) Homelink is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls.

Technical Specifications – 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Overall Length: 183.1 inches
Overall Width: 71.7 inches
Engine: 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
Horsepower: 185 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission, Manual: Six-speed manual transmission
Transmission, Automatic: Continuously Variable
Brakes: Front vented disc brakes and rear solid disc
brakes with Four-wheel disc brakes
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 21/31 manual FWD with 16-inch wheels
20/29 manual FWD with 17/18-inch wheels
23/31 CVT FWD with 16-inch wheels
23/30 CVT FWD with 17/18-inch wheels
23/30 CVT AWD with 16-inch wheels
22/29 CVT AWD with 17/18-inch wheels

Exhibition Models

All-New Alto Concept

The all-new Alto Concept points to the future of the minivehicle by combining newly honed performance with minivehicle economy and user-friendliness. Styling that appeals to people regardless of age and gender makes the Alto Concept an outstanding proposition for motorists who want minivehicle economy and convenience. A big, simple, highly legible speedometer, an easy-to-use floor-mounted shifter, and user-friendly switches and storage spaces realize convenience for people of all ages. And low weight reflects a concerted effort to realize fuel economy and environmentally sensitive low-emission performance at levels that will be demanded in the years ahead.

Tuned to sport mode, and following the tradition of the urban-oriented SX4 sold in European markets, the SX4 SportBack benefits from a lower ride height, performance shocks and standard anti-roll bars.

The refined 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack exterior features: removed roof-mounted rack, minor tweaks to both bumper and grille, revised rear spoiler, chin spoiler and side skirts.

Inside, the passengers comfort have been enhanced by more than a dozen improvements, including power windows and locks, dual power rearview mirrors, tilt steering wheel, trip computer, split folding rear seats and rear passenger floor vents. The SportBack’s interior trim enjoys an all-new instrument cluster, aluminum-look accents, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 and XM Satellite Radio® compatibility, a driver’s information center and armrest for the driver’s seat. The standard integrated navigation system on the 2009 SX4, continues on the 2010 SX4 SportBack – with notable enhancements: Airline arrival and departures, 3D graphics, lane guidance and Doppler weather maps.

Under the hood of the new SX4 SportBack we find an all-new 2.0-liter engine which delivers: 150 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, in combination with 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. The new SX4 SportBack’s engine delivers much greater instant responsiveness and smaller carbon footprint.

2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack technical specifications:

Wheelbase: 98.4 inches
Overall Length: 162.8 inches
Overall Width: 69.1 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
Horsepower: 150 hp @ 6.200 rpm
Torque: 140 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission, Manual: Six-speed manual transmission
Transmission, Automatic: Continuously Variable
Brakes: Front ventilated disc brakes/Rear disc brakes; ABC with electronic brake force distribution
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 22/30 manual; 23/30 CVT

“In developing and naming our newest automotive introduction, the Japanese word ‘Kizashi,’ which tells that something great is coming, seemed appropriate for the vehicle,” said Kevin Saito, president, American Suzuki. “Now that the production model Kizashi has arrived, we expect the name and the product itself to clearly demonstrate the bold statement this company knew it would be making with the debut of this vehicle — while also simultaneously suggesting what will emerge in the Suzuki lineup as we look ahead to the future.”

The Kizashi sport sedan, which originates from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, follows a similar design theme and appreciation for performance previously illustrated by the three eye-catching and immaculately designed concept vehicles. The production Kizashi redefines the traditional performance sedan and moves the Suzuki brand upscale. Furthermore, its active and energetic identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide a strong, refined urban performance.

Powertrain
Built at Suzuki’s brand-new manufacturing facility in Sagara, Japan, the 2010 Kizashi is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine offering a more potent standard engine than many competitive best-sellers. The engine employs both an aluminum block and cylinder heads, providing a lightweight installation; aluminum pistons with low tensile force rings deliver improved power and efficiency. Dropped-forged connecting rods, rotating on a forged steel crankshaft, contribute to the inline four’s durability, and a balancer shaft delivers improved engine balance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The responsive inline four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, for heightened performance in the low gears, along with relaxed — and economical — cruising capability in the higher gears. Customers may opt for an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers both the driving experience and fuel efficiency today’s consumers demand, while not compromising the character preferred by driving enthusiasts. That character is enhanced with paddle shifters, optimizing driver control regardless of speed or driving environment. With either transmission choice, the Kizashi is engineered to return competitive fuel economy numbers for fuel-conscious consumers.

In addition to this excellent new powertrain, and to even further enhance the Kizashi’s strong efficiency story, Suzuki is developing an even more fuel efficient hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the future.

Braking and Handling
In order to successfully enter a field already saturated with countless nondescript transportation appliances, Suzuki breaks away from traditional values normally associated with the mainstream, standing firm on Suzuki’s belief in delivering a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. That driving experience was validated on Germany’s Autobahn, Switzerland’s Alpine twisties, cobblestone roads of rural England and the legendary Nürburgring.

An exceptionally rigid steel unibody — with reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension constructed with embedded aluminum — allows for crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability, sophisticated ride and reduced chassis vibration. Engineered from conception to be all-wheel-drive capable, the Kizashi offers a newly developed advanced all-wheel-drive system with highly advanced controls that evokes and promotes a natural sense of heartfelt driving enthusiasm and safety. Kizashi’s sophisticated braking system offers standard four-wheel disc brakes and includes suppliers such as Akebono, a world-leader in NVH control and analysis and a leading brake supplier for automotive and high-speed rail applications.

Design
Kizashi’s thoughtfully crafted exterior design is best described as the seamless melding of European style and Japanese craftsmanship. Tailored for the driving enthusiast, Kizashi’s bold and aggressive stance is complemented by available 18-inch alloy wheels; contemporary styling — with its lean proportion and minimal front overhang — injects the sophistication appropriate to a performance-oriented sport sedan. As with the Concept Kizashi series, the front end of the production Kizashi expresses both strength and style, while the vehicle’s impeccably engineered body reflects Kizashi’s underlying strength and distinctive combination of capability and refinement.

At Kizashi’s rear, the architecture accentuates the ‘sport’ aspect of Suzuki’s sport sedan. The visual dynamic is enhanced with the addition of an integrated dual sport exhaust, communicating — both visually and aurally — the Kizashi’s performance-imbued spirit.

Interior
Suzuki has taken advantage of its expertise in the compact car segment to efficiently execute larger — yet still tidy — proportions that afford comfort and practicality without the wasted space. Along with cabin proportions that reward Kizashi drivers and passengers with comfort and roominess, Suzuki pursues a contemporary, upscale interior feel — such as standard sport seats — in line with the vehicle’s on-road performance characteristics. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate Kizashi’s sporty and elegant instrument panel, while consumers seeking a luxury sedan will be pleased with the vehicle’s available leather seating, featuring high-density foam and premium quality materials rivaling upscale competitors.

The available premium leather is supplemented by three-stage heated seats and a three-position memory program. In addition, both cloth and leather seats benefit from Suzuki’s attention to detail: French seams, hard cover rears and low fatigue foam.

For those wanting high-tech beyond the engine compartment, the Kizashi’s interior delivers by the megabyte. Beginning with standard keyless push start system, Kizashi also offers iPod®1 connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth®2. For your advanced listening pleasure, Rockford Fosgate®3 provides an optional listening experience boosted by 425 watts of power.

Traction and Safety
The all-new Kizashi includes a class-leading list of standard safety equipment, including class-exclusive standard eight airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)4, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlamps and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Also included as equipment on the Kizashi is Suzuki’s developed synergetic vehicle dynamic control. This system assists drivers control and a fun-to-drive experience with minimal intrusiveness.

Kizashi is offered with Suzuki’s next generation i-AWD system, a rare option in its class, as this safety and performance enhancing feature is more typically found among luxury sport sedan offerings. Engineered to provide outstanding traction in inclement weather, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system also delivers enhanced cornering capabilities. Activated when the driver selects the “AWD” switch on the instrument panel, power to the rear wheels starts immediately upon acceleration. Torque split remains dependent on several factors, including wheel slippage and throttle input.

After an overwhelming response to the company’s April announcement that it will add standard navigation to the 2009 SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today revealed that it will produce a special edition version of the 2008 SX4 featuring standard navigation. Available in July, the Road TRIP edition of the 2008 SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover marks the first time a new vehicle under $16,000 will offer navigation as standard equipment.

Referred to as the Suzuki TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the SX4’s navigation system is the result of a collaboration with Garmin and is available with a number of MSN Direct-enabled features, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, news reports, stock quotes, movie times, local entertainment listings and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town.

The navigation system’s flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display is fully integrated into the vehicle’s audio system, which results in all navigation commands being channeled through the SX4’s audio system. The system also includes an MP3 player, Navteq mapping software and preloaded street maps that feature millions of points-of-interest, such as hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations, ATMs and more than 500 Suzuki dealership locations throughout the country.

“As the only vehicle under $16,000 to offer standard navigation, the 2009 SX4 has created quite a buzz in the industry and with consumers,” said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations.

“Since summer is all about travel, adventure and exploring the outside world, we wanted to capitalize on the enormous level of interest in this vehicle by getting a navigation-equipped SX4 out in time for summer driving season.”

For drivers hitting the road this summer, a Travel Guide™ expansion module is also available that provides Fodor reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife, sporting events and other tourist attractions.

The Road TRIP edition of the 2008 SX4 is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms in July and, including destination and handling charges, will be available for purchase starting at $15,999 for the SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the SX4 Crossover.

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Suzuki is officially launching its Swift Sport Cup series on Thursday 3rd April at the BRC’s 50th Anniversary event which is being held at Chatsworth, Derbyshire – the home of The Rally Show. The launch and opportunity for photography is at 13.45.

Suzuki is unique in offering a manufacturer backed one-make rally series in the UK and is the only manufacturer with a presence in BRC, JRC and WRC. Six crews have already signed up for this exciting and cost-effective way into rallying, five of whom will be in attendance at the event.

The Swift Sport Cup is powered by a 1.6VVT (Variable Valve Timing) 123hp engine and built by the works Monster Sport Europe team. The team will also cover factory re-preparation after each round, transport to and from events, provide Swift Sport awning and ground sheet, factory support with technical advice and on-event parts supply.

Entering in the BRC Rally 1 class, Swift Sport Cup competitors will not only enjoy British Rally Championship class prize money and be eligible for selection in the 2008 Pirelli Star Driver competition but Suzuki will also be offering its own cash incentives and rewards too.

Suzuki GB Motorsport Manager Ian Robinson said: “We have worked hard to create a series which will be ultra-competitive as well as cost-effective, a balance rarely found in motorsport. We are confident that we have done that and are looking forward to the first round on April 18th.”

“Suzuki have been great supporters of the BRC,” comments British Rally Championship Manager Mark Taylor.

“They have been providing a ladder for talent over the past few years. The innovative way that the cars are available means that people who may never have been able to compete at this level now can, it’s a great starter package that can only be good for unveiling the great talent we have in British rallying.”

Benefits for Competitors

-The Championship is part of BRC and will include the Pirelli, Jim Clark, Isle of Man, Ulster and Trackrod rallies, as well as the season finale Tempest Rally.
-Best five from six round scores count.
-Stand-alone 30-minute TV programme after each round.
-Suzuki Swift Sport Cup branded overalls.
-Eeze-up and groundsheet supplied free to all registered drivers. This will enhance the high-profile servicing village at each round.
-Arrive and drive concept including factory preparation of each car to ensure highest possible reliability and equality. Competitors only need to bring a van and mechanics to each event. Full technical support provided at each event. Discounted OE parts and free products from championship partners.
-Cars transported to each event making significant savings on ferries.
-Generous start and prize money on every round including bonus for competitors who start all six rounds.
-Two test days (one gravel, one tarmac) included for all competitors.
-Championship winner to receive a prize of a fully funded drive on 2008 Wales Rally GB in a Suzuki Swift Super 1600, or brand-new Suzuki Swift road car and a supported drive in competitor’s own Suzuki Swift Sport Cup car on 2008 Wales Rally GB.
-All competitors eligible for BRC prize fund and championships in addition to SSSC prizes.
-Junior series champion receives guaranteed place in 2008 Pirelli Start Driver selection final.
-All competitors eligible for 2008 Pirelli Start Driver selection on each event.
-Full support of Suzuki GB press office including web presence.

The New York International Auto Show welcomes American Suzuki Motor Corp. on Thursday, March 20, as the company debuts its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, the final addition to its acclaimed Kizashi concept series. The Concept Kizashi 3, which suggests both Suzuki’s future design direction and stated intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan, will be joined in New York by the North American debuts of the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.

The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with the Concept Kizashi, which made its debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show last October, which further pushed Suzuki’s new design language. The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series, as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering. The complete Kizashi concept series will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference on Thursday, March 20, at 12:10 p.m. in booth 1215 at the Javits center.

Prices for Suzuki’s all-new Splash mini-MPV, which goes on sale 8 March, will start from £8,999 for the 1.2 GLS model rising to £9,499 for the 1.2 GLS+, which adds 15 inch alloys, front foglamps and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate.

Both are powered by an 86 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The GLS+ model can also be equipped with a 4-speed automatic, priced £10,349. Combined fuel consumption is 51.4 mpg for the manual, 47.9 mpg for the automatic.

For those whose preference is diesel, the 1.3 DDiS model, with an identical specification to the GLS+, is £10,499. Its 75 PS Fiat-derived turbo diesel is capable of 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 120 g/km carbon dioxide, making it eligible for £35 annual road tax.
Splash is one of the safest cars in its class – all models are equipped with six airbags – including two full length curtain airbags – and ESP® electronic stability as standard – reflecting Suzuki GB’s policy to make ESP® a universal fitment on all new models and all major facelifts.

All Splash models are also equipped with a CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; air conditioning; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel; and an information display.

Petrol models are insurance group 3E, the diesel model 4D.

Suzuki World Rally Team embarks on first full season of world rallying
Following two test events in Corsica and Great Britain last year, the Suzuki World Rally Team now embarks on its first full season of world rallying with two new drivers: Toni Gardemeister from Finland and Per-Gunnar Andersson from Sweden, the reigning Junior Rally Champion with Suzuki.

The first of the 15 rounds that make up the 2008 World Rally Championship is the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, the oldest and most prestigious event of the series. Just like the roulette games played in the Principality’s famous casino, the outcome of the rally can be a lottery. Conditions can vary many times in the same stage, and it is not uncommon for a stage to start off in bright sunshine and end with snow and ice.

For the second consecutive year, the Monte Carlo Rally will start off in the town of Valence, in the Ardeche region of France, with two night stages on Thursday evening. The route takes in 12 more stages in the area on Friday and Saturday, before moving down to Monaco for four classic stages over the Col de Turini and a super special stage using part of Monaco’s famous Grand Prix circuit. The prize-giving ceremony will take place in front of Monaco’s Royal Palace on Sunday at 15:30 (CET).

As usual a wide range of conditions are expected on this year’s event, making Monte Carlo one of the most difficult rallies on the entire calendar. As well as varying weather, crews face a huge variety of road conditions: from bumpy, broken asphalt with reasonable grip to sheet ice like a skating rink. In total, the rally consists of 365.09 competitive kilometres.

Car news – Suzuki SX4 WRC n.11 (Gardemeister) and n.12 (Andersson):
This will actually be Suzuki’s seventh Monte Carlo rally, thanks to a successful Junior World Rally Championship campaign that resulted in two titles, but it is obviously the first time in the Principality with the all-new SX4 WRC.

The SX4 WRC sports a striking new white and yellow livery for 2008, and it has already racked up a number of testing kilometres in the region following a pre-Monte Carlo test at the end of last year with both drivers. Using the valuable experience gained from the two test events in 2007, the SX4 WRC features new differential and suspension settings for Monte Carlo, as well as a raft of other improvements under the skin.

Like all the other cars, the SX4 WRC will run on Pirelli’s all-new control tyres introduced for this year. These tyres are not permitted to have anti-deflation mousse, and only one type of tread pattern and compound is allowed per event, in order to reduce costs. However drivers are permitted to hand-cut the tyres to help disperse water or loose gravel, and for Monte Carlo a short stud can also be used if necessary, to find grip in icy conditions.

The entire Suzuki team is eagerly awaiting the unique challenge of Monte Carlo, and the whole 2008 season.

Driver news:
For the first time, the Suzuki World Rally Team will run two cars, as it will over the rest of the season. The 32 year-old Toni Gardemeister starts his ninth Monte Carlo Rally this year, and it is one of his favourite events. The Finn was on the podium as recently as 2006, and he has finished in the points on five occasions. His co-driver this year is Tomi Tuominen, who knows the SX4 WRC well after partnering Sebastian Lindholm on the Rally GB last year.

Gardemeister said: “It’s fantastic for me to be back in the World Championship with Suzuki, and if things go well for us in Monte Carlo I think we can come away with points. The car is still new, so we’re not going to be on the pace of the frontrunners yet, but the overall set-up and reliability is good.

The SX4 has a very compact wheelbase so it changes direction quickly, which will be very useful on the fast and twisty roads of Monte Carlo. This is always an unpredictable event, but I think that mixed conditions could actually work in our favour. I’m particularly looking forward to the Col de Turini stages on Sunday: these are unique stages and I’ve always had a very good feeling with them.”

For 27 year-old P-G Andersson, co-driven by Jonas Andersson, Monte Carlo will be his first-ever World Championship event in a World Rally Car. The young Swede has completed around 500 kilometres of testing with the SX4, so he still has to climb a steep learning curve. Nonetheless, the Monte Carlo Rally is not entirely new to him as he competed on the event in 2004 and 2005 with an Ignis Super 1600.

“I can’t wait to get started!”, said P-G. “Obviously getting to the finish and gaining more experience will be the priority for me. Going from a Super 1600 car to a World Rally Car is quite a big jump as everything happens so much quicker. It’s also important to get the pace notes right: there are some corners that you wouldn’t even bother noting in a Super 1600 car but in a World Rally Car you really feel them!”

Team news:
For the entire Suzuki team, the Monte Carlo rally opens a new chapter in the manufacturer’s prestigious history. New arrivals at the team this year include Shusuke Inagaki as technical director and Akira Kawada as team manager. Prior to the rally, the team will take part in this year’s official World Rally Championship launch on Sunday 20 January in Monte Carlo before the drivers start the recce.

Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima, principal of the Suzuki World Rally Team, commented: “As we embark on our full first season, our goal is to make steady progress by taking one step at a time. Results are obviously important, but we cannot get ahead of ourselves either. In our debut year, it’s only natural to expect a few minor problems and we’re grateful to have a driver of the calibre of Toni Gardemeister to help us improve.”

More information and pictures are available at www.suzuki-wrc.com.

The forthcoming Auto Expo in New Delhi will witness the global launch of a new concept car, Suzuki A-Star Concept , developed jointly by Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation.

This will be a rare occasion when a global car company would have chosen the Auto Expo in New Delhi for the global launch of a concept car. After being showcased in New Delhi, the Suzuki A-Star Concept will be displayed at top global motor shows during the year 2008.

The Suzuki A-Star Concept is for a compact car. Compact cars are normally simple and elegant in design. The Suzuki A-Star Concept , while retaining elegance and simplicity, will demonstrate sportiness and emotion in a compact car.

Its styling has been conceived in an Indian setting, and it borrows tastefully from our landscape. Within a predominantly European character, there are subtle cues from Indian tradition in the outlines of the Suzuki A-Star Concept .

Concept cars often do not become production models, being more an expression of futuristic technologies and designs. But the Suzuki A-Star Concept will culminate in a production model.

The Suzuki A-Star Concept is, in fact, the precursor to Maruti Suzuki’s global compact car that will be launched in the future. The global compact car will be manufactured in Maruti Suzuki’s plant in Manesar for export to Europe.

Suzuki A-Star Concept is significant also because it symbolizes the coming of age of Maruti Suzuki’s R & D. Maruti Suzuki’s R & D team first displayed capabilities in face-lifting existing models, five years ago.

Their next big step was the Swift model, where a small group of Indian engineers supported counterparts in Suzuki Motor Corporation in developing that world car. The Suzuki A-Star Concept , developed in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation, signifies that styling capabilities at Maruti Suzuki are now comparable to the best in the world.

For Suzuki Motor Corporation, Suzuki A-Star Concept symbolizes the next level of its India commitment. Suzuki Motor Corporation invested in this country 25 years ago, much before it had become fashionable to invest in India. Thanks to regular technology advances, people training, and adoption of superior production systems and quality standards, Maruti Suzuki India produces vehicles of world-class quality. Maruti has been the engine of growth for Indian manufacturing, nurturing a national network of auto component suppliers, dealers and workshops, and rapidly motorizing India.

With a 5-year capital investment of $ 2.2 billion in a new car plant, a diesel engine manufacturing unit, a new engine series and new models, Maruti Suzuki is emerging as a global manufacturing hub for Suzuki operations worldwide.