Toyota and Honda top automotive brands in consumer perception

Automakers spend billions of dollars to promote their vehicles and build brand awareness. Yet, marketing alone does not shape consumer perception without a clear connection to the vehicles in the showroom. In the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, Toyota and Honda brands ranked first and second, respectively, by dominant margins over all others. Likewise, the vehicles from those brands have consistently performed well in our testing, often ranking among the best in their classes, and have been mostly at the top of our reliability ratings over the years. Lets your journey with world car brand.............

Sunday, August 16, 2009

SUZUKI


2010 Suzuki Kizashi .
After three distinct concept that came before, the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi made its world debut today. The Kizashi is the Korean car company’s first premium midsize sedan and will go on sale in North America this winter, where it will compete with other import models like the Mazda6.
As expeced the Suzuki’s design is inspired by the three concept vehicles with its bold and aggressive appearance that is accentuated by the 18 inch alloy wheels and integrated dual sport exhaust. For the interior, Suzuki fitted a set of sport seats as standard equipment, an elegantly illuminated instrument panel, leather wrapped surfaces as well as iPod connectivity and optional streaming audio via Bluetooth.
Under the hood, Suzuki placed a 2.4 Liter DOHC inline four cylinder engine as standard equipment that is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable transmission. The fun to drive Korean automaker is also working on a few other possible power train combinations that will be offered sometime in the future.
Press release after the jump.
American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) takes a bold step forward today. Known primarily as a maker of small vehicles and high-performance motorcycles, today marks the global debut of the 2010
Suzuki Kizashi (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”), the company’s first entry into the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Benchmarked against some of the leading cars in the world, the all-new 2010 Kizashi becomes an instant car-of-the-year contender in its own right. With the launch of the Kizashi, Suzuki delivers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes with premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms this winter, the Kizashi will serve as the company’s flagship vehicle, further expanding and strengthening its current product line of high-quality small cars, trucks and SUVs.

Suzuki Equator Suzuki unveiled at the 2009 Equator, Equator RMZ-4, Quay and Quad Concept. The 2009 Equator will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn.
The 2009 Equator is powered by a fuel efficient 2.5-liter DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6) or five-speed manual transmission
Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.

The all-new Equator features a contemporary exterior design with a number of unique Suzuki elements, including hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate. Both Equator Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an extensive tie-down system with adjustable tracks, providing ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed.
To bolster its versatile and dynamic product line, enhance the company’s bold and adventurous brand identity and further expand the growing line of products marketed by approximately 500 Suzuki dealers nationwide, American
Suzuki Motor Corp. debuts its all-new 2009 Equator midsize pickup truck at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. The introduction of the Equator marks Suzuki’s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market and expands the company’s offering of activity-oriented cars and trucks.Leveraging Suzuki’s credibility as a maker of lifestyle-oriented, fun-to-use products, the Equator offers the perfect blend of style, utility and off-road capability that truck buyers – many of whom are current Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine product owners, loyalists and ambassadors – demand and enjoy. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., and based on the Nissan Frontier, the 2009 Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008. Pricing has not yet been announced."Since Suzuki has continued to strengthen its brand equity among outdoor enthusiasts, we thought now was the right time to produce a vehicle that meets the additional needs many of these people have," said Mark Harano, president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Truck buyers are a particularly good fit for Suzuki since they’re likely to participate in motorcycle riding, power boating and other lifestyle-oriented activities that fit with our brand identity and our product portfolio. The Equator provides Suzuki with an opportunity to build an authentic connection with a group of consumers who are familiar with our brand and, in many circumstances, own other Suzuki products."To introduce the Equator, Suzuki is unveiling three separate representations of the truck during its Chicago Auto Show press conference. The three concepts, coined the RMZ-4 for off-road enthusiasts, Quad for outdoor adventurers and Quay for boating and watersports aficionados, showcase Suzuki’s diverse brand spirit, while illustrating the capability and flexibility of the all-new Suzuki Equator.In addition to Chicago’s global reveal of the all-new Equator, Suzuki will showcase the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept reinforcing the link between the company’s rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, as well as a range of outdoor and performance-oriented motorcycles and ATVs, including the KingQuad 450, LT-R450 QuadRacer and all-new Hayabusa sportbike, to name a few.

Suzuki Alto A new small car unveiled at the Paris Auto Show: the Alto — the fifth and smallest member of its acclaimed lineup of world strategic models. The new Alto combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, thereby meeting the lifestyle needs of today’s motorists and the pressing global need for environmental compatibility.
The Alto is powered by a 1.0 liter petrol engine developing 68 hp at 6,000 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm mated to a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is low at 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions are just 103g/km.
Suzuki aims to achieve annual sales of 60,000 units in Europe following a sales launch in spring 2009.
At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki is unveiling the all-new Alto — the fifth and smallest member of its acclaimed lineup of world strategic models. The new Alto combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, thereby meeting the lifestyle needs of today’s motorists and the pressing global need for environmental compatibility. Plus, it is one of the most fun-to-drive city cars available — a great new example of Suzuki’s "Way of Life!" philosophy.As the second model in the second phase of Suzuki’s world strategy (a phase that’s focused on user-friendliness and delivering expanded possibilities for family members), the new Alto offers good levels of comfort and convenience within a modest overall length.Plus, a design that combines sporty, European-inspired looks with great aerodynamics means the new Alto is the most stylish car of its size.The new Alto reflects the unparalleled knowledge of small-cars that has made Suzuki so successful with minivehicles in Japan and compact cars like the Swift all over the world. Alto is a definitive response to the need for enjoyable, eco-friendly motoring. Suzuki aims to achieve annual sales of 60,000 units in Europe following a sales launch in spring 2009.
The new Alto is aimed mainly at urban people who want a small car that offers style and enjoyment together with great environmental credentials, and it reflects the ideals of the second phase of Suzuki’s world strategy. At the heart of the concept for the new Alto is Suzuki’s belief that people should be able to enjoy economical, eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort, practicality, or performance. Compact dimensions (the new Alto is the smallest of Suzuki’s world strategic models) play a large part in realising outstanding environmental credentials by keeping weight to a minimum, but without detracting from user-friendliness.

Suzuki SX4 Sedan Introduced globally at the Geneva Motor Show earlier today, the Suzuki SX4 sedan will make its North American debut at the NYIAS in April. The all-new SX4 sedan being unveiled in New York will be built in Japan and features a versatile, four-door design along with a sophisticated 2.0-liter DOHC engine that delivers 143 horsepower.
This exciting vehicle will join the dynamic XL7 midsize crossover SUV, award-winning SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover) and media-acclaimed Grand Vitara as an iconic vehicle that indicates the future direction of the Suzuki brand, and will deliver a sporty blend of driving excitement, comfort and performance. With features and benefits derived from the highly acclaimed Suzuki Swift, Suzuki will debut the SX4 sedan during its 2007 NYIAS press conference on Thursday, April 5, at 12:05 p.m., in the Suzuki display (#1215, Level 1) at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

ASMC introduces its all-new sedan on the heels of an impressive 2006, when the company enjoyed sales in excess of 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 22-year history. Through February of this year, Suzuki sales have continued to grow — and the new SX4 sedan will help fuel further growth starting this fall.
"It’ll be great to be back in a city with so much energy and vitality to unveil our latest vehicle to the North American market, especially since our future products themselves convey so much of that kind of energy and vitality," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC. "The SX4 sedan continues to reflect the Suzuki DNA that was established in manymarkets by the popular Swift, and we’re excited to have the SX4 sedan joining our wide-ranging line of versatile vehicles."









Suzuki Splash Based on the platform of the Swift, the Suzuki Splash is the fourth all new Suzuki model within just three years, and it epitomises Suzuki’s ‘Way of Life!’ philosophy, underpinning its strategy of building cars that excite customers all over the world.
Styling and the design philosophy
The styling team for Splash was headed by Akira Kamio (44), who also played a big part in the styling of Swift. As early as 2003, he began to analyse the necessary characteristics for a future European mini-MPV.
It soon became clear that whilst it should not look like a shrunken version of a full-sized MPV this car must keep all of its advantages: the high seating position and resulting good all-round visibility, the pleasant feeling of space and great flexibility allowing the rear compartment to be easily turned into a substantial stowage space.
In order to get up-to-date information, a group of 10 Suzuki designers from Japan travelled to Germany in January, 2004 to spend a period of six months there. They analysed European trends in cars, fashion, lifestyle and design.
Out of their impressions and findings, they finally distilled three models, which, in so called ‘car clinics’, were then presented to audiences of owners of compact cars and small MPVs. In the end, these audiences favoured the model offering the optimum combination of dynamic sportiness with youthful styling, implying a positive attitude to life and maximum suitability for everyday and recreational use.
At the Paris Motor Show in late September 2006, Suzuki presented ‘Project Splash’, a concept car showcasing a taste of the styling of the future production-version Splash. The extremely positive response of the audience confirmed to Akira Kamio and his team that they had taken the right path for Splash.
One thing is certain: Splash will be a major player in the mini-MPV segment. While ideally suited to tight parking conditions, the 3.72 m-long car nevertheless offers sufficient space for up to five occupants plus plenty of sports and leisure equipment.
Apart from attractive styling, a cute minicar also requires the best engineering. This includes safe and precise handling, outstanding ride comfort, a high degree of environmental compatibility, and optimum passive and active safety. Hence Splash uses a 30 mm shorter wheelbase version of the Swift’s platform, Suzuki’s current best seller.
The chassis, steering and brakes were adapted to the new parameters in extensive tests, which included tens of thousands of miles of testing over various types of European roads, from English cobblestones, through twisty southern Spanish tracks to fast German autobahns.
Choice of three engines
Customers will have the choice of three engines – two petrol and a diesel. The petrol units are 100% Suzuki designs, a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit producing 65 PS (48 kW) and a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine developing 86 PS (63 kW). Both are of advanced four-valve-per-cylinder design, offering a sophisticated combination of smoothness, low-end torque and fuel efficiency.
Diesel fans can choose the 1.3-litre common-rail direct injection engine available with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). Producing 75 PS (55 kW), this 4-cylinder unit is manufactured by Suzuki at its new diesel engine plant in India under licence from Fiat Group Automobiles.
All three engines are combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 86 PS petrol version can also be ordered with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Given the stricter standards now being demanded with respect to environmental compatibility, all engines are Euro4-compliant, with CO2 emissions between 120 and 140 g/km in combination with manual transmissions.
Safety
Suzuki has paid great attention to safety measures in the design of Splash. Active safety features include ABS, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and ESP®. Passive safety features include six airbags (dual front side and curtain airbags), a crash-optimised, rigid passenger cell, plus seatbelt-force limiters and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats. For enhanced pedestrian protection the front end of Splash is fitted with energy-absorbing structures.

Suzuki SX4 Sport With features derived from the highly acclaimed SX4 Crossover, and suspension and steering heavily influenced by the award-winning Suzuki Swift, the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport provides a spirited and responsive driving experience. It comes equipped with a sophisticated 2.0-liter, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 143 horsepower. Featuring an aggressive front fascia and grille, muscular and athletic stance, and low, rising waistline, the SX4 Sport makes a visual statement that underscores its on-road performance. With class-leading standard features, including A/C, power windows and locks, four-wheel disc brakes with Bosch ABS, six airbags, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and remote keyless entry, the SX4 Sport is an affordable blend of driving excitement, style and performance. As with all 2007 Suzuki automobiles, the SX4 Sport is backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.


Suzuki SXForce With the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport, Suzuki expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFESTYLE VEHICLES) — a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. Reinforcing the link between the company’s rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, Suzuki introduces the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept based on the on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport. Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the SXForce boasts a powerful 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission. The exterior shell of the SX4 Sport has been modified to be eye-catching to both four-wheel and two-wheel enthusiasts. It features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint and showcases a number of performance-based automotive parts and stunning motorcycle accents, including sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, also found on the championship-winning GSX-R1000. While the SXForce is sure to be a showstopper on display, it was designed to look even better on the road. The fully drivable, track-tested SX4 Sport concept receives several performance enhancements, including a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling. The SXForce is outfitted with 18-inch Enkei racing wheels and a staggered high-performance Toyo T1-R tire package — 225/45-18 in the front and 235/40-18 in the rear. It also is equipped with Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piece 355mm rotors for sportbike stopping power. The motorcycle theme continues inside the SXForce, beginning with suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers. Other interior enhancements include motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, roof air intake for optimal breathing and a revised track-themed interior, featuring carbon fiber components and accents. Engine vitals aremonitored via a Zeitronix ZT-2 wideband data logger. All vital engine parameters are logged on a laptop and viewed on the ZT-2 gauge mounted on the Hayabusa handlebars. The SXForce is equipped with an integrated Garmin navigation system, and its rear seats have been removed and replaced by a high-output Rockford-Fosgate audio system.


Suzuki Kizashi 3 Suzuki today added the latest version at the Kizashi line-up: the Kizashi 3. According to the company, it will produce a sport sedan derived from the Concept Kizashi 3 design. It will debut sometimes in 2010.
The closest-to-production variation of the Concept Kizashi series, Concept Kizashi 3 embodies Suzuki’s interpretation of the sport sedan segment in the North American market. The Kizashi’s “super sport” identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle’s overall mission to provide strong, refined urban performance.
As with Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2, the front end of the Concept Kizashi 3 expresses strength and style, with sharply fashioned headlights that emphasize the sensation of forward motion.
The vehicle’s exquisitely engineered body reflects Suzuki’s distinctive combination of capability and refinement, with power flowing from a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine with plated cylinders — a weight-and space-saving technology that evolved from the lessons learned by Suzuki’s motorcycle and WRC development teams. The body’s monochrome finish, Kizashi Silver, gives the vehicle a sense of composure and depth of character, with metallic paint sparkling to emphasize the dynamism of the body’s cross-section.

Suzuki SX4t Crossover Concept Due to the demand of auto enthusiasts Suzuki took in consideration the building of a sport version of its SX4 crossover called SX4t. The vehicle uses the same 2.0 liter engine as the standard version but upfitted with Road Race’s proprietary turbo kit which helps it deliver 221 hp, an important upgrade comparing to the engine’s stock 143 hp.

The Japanese manufacturer used the Road Race’s GRIP springs and 17” alloy wheels in order to keep the car better on the road. Suzuki also added a CarbonTrix carbon fiber hood, and provided the SX4’s roof and A, B, C and D pillars with a complimentary dark metallic gray finish. At the interior the vehicle received a sport steering wheel from a Suzuki Swift and SWT’s drilled pedal set but also a Rockford Fosgate audio system which includes an enhanced amp, speakers and subwoofer.

Suzuki Swift "Black and White" Edition
Limited to just 1200 units, the new Suzuki Swift “Black and White” will be on sale in the German automarket beginning June 2008. As the name suggest the new limited version of the Swift will be available in two colours: pearl black and pearl white.
Optionally for the car is the stylish tuning kit which includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts and a rear lip. What comes as standard are the 16” wheels, “Black and White” badges and a Clarion DVD/Navigation system. Everything at a price of 16,900 euros.

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