Suzuki R3 Concept Proposal for a Six-Passenger Compact MPV Debuts at New Delhi Auto Show

This year's Auto Expo in New Delhi, India, is turning out to be a crowd puller as many automakers chose the show to unveil an array of concept and production models designed with the domestic market in mind. Maruti Suzuki took the covers off the R3, a Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that was penned at the firm's Research and Development Department in India.

Despite its compact size, the futuristic looking concept model can accommodate a total of six passengers in three rows of seats. Suzuki didn't release any more details on the R3, but it has been speculated that the concept model may base a production version in the very near future.

Suzuki Alto Dresses Like a Fish for International Green Week Fair in Berlin

Being the only car manufacturer that will participate at the forthcoming International Green Week in Berlin, Suzuki wants to make a splash at the fair with a custom made Alto. The Japanese automaker covered its mini car in a vinyl wrap (or at least it looks like a wrap) with a design that imitates fish scales and to top it off, they also added a... tail fin. Billed as the world's largest fair for food, agriculture and horticulture, the International Green Week runs from January 15 to 24 in Berlin.

VW and Suzuki Reportedly Planning to Develop $4300-$5300 Low Cost Small Car for India and Europe

The newly forged Volkswagen Group - Suzuki alliance plans to develop a new low cost small car for India as well as Europe and other markets, the Economic Times reported on Friday. The business daily said that the new vehicle, which will act as a replacement for Suzuki's Alto, would cost between 200,000 and 250,000 rupees in India, which comes to about $4,300 - $5,300 or €2,900 - €3,600 at today's exchange rates.

This means that the projected price for the VW/Suzuki model, is double the price of Tata Motor's Nano, which is the world's cheapest automobile.

"We will need a car in the Rs 2.5-lakh apiece range. First we had the M800, then the Alto. At some point we will need a replacement for the Alto. That price range is the entry level for Indian customers today, so we can't leave that segment open," Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava told the newspaper.

The Economic Times reported that in Europe, the car would fit right under Volkswagen's forthcoming Up! model.

"Volkswagen will be greatly interested in a car below the price segment of the Up, which we have already displayed in India, and that is something we will need to check in our future together with Suzuki," VW spokesman, Fabian Mannecke, told ET.

The newspaper added that in Europe, the VW/Suzuki small car would be priced well under the still under development Up! (which it claims will carry a price tag of around $8,800 or €6,000 in Old Continent), at around $4,000 to $5,000 or €2,700 to €3,400.

We're assuming that ET made some sort of typo in the price range as there's no way that the VW / Suzuki small car will be priced lower in Europe that in India.

And while Tata Motors proves that everything's possible in India, somehow we find it hard to believe that the two automakers will be able to develop a car that meets the strict emissions and crash standards in Europe and at the same time carry a price tag of around €3,000...

Via: Economic Times - Car Pictured Above: 2009 Suzuki Alto Concept

Volkswagen Agrees to Buy 19.9 Stake in Suzuki as it Eyes Small car and Indian Markets

Confirming rumors that have been circulating for the past few months, Volkswagen and Suzuki announced on Wednesday that they have reached a common understanding to establish a close long-term strategic partnership.

Under the agreement, VW will buy a 19.9 per cent stake in Suzuki Motor Corp for 225 billion Yen (approx US$2.5 billion) while the Japanese automaker will invest up to one half of the amount received from the German automaker into shares of Volkswagen.

The move comes only a few days after the Volkswagen Group announced that it acquired a 49.9% stake in Porsche AG's car operations for €3.9 billion.

Volkswagen plans to make the best of Suzuki's expertise in small, fuel-efficient cars as well the Japanese firm's presence in India where it controls Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, the maker of half of all cars sold in the country.

At a joint press conference in Tokyo, Suzuki Chief Executive Officer Osamu Suzuki said that the two companies also plan to develop hybrid and electric vehicles under both brands.

"As demand continues to rise for smaller cars and for powertrains with higher fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ output, Volkswagen and Suzuki will offer a compelling solution for customers in emerging markets buying a car for the first time and also for customers in advanced economies seeking to lower their CO₂ footprint while still enjoying the freedom of transport offered by an exciting range of cars," VW said in a prepared statement to the press.

Suzuki Releases Pricing for New Kizashi Sedan, Starts at $19,734

Suzuki has announced detailed pricing on its all-new Kizashi mid-size sedan that will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in the States in December 2009. Prices will range from $19,734 for the based Kizashi S with a manual gearbox to $27,484 for the top-of-the-line SLS with an automatic transmission (CVT) and AWD. All Kizashi sedans are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 HP with the six-speed manual gearbox and 178HP when mated to the CVT.

The Kizashi S comes equipped with 8 airbags (front/rear side and curtain), pushbutton keyless start, dual-zone climate control, 9-speaker audio with steering controls, stability control and ABS and, power windows, doors and mirrors as standard.

The better equipped SE model that costs $2,500 more than the automatic version of the S model adds a CVT, 215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver's seat with 10-way adjustment, 3-position memory driver's seat, and leather wrapped parking brake handle and steering wheel with cruise control.

Next up is the GTS model which is available in six-speed manual or a performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters. Priced at $23,234, the SE gets various equipment upgrades over the SE including a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth streaming audio capability (with compatible MP3 and iPod connectivity) and hands-free calling with voice command, 235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof.

Finally, the SLS adds leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink Universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear parking sensors.

All prices mentioned above include a $735 destination and handling fee.