2003 Suzuki S Review

Specifications

Is This the Japanese Brands Future Performance Car?

After one of the most exciting press introductions among the smaller manufacturers presenting at Januarys North American International Auto Show in Detroit, American Suzuki Motor Corp.s (ASMC) always amiable president, Rick Suzuki, unveiled one of the coolest concepts of the week.

The Japanese brand, regularly lauded for safety, environmental responsibility and reliability, showed proof that sometimes very good things actually do come in small boxes. But to call the curving Concept S a box isnt doing it justice. Compared to some of the previous debuts of decadently mammoth ultra-luxury boxes, the pesky Suzuki seemed downright sexy. The Concept S swelled and curving fender flares, sporty hunkered-down rally profile, and glittering array of performance parts put it into a league of few. Its a performance car that real people might actually be able to afford if produced.

As it turned on its rotating pedestal I couldnt get over how attractive it was. The fat twin motorcycle-style exhaust pipes protruding out just above its rear diffuser, industrial designed 6-spoke alloy rims and exposed metal gas cap adding to its sporting image, its tall vertical multi-reflector halogen headlamp clusters that creep up to the mid fender point, stimulatingly stylish.

But while the Concept S is a radically new shape, I couldt help but notice how much certain aspects of the design mimic the Nissan Murano, especially the rear quarter window, and how the rear fenders curve downward to integrate the taillights. As stunning as it looked under the hot spot lights, the glimmering burnt orange paint scheme doesnt help matters either - more than similar to the Murano poster vehicles paint job.

But if its going to be compared to anything, the award winning Murano is a decent reference. Of course the Concept S is about half the size and conceptually the antithesis of an SUV, especially inside where its cargo capacity is next to nil if all four occupants are in place. Just the same its rear seats split and fold flat for larger items, making it as utilitarian as most subcompact hatchbacks.

But load capacities wouldnt be part of the sales pitch to potential buyers if the racy runabout were produced. Aligning with the insatiable passion for technology found in todays youth, Suzuki has packed in a truckload of gear.

High on the wow-factor list is the cars Advanced Navigation System. The video-game-like system automatically follows predetermined routes downloaded from the Internet or via email. It also allows live communication with other vehicles that use the system, plus exchanges data while locating the positions of the cars its talking to on its infotainment monitor.

Whats more, the cars software locks and unlocks the doors, and starts the engine, all with its intelligent key card. Sci Fi fans will love the fingerprint authorization, which also sets the Concept S up with preset engine and suspension configuration preferences. As expected the software can preset radio stations or, if desired, download, store and exchange MP3 music files from cyberspace, improving the music selection from radios push technology to the Internets pull, while eliminating the need for CD storage.

The Suzuki concepts interior styling plays heavily on the technology theme too. Dominant in its design, a race inspired steering wheel clusters primary and important ancillary controls, such as transmission, hand brake, headlights, turn signals and the wiper system, on round pods that surround its center hub. Its an odd arrangement but one that takes the clutter away from the dash and puts everything that matters a fingers distance away from the safest hand positioning. Conspicuously absent from the steering wheel, though, are controls for audio and cruise, each actuated via the touch sensitive infotainment systems monitor - also where the air conditioning, heating and ventilation (HVAC) controls are.

The Concept S doesnt only look technically advanced, it looks quick. That might have something to do with the 18-inch alloy wheels and low-profile performance tires punched out to the ends of its bodywork, or possibly the silver brake calipers boldly claiming Brembo in flaming red script. Either way the rally inspired Concept S was designed to be driven, and driven hard.

After all, it makes sense that the new concept would be sport-oriented. Suzuki has long supported motorsport, including pretty well every motorcycle racing series the world over to the 1600 Junior World Rally Championship, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and other rally car events.

The all-wheel drive super-tot sports a rally prepped 16-valve, DOHC, 1.6-L 4-cylinder, the same as found in the brands Ignis Super 1600 rally car. Optimizing its power is a 6-speed sequential shifting gearbox, also rally derived. The combination would no doubt prove intimidating to the compact tuner crowd, that is unless behind the wheel.

This is a psychographic that Suzuki would be wise to attract. Never before has a generation of twenty-something adrenaline seekers spent more on cars and automotive peripherals than the current crop of import crazed youth.

Currently, in North America, the Japanese brand has nothing to entice them. The new Forenza and Verona, as nice as they are, wont even hit the radar screens of this buying group. No, Suzuki should well consider building a car along the lines of the Concept S, a halo car to create excitement around the brand.

Currently, though, there are no plans. Its only a teaser to show what the Japanese automaker is capable of. OK Suzuki, we know what you can do now. Weve seen the worlds fastest production street bike, the Hayabusa. Weve drooled over the Formula Hayabusa and GSX-R/4 concept cars. Now its time to create a production car as exciting as your motorbikes, something we can actually buy thats as enticing as your concepts. Its now time to put Suzukis car division on the North American performance car map. Why not make the Concept S the car?