September 26: What's up, Suzuki?

Think of Suzuki and what comes to mind? Probably if you are like 99.9% of us, this is the thought that is dug out of the far reaches of your cranium......

And being a Canadian, you would be correct to assume that Suzuki does nothing but cycles, after it packed up its meagre North American offerings and went back to its island home. And of course, you would be wrong. They wouldn't be the first car company to fail in the tough North American market. Around the world though, Suzuki has a varied product range of numerous four wheeled vehicles.

Looking elsewhere, we see some of the interesting cars and suvs that make Suzuki successful. Cars like the recently discontinued, darling little Alto Lapin........

Remember the Swift? You might, but not in its new set of clothes.......

Sold here as a Suzuki, a Chevrolet and a Pontiac, not too many North Americans think fondly of this little ride, that might best be described as better than taking a bus (depending, of course on your local transit system).  Seems to be popular everywhere, as I've seen many in Europe over the years. What's next? How about a hot hatch, the Swift Sport shown above? There's always room for more power.

Moving up a size, the new Baleno.......

Honda Civic sized and contemporary. Very nice lines, compared to say, the aforementioned multi-lined Honda. And, where would a Japanese company be without a tiny hatch? Say, something like Suzuki's Ignis.......

Cute? Sure and why not, cute sells. If it didn't, how would the tiny Jimny suv make its way in this world? Just enough room for the driver, a passenger and their thoughts about moving up to a bigger suv......

And being Suzuki fans, that bigger suv could be this S-Cross........

And with this one, there is room for the loving couple and their offspring, the result of that wild time on the beach, when they had their little Jimny. 

So, Suzuki is not just motorcyles. Moving ahead to the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, it will show a full range of concepts, "full range" in this case meaning three........

Starting at the top and going clockwise..........Being hip to what is necessary in our new electrified world, Suzuki will show the e-Survivor, which looks kind of like something created for a Mad Max redo. Then another cute hatch, the Xbee. Just another cute hatch? Think again, as this one is supposed to be a junior rough and tough off roader with a Toyota FJ Cruiser vibe. Maybe, maybe not, but not to worry, as we won't be getting it or any of the other Suzuki's. And to top it off, another take on Suzuki's uniquely Japanese tall small van, the Spacia, now with an in your face big rig front end. Hard for anything this small to be in anyone's face.

Gone from Canada and probably forgotten, but this pic might jog a few brain cells loose.........

This was our first Suzuki from way back in the late '70's. Disappointed that this brand has now folded its tent of somewhat neat vehicles and left our shores? Unikely, but interesting to see what might have been, if North Americans took to Suzuki cars and suvs, like they have to its bikes.

Until next time......