SUZUKI FAN » Suzuki Alto

Spyshots Suzuki Alto or A-star that have big midcycle updates before FMC in 2014

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:03:44 +0000

Spyshots Suzuki Alto or A-star that have big midcycle updates before FMC in 2014

Fortune of the latest Alto seem to opposite of what SuzukiFan expecting before it launch (May be the same with peoples at Suzuki too).The car have many good factors to be the big hit in India but it sale very dissapoint for just around 1,000 unit per month but the sale in China is better than everyone expect at nearly 5,000 unit regularly every month.

SuzukiFan don’t know why, until Suzuki China said in the press release that the car is a great and well reputable small car in China.Suzuki tols us that the Alto is only in its class that rank in “Chinese 10 Best Engines” for two consecutive years(2010, 2011).They say that Alto has been a leader of models in the domestic mini vehicle market in the country and it has an excellent quality reputation and high value retention released by the JDPower Asia Pacific 2011 China Initial Quality study which have been the segment champions.

So,When the car get midcycle updates or minorchage,it got the spyshot from land of the dragon.As many engineer from China work closely with team from India and Japan to bring it to latest freshest.The car will get big cosmetic change start from new front light that change from curvy water drop to more angular and handsome Shape.While the grille and bumper is camour with black plastic.

At rear the same shape of taillight remain but will add a LED light,The bumper is all new cover with sporty black plastic mold that similar to the diffuser.Inside the, will get the black interior instead of beige colour but styling is stay the same.

It will launch in China by 2012.After that,India launch of next generation Alto/A-star in early 2014 and European launch of next gen Alto in may of the same year .China likely to get old model selling along new model that will develop from Regina concept (It’s should call Regina in production version too).

Rumor also surfaced that Maruti will add boot to the A-star in 2013.If this true,They will likely to sale current A-star beyond next year that means new Alto or A-star that schedule’s to arrive in 2014 must find the new name and Regina will be in consideration.

Maruti Suzuki 800 replacement may called Cervo,The new Alto is in develop

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:54:48 +0000

Maruti Suzuki 800 replacement may called Cervo,The new Alto is in develop

It has been confirmed that next generation of Maruti Suzuki 800 will discontinue the 800 name and receive new name.Amoung the rumour that currently surface,the replacement may called Cervo.And, The car is not relative to Japanese Suzuki Cervo that forward in many Email in the recent year.

The 800 replacement will be new develop car and will have price around 2-3.5 lakh.Power by 800 CC petrol that develop from Alto F8D engine.It will, at the same time,replace Alto when it arrive as many unformal source say that Suzuki will get rid of 800 CC version of Alto and left only the Alto K10.The Maruti Suzuki 800 replacement will arrive by november 2012

Information and picture is here and here

“Alto’s (both 800cc and K10) production has declined to less than 1,100 a day from a peak of 1,500,” an executive at one of the part suppliers said. Maruti Suzuki is expected to give us a higher (part) supply schedule for the new car as it expects sales to grow after the (Maruti Suzuki 800 replacement) launch,” the executive said.

Another update news is supplier said that Maruti Suzuki is developing the new Alto on its existing platform, it will be “a completely new car.”SuzukiFan expect it to arrive around two year.

Admin

Suzuki Start building 2nd plant of Changan Suzuki in China

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:07:19 +0000

Suzuki Start building 2nd plant of Changan Suzuki in China

Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd, A joint venture production and sales of Suzuki’s automobiles in China (Investment ratio; Suzuki Motor Corporation 25%, 10% Suzuki China Investment Co., Ltd., 14% Sojitz Corporation, 51% Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd) open a groundbreaking ceremony of new passenger car plant in Chongqing ,China.The 2nd factory of Changan Suzuki located in Tomoe Chongqing or located in the existing first Changan Suzuki’s plant.

The new plant will start production at december 2013 with 150,000 units per year and will increase to 250,000 unit a year by 2015.While the first plant can produce 250,000 a year is runing in nearly full production in 2011 with 209,692 units produced.

The Changan Suzuki establish in May 25, 1993 and start production at May 1995.Now, it got 4,343 Employee and procduce Alto,Cultus (Antelope),Swift and SX4

Content by SuzukiFan

Japan’s kei car sale report by model in February 2012

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:31:06 +0000

Japan’s kei car sale report by model in February 2012

SuzukiFan don’t know why the Daihatsu Mira that have been sold since 2006 was dramatically have lift up sale in near the end of service life.It sold 22,023 unit in february 2012 which was 225% better when compare in the same month last year.No information from Japan but we expect it get heavily discount and incentive before it get the model change.It also kick Suzuki WagonR which was the best selling kei car in Japan from about past 10 year to number 2 spot with 16,861unit sold.Good news for Suzuki is the model that arrived since late 2008 have 17% up when compare to same month last year.

Recently arrived Honda NBOX is rank #3 with 15,322 unit sold.This was just second month of selling.The NBOX was sold more than everyone expect and it actually turn new fortune to Honda as the maker not success in Kei car category for long time.

Notable information is the Nissan Moco which were develope and produce by Suzuki, can sell at 7,164 unit compare to 2702 unit of sister model that get Suzuki’s badge.We don’t think Nissan have 3 time more reputable than Suzuki in Kei car category but the Moco is a lot more beautiful than the Suzuki’s sister model’s version .And SuzukiFan don’t know why Suzuki design car for the alliance better than design for them self.

See the full sale’s table below.

Latribuneauto: Test drive European’s version Suzuki Alto or A-star

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:05:13 +0000

Latribuneauto: Test drive European’sversion Suzuki Alto or A-star

Positive

Modern styling
Attractive price
Equipment / price ratio
Light weight
5 doors
Handy to town
Low consumption
Low CO2 emissions

Negative

Boot space
Just four seats
Finishing too basic
Noisy
Performance reduced
Suspensions is too firm
Fixed rear bench seat

The is a small mini car adopts a modern design that emphasizes aerodynamics.The dimensions of the Suzuki Alto is reduced. Long by 3.5 meters to 1.6 meters wide and 1.47 meters high, the Suzuki mini-city has a wheelbase of 2.36 meters.The car accommodate just 129 liters of personal belongings. It is very little. Rear seat folded, cargo capacity increases to 367 liters.

The rear seat can be folded in 50/50 on the “GL” trime level. Once the seats folded, the floor is not flat. It is not necessary to remove the rear headrests to fold the seat.The rear seat access is easy. The dashboard incorporates two cupholders that can accommodate a bottle.The dashboard is very functional.

The Suzuki Alto receives a modern gasoline engine three-cylinder 1.0 liter. Lightweight and compact, the engine develops 68 hp and has a maximum torque of 90 Nm at 3400 r / min. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional.The car is lightweight (855 kg) and its turning radius of 4.5 meters allows the car to sneak into town .

The suspension of the car are firm.The handling is good.The performance of the car are modest.The enngine allows the Suzuki mini-city to reach 155 km / h on the track. It takes 14 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h.

The interior can see many reduce’s costs of that little car.Hard plastics are ubiquitous.The materials used are basic quality. The car is manufactured in India. It has a 3 year warranty or 100,000 km.

The CO2 emissions of the car amounted to 103 g / km.Resale values is high.Residual values and indicative averages are of the Suzuki Alto68% the first year, 56% the second year, 48% the third year, 39% the fourth year, 30% the fifth year

Source Latribuneauto

Suzuki Regina/G70 concept preview next generation Suzuki Alto/A-Star which will bigger than current car

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 04:10:35 +0000

Suzuki Regina/G70 concept preview next generation Suzuki Alto/A-Star which will bigger than current car

In mid November 2011,SuzukiFan got rumour from Japan that the Regina concept that debuted in 2011 Tokyo motor show will transform to Suzuki new compact hatchback.But after consideration with the source, the latest information is…,The Regina or the same car dubbed as G70 when display at 2012 Geneva auto show, will preview next generation Suzuki Alto or A-star ( As they call in India)

The confirmed news is the Alto replacement will arrive in early 2014.

The current Alto/A-Star got different fate than Suzuki planed.In some countries/region (Europe and India) it sale fewer than expect but it in some countries, it surprisingly sell a lot more than Suzuki predict. That means,There’re some criteria need to be improve.

The current Alto/A-Star is rank one of the best handling,suspension and most fun to drive A-segment in Europe but limit rear seat space and boot space is a drawback for the car.So,The Suzuki development team is put next generation Alto/A-Star longger than current car around 15-20 centimeter to get more space and longer wheelbase.

The new car’s rear seat will bigger and more comfortable and storange’s space will be more.At the same time, Suzuki engineering’s team have to retain the good driving characteristic which is the main selling point for current car.While styling will resemble and spawn from the Regina/G70 concept.

The new Alto/A-Star will be more important car than current model as it is plan to penetrate in developing countries like Asean,India and China.

Admin

Suzuki to produce next generation Alto in Thailand and plan reimport vehicle to Japan

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:05:13 +0000

Suzuki to produce next generation Alto in Thailand and plan reimport vehicle to Japan

Source from nikkan of Japan report that Suzuki to begin production of Suzuki Alto in Thailand at 2014.The Alto is now divide in to 2 version of Japanese domestic model and global model.The Alto currently only produced in Suzuki’s subsidiary in India(for local and export to Europe) and in China.

The Alto plans to get full-model change in late 2013.In Thailand,Suzuki open a plant in Rayong (Eastern of Thailand aproximately 200 km. from the Capital -Bangkok).Production volume is expected to be approximately around 6,000 unit a month.Now,Suzuki motor (Thailand) are planning a production of “Swift” small car that will goes one sale in Thailand at march 2012.Suzuki invest 20 billion yen in construction of an automobile plant that will have facilities for pressing, welding, painting, assembly, and engine production.The total production is estimate around 100,000-139,000 unit per annually by 2016.Suzuki said it would build about 10,000 cars in the first year

The Thai plant, is said to be export the Swift to Asean,Aftrica,Middle east and Oceania.While the new Alto is expect to export to Southeast Asian countries.Now the Swift enjoy the tax benefit from Thailand’s ecocar programe with engine sizes smaller than 1,300 cc for petrol and 1,400 cc for diesel.

Suzuki plans to reimport vehicle to Japan

Suzuki is planning to produce a low cost compact cars in Asia, imported back to Japan by 2015.Source told that now there’re in the final specification, the selection of plant stage. Company’s vice president Toshio suzuki say that Indonesia or Thailand (factory) could be using a base .The stage where we’re serious about whether or not to be put into reallily.Southeast Asian countries is improve production technology, “the level is turned up fairly well in terms of quality that, in the low-price cars out to the front, the future is also likely spread reimport.

The company is planning, at about 1.0 – 1.2 liter vehicle and the idea is to import vehicles at the size around Swift light car.

Admin

Suzuki launch Alto ECO : The most fuel-efficient car

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:14:54 +0000

Suzuki launch Alto ECO : The most fuel-efficient car

On December 13 2011,Suzuki will announce the sale of Alto ECO,Japan top fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles.Around past few year we saw Daihatsu’s leaked information that they will produce the most fuel-efficient car in Japan but at the same time,There is no word from Suzuki.At 3rd quarter of 2011 Daihatsu launched Ys and achieve 30km / L in JC08 mode fuel efficiency and claim as Japan most fuel economy car but shortly after Suzuki surprisingly launch Alto ECO and claim best mileage of 30.2 km (18.8 miles) per liter (JC08 mode), A very close to winning acclaim over Daihatsu and we know it as Japan top fuel-efficient car excluding hybrid vehicles !!.

To achieve this fuel economy,They replace K-series engine with new R06A engine( lightweight and compact, lighter frame) which revise various parts of engine and CVT transmission to more friction resistance subjected to reduction (the pattern of the coating of the piston, piston ring such as changing the surface treatment, which incorporates new technology to reduce friction), that improve fuel efficiency across the system.

There’re an addition of Idling stop system that To stop the engine when decelerating, ETC , If driver step on the brakes at speed of less than 9km / h the system will work. Such as to allow a restart by steering during idling,Idling is activated just before stopping, Suzuki was first introduced in the new mechanism to allow the starter motor to restart the engine before it stops completely,Adopted idling stop lamp that lights up when idling becomes available. Know in advance that can be reassuring to the driver.

By enabling the operation to restart the engine during idling handle and only switch, enabling a smoother starting,To suppress the backward slope of the vehicle, with Hill Hold Control.Rear combination lamps (LED) and high-mounted stop lamps (LED) by adopting a reduced power consumption and reduced the burden of the engine power. Electricity and fuel saving pump system uses the first mini. The power savings by providing a lean fuel to suit driving conditions.

Weight reduction of 20kg and revise suspension components. The lightweight components, such as thorough a full wheel caps. Lightweight employing newly designed front bumper. The low density of the seat cushion pad, but change the structure of the rear seat back, without sacrificing comfort, weight reduction was achieved. Lowered 15mm overall height without sacrificing ride comfort, with improved aerodynamics by reducing wind resistance caused by lower vehicle. Geometry was adopted with excellent aerodynamic front bumper.

Admin

Speculation on some of 20 new models that Maruti Suzuki will launch by 2016

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:34:55 +0000

Speculation on some of 20 new models that Maruti Suzuki will launch by 2016

India car market is now one of the fastest growth in the world.Every top maker is coming to India and take a share of around 2 million (and expending) automotive market.’Maruti Suzuki,the local arms of Suzuki motor Japan now is sell one of every two car in India in plans around 20 new model by 2016 in order to retain leadership.

I V Rao, chief executive, research and development said that Maruti Suzuki used to entire rely on Suzuki Motors, Japan for technology and products. However with an R&D base being established at Rohtak by 2014, the company can rely on its engineers in India to spin off some facelifts. Thus Maruti Suzuki will invest Rs. 1500 crore on product development till 2016.

Maruti will concentrate on low-cost vehicles and is expected to launch 70-80% of its new vehicles in the small car segment, including facelifts and variants,Here is Speculation

-Next generation Swift DZire should arrive in 1st quater of 2012
-Ertiga MPV by Mid 2012
-Next generation Maruti 800 that will position along Alto
-Ritz backlift
-A-Star Facelift
-Alto Facelift
-SX4 Facelift with new 1.4 liter petrol engine
-new Small SUV by 2014
-bigger verion of DZire
-Estilo replacement
-WagonR diesel

Carblogindia also report that Maruti Suzuki to build the third plant at Gujarat,Not a confirm yet but Gujarat is a favorable location for Maruti because of the state policies, closeness to ports which reduce the logistics costs for export of cars and a well developed industrial eco-system.It’s has been report that In first phase, which will be executed in next 5 years (by 2016) with Capacity around 1 million cars per year and second phase will add more 1 million unit which will be the highest capacity of any single Maruti Plant in India.

Admin

Maruti Suzuki plans 4 new car in 2012 and rendering of Maruti 800 replacement

admin — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 03:11:36 +0000

Maruti Suzuki plans 4 new car in 2012 and rendering of Maruti 800 replacement

Suzuki fan have a lot to say today,First The upcoming 2012 Indian Auto Expo could be when the Dzire Compact Sedan could be launched even as the RIII MPV could further see a delay to be launched only sometime in the middle of 2012.The same year wwe will see an A Star face-lift, Ritz back-lift, and next generation Alto 800 by early 2013.Suzuki fan also have very close to the production version render picture of Maruti 800 replacement.Also it’s is very close to the spyshot that we post in July.

The report mentioned that Maruti Suzuki will invest Rs 1,000-1,500 crore on product development, including its upcoming R&D at Rohtak, over the next three-five years. The Rohtak facility will be operational by the first half of 2014.

Admin (some source from wheelsunplugged)