Suzuki to Test New SX4 FCV Fuel Cell Vehicle on Public Roads

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has given Suzuki the green light to test a new compact fuel cell vehicle based on the SX4 crossover. Quite interestingly, the SX4 FCV is equipped with a GM-made high-performance fuel cell along with a Suzuki-developed 70MPa hydrogen tank, and a light, compact capacitor that recovers energy during brake application and uses it to reduce fuel cell loading during acceleration. -Continued

The Japanese carmaker has been developing fuel cell vehicles in cooperation with General Motors (GM) since 2001 and up until now, it has tested three fuel cell mini vehicles on public roads with ministerial approval: the MR Wagon-FCV and Wagon R-FCV in October 2003 and the MR Wagon-FCV again in December 2004.

Suzuki SX4 WRC Replica: Limited Edition Version

Looks can definitely be deceiving as this special edition version of the Suzuki SX4 proves. Although Suzuki Germany’s SX4 WRC looks just like the World Rally Championship race car, take out the stickers, the subtle bodykit and the white 16-inch alloys and your left with a normal SX4 equipped with a stock 107Hp 1.6-liter engine and faux carbon fiber trim in the interior. Of course you can brag about owning one of only 500 units that will be produced, but we gather that won’t earn you street cred. The SX4 WRC is available in Germany for €19,500. -Pics after the jump

Via: WFC

2007 LA Show: Suzuki Makai Concept Based On the SX4

Looks like Suzuki has confused the SEMA Show with the LA Show if we judge from the Makai concept, a surf-inspired convertible based on the SX4 Sport hatch. Fabricated and painted by Andry Specialty Vehicles of Torrance, Calif., the Makai not only lost the SX4’s roof top but it also gained a custom body kit, styled exhaust, LED taillights and running lamps, large 19-inch CEC wheels in wide Michelin Pilot sport tires and, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora callipers.

The surf themed Makai also boasts a custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards while Suzuki designers shaved a couple of inches off the windscreen and added a targa rear hoop to further enhances the car’s open-air look. -Continued after the jump

The SX4’s cabin has also been modified with custom interior components, including ventilated, suspended seats in all four positions, high output, beach party-themed VeaLink audio system with MTX speakers and components, dashboard-integrated Garmin navigation system, Kinetik Power Cell battery, StreetWires audio/video install kit and cabling, Momo Sport steering wheel and color-keyed interior accent lighting.

Suzuki Offers SX4 With Peugeot 1.6-litre Diesel Engine

Suzuki U.K. is broadening the SX4’s range with the addition of a second diesel option, the 1.6 DDiS engine supplied by Peugeot which complements the existing 118 Hp (120 PS) 1.9 DDiS. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel unit has an output of 89 Hp (90 PS) and 215 Nm (159-lbs/ft) of maximum torque. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and available exclusively as a front wheel drive model, the SX4 1.6 DDiS goes from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 12.2 seconds and has a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). Combined cycle figure is 5.1 lt/100km or 53.3 UK mpg / 46.0 US mpg while CO₂ emissions are 139 g/km. -Continued

The new SX4 1.6 DDiS will be offered with similar equipment levels to the SX4 1.6 GL but adds manual air conditioning, heated door mirrors, 16 inch alloys, roof rails, front fogs and wheelarch extensions. According to Suzuki, the on-the-road price is £11,999 ($24,990 or €17,250) and, in common with petrol-engined models, the new diesel model qualifies for a 6D insurance grouping.