Original name: スズキ コンセプト S

In launching the CONCEPT-S to the world at the Paris Motor Show, Suzuki is staking its claim as a daring and innovative global manufacturer.

Since its inception, the company has come up with distinctive and original designs, often achieving striking success in a number of market sectors. On show here is a demonstration of its creativity and technological expertise.

The Concept-S is a pathway to the future, highlighting the company's philosophy in terms of design and technical development.

2002 marks thirty years of 4x4 expertise for Suzuki, -now one of the world leaders in off-road vehicles. Suzuki was the first in Europe to develop the sector for tough, efficient, compact 4-wheel drive vehicles. Today the Samurai, Jimny, Vitara and Grand Vitara are high on the bestseller lists. A specialist in compact 4x4 vehicles, Suzuki also produces a range of passenger cars, including the Alto, the Wagon R+, the Ignis and the Liana.

In tune with the demands of its European customers, the Suzuki range is particularly well known for its high performance, tough, reliable and safe vehicles. Qualities appreciated by Suzuki owners everywhere. Qualities, which are very much to the fore on the Suzuki stand at the Paris Motor Show.

CONCEPT-S World Premiere

The "CONCEPT-S" - a concept car being exclusively unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Its external design gives it a dynamic, futuristic appearance, while it still retains the dimensions of a supermini. The "CONCEPT-S" is the forerunner of Suzuki's next generation vehicles, which will have innovative technical features and a more sporty style. It also includes many leading edge technical features such as a navigation system that enhances your driving pleasure.

Original features

The distinctive design of the "CONCEPT-S" gives this car a great impression of stability and safety, with its chunky body shape and wheels located at all four corners of the body, a unique feature in this segment. In fact the car is only 3.65 metres long and 1.73 metres wide, with 18 inch wheels.

The design of the "CONCEPT-S"

Exterior

Its lines are both dynamic and futuristic. Its impressive shape, with wheels located at the four corners of the body, a unique feature for a car of this size, and in this segment, give a strong impression of stability. The impressive shape of the bonnet and the height of the waistline of the body give an increased feeling of safety.

The originality of the styling of the "CONCEPT-S" gives it a strong personality - this powerful presence is also a result of the unique shape of the 'wraparound window' with its concealed uprights: the vertical headlights give a suggestion of a new shape that Suzuki intends to give tomorrow's compact cars.

Interior

The very rounded interior of the "CONCEPT-S" is in keeping with the "wraparound window". The shape of the dashboard takes its inspiration from the wings of a biplane, with aluminium uprights reminiscent of a motorcycle, reflecting the modern, sporty character of this new interior design.

Push-buttons on the steering wheel completely replace standard controls such as the gear lever, handbrake, direction indicators and windscreen wipers. This configuration means that drivers can concentrate solely on driving, keeping their hands on the wheel.

The air conditioning and audio system are completely controlled by a screen in the centre of the dashboard and is easily manageable via data input similar to that of mobile phone.

Advanced software

The "CONCEPT-S" is fitted with an exclusive system called the "Advanced Navigation System". This system, which is also fitted in the GSX-R/4 roadster, gives an enjoyable, sporty drive.

The "Advanced Navigation System" automatically follows a route previously downloaded from the Internet or via e-mail. It also enables the communication with other vehicles by exchanging all kinds of data and locates each other's positions on the monitor.

The software also locks, unlocks and starts the car with an intelligent key card. Fingerprint authorisation is able to set up the car with your favourite engine and suspension configuration.

The software can also be used to download, store and exchange MP3 music files so that the driver can have a true music library in the car.

Engine

The "Concept-S" is fitted with a light and compact 1.6litre DOHC engine (4 cylinder, 16 valve) made entirely of aluminium. The permanent four-wheel drive, the sequential 6-speed "MTA" gearbox and the powerful engine give a truly sporty driving experience, with the "CONCEPT-S" benefiting from all the technology acquired by Suzuki through its participation in the super 1600 Junior World Rally Championship.

Specifications

Overall length    3,650mm

Overall width     1,730mm

Overall height    1,450mm

Wheelbase         2,390mm

Seating capacity 4

Engine capacity 1,597cc

Engine type        4 cylinders DOHC NA

Number of valves            16

Type of driving wheel    FULL TIME 4WD

Transmission      MTA (Sequential 6speed)

SOURCE: Suzuki. Please mention www.allcarindex.com if you use this text.