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Suzuki brings basket of forbidden cute to Tokyo

Suzuki looks to be celebrating its newly independent status from Volkswagen with quite a slate of debuts at this year's Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October. While it's often a putdown to call a car cute, the company has some models going on display that are totally adorable. Unless you wait around a couple decades to import one, they're also never going to see the roads here. With its big eyes and compact, chunky looks, the Ignis might be the new definition of cute 'ute. Clearly based on the iK-2 concept from this year's Geneva Motor Show, the latest interpretation softens the angular lines a little bit. The Ignis Trail Concept tries to make the standard version look a little more off-road ready with black fender flares and larger wheels. Meanwhile, the Mighty Deck concept looks like a toy car with its black roof, yellow body, and dark blue bumper. The model offers some interesting functionality with a small cargo bed in the back, complete with a tiny tailgate. The opening canvas top could make for a fun drive, too. Suzuki is also giving the incredibly cool Air Triser concept a world premiere in Tokyo. The compact, three-row minivan sports a retro-futuristic design. On the outside, glass wraps around nearly the whole thing, except for a thick pillar where the sliding doors come together. However, the interior has a wood floor, and the seats can be reconfigured to form a couch. There's even a screen in the B-pillar for everyone to watch together. We look forward to seeing if these models are as quirky in real life in just a few weeks. SUZUKI EXHIBITS AT THE 44TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced its exhibits for the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (organised by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), which will open to the public on 30 October until 8 November. The theme for Suzuki's booth is "SUZUKI NEXT 100". Suzuki will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, so the exhibits represent proposals for products and technologies that give a sense of the company's preparations for ongoing success in the next 100 years. A range of concept models will show how Suzuki can deliver wonder and enjoyment to drivers and riders. The concept cars will include the IGNIS, which gives shape to Suzuki's foray into the new compact crossover genre; and the MIGHTY DECK, which offers new kinds of fun in the minicar segment.

Suzuki Swift gets a motorcycle-inspired wide body for Tokyo Auto Salon

Tokyo Auto Salon is just around the corner, and companies such as Daihatsu and Mitsubishi have announced a slew of impressive custom cars. Suzuki has also announced its custom lineup, which is a bit humble this year at just three. They range from the wild Suzuki Swift Sport Katana to the mild Hustler Street Base. The Swift is the most impressive of Suzuki's show cars. Its name, and supposedly its looks, are based on the Katana sports bike. We're not sure they have that much in common beyond the silver and red paint job, but that's all right because this Swift still looks excellent. It features aggressive fender flares and a reworked front fascia. Bigger, wider wheels fit underneath those flares, and it has side-exit exhaust to cap off the extreme design. Next up is the Suzuki Jimny Sierra Marine Edition. Suzuki started with the wider Jimny Sierra model and fitted it with equipment for a day in and around the water. It has storage for fishing rods on either side and an interior covered in wetsuit material. The roof has been raised for extra interior space. The exterior also gets a garnish of visual upgrades such as custom wheels, chrome trim, paint scheme, auxiliary lights and tow rings. The third and final custom vehicle is the Hustler Street Base. It's fairly basic with a matte gray paint scheme, a few decals, and an upgraded audio system inside with some flashy lighting. Apparently it's designed for hip young people who live in the city and might be interested in extreme sports and an active lifestyle. Related Video:    

Suzuki releases another Baleno image for Frankfurt

The Suzuki Baleno is a tiny five-door that arrives in the UK next summer, but Suzuki is giving its newest model a big reveal at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on Sept. 15. Until then, the soon-to-be-independent Japanese brand is continuing to tease the little guy, promising to "raise the bar for compact hatchbacks." The exterior of the Baleno adapts the iK-2 concept, and the two of them look practically identical. Under the skin, the hatchback gets Suzuki's new platform that's lighter and more rigid. Power comes from a 1.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged engine that Suzuki calls the Boosterjet. For added propulsion, a mild hybrid layout also allows the starter to provide extra assistance. Until we can actually check the Baleno out in Frankfurt, the gallery above shows all of the teaser images for the compact, so far. SUZUKI BALENO HATCHBACK TO DEBUT AT 66TH IAA FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 31/08/15 Suzuki's ideal compact hatchback The all-new Baleno which will make its world premiere at the 66th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show* will raise the bar for compact hatchbacks. Since manufacturing its first car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a variety of compact cars that deliver value much greater than their sizes. Developed using the company's compact car expertise, the Baleno has an elegant and powerful design, a spacious cabin and luggage space plus a host of new technologies. The new technologies include a rigid, lightweight new generation platform, highly responsive 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo BOOSTERJET engine, and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) featuring engine assist by an integrated starter generator. All of these contribute to a fun yet efficient driving experience, giving the Baleno much more than just good looks and convenience. In addition to fulfilling fuel efficiency and dynamic performance expectations, the layout has been optimised and various technologies used to reduce weight in order to meet the rigorous size and weight requirements specific to compact cars. The new Baleno will be launched in the UK early next Summer. Further details of the Baleno will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference at the Frankfurt Motor show. The conference will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday 15th September. We look forward to welcoming you on stand B12 in Hall 9.0. Learn more at http://www.globalsuzuki.com/iaa2015/, a special Baleno website. *At Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main; press days 15-16 September, public days 17-27 September. ENDS.