2009 Suzuki Sx4 Base Hatchback 4-door 2.0l Crossover Awd Technology, One Owner on 2040-cars

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Toyota, Daihatsu and Suzuki team up to unbox some fun-size electric kei vans

The G7 Summit is happening in Hiroshima, Japan, right now and some automakers have taken the opportunity to announce new projects. Toyota, their wholly owned subsidiary Daihatsu, and Suzuki (of which Toyota owns about 5%) made news with a trio of electric micro-vans built to kei car specifications. The battery-electric vans are part of an industry-wide push toward carbon neutrality. Kei-class vehicles, in addition to limited displacement gasoline engines, have strict dimensional restrictions that allow them to navigate the often narrow streets in dense urban areas. They're also privilege to certain tax breaks and parking benefits.  [gallery ids="2474953,2474954"] The engine size rules obviously don't apply to the electric vans, but they will still conform to the size boundaries. Kei vans are often used to solve the "last mile" problem in logistics since they're able to whiz around crowded streets inaccessible by larger commercial vehicles.  Daihatsu, which specializes in kei cars, will build the vans and name their variant the HiJet Cargo. The HiJet name has been a consistent one in the company's lineup since 1960, but these new versions will be front-wheel-drive in contrast to the rear-wheel-drive gasoline variants. Toyota's version will be called the Pixis Van, while Suzuki will be named the Every, a nameplate that's been around since 1982. Aside from the badges the vans appear identical. Range is said to be approximately 200km (124 miles) on a single charge.  The exhibition was held in conjunction with the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, which former Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda heads. Toyoda stepped down from the top position at the company his grandfather founded in April, but still takes a overseer role as Chairman. Toyoda was criticized for being slow to adopt EVs, and new CEO Koji Sato has emphasized the role of battery-electrics moving forward while still taking a multi-front approach to carbon neutrality with hydrogen and hybrids. These vans were likely in development before Toyoda's retirement, though.

Suzuki recalling 184k GM-built models for fire risk

Suzuki is recalling 184,244 total units of the 2004-2008 Forenza (pictured above) and 2005-2008 Reno manufactured under contract by Daewoo, now General Motors Korea, between September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008, for a risk of fire. The exact split in terms of number of each model isn't available yet.
In the vehicles, the heat generated in the headlight switch or daytime running light module could cause the parts to melt and cause a fire. If this sounds somewhat familiar, it's the same reason that 218,000 units of the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo are being recalled. According to General Motors spokesperson Alan Adler: "It's the same issue."
Adler explained that as the contracted manufacturer, GM is responsible for finding a remedy to this problem and providing it to Suzuki. It's a similar situation as Toyota recalling the Matrix and giving the automaker the repair parts to fix the Pontiac Vibe, which shares the platform.

Suzuki Jimny four-door caught in new spy photos

Modern car buyers really seem to have moved on from two-door vehicles. First coupes of all kinds disappeared, and now traditionally two-door SUVs have sprouted extra pairs of doors (see Wrangler and Bronco). The latest to join the trend is the tiny Suzuki Jimny, which has been spotted in Europe with four doors. This more practical Jimny also has grown in length to accommodate its extra doors. Interestingly, the front pair appear to be the same size as those on the two-door model. The rear doors are a fair bit smaller. Still, access to the back should be easier than on the shorter model, and both leg and cargo room should be substantially improved. It also retains the very short overhangs, which is good for approach and departure angles, but the longer wheelbase will mean it can be high-centered more easily than its shorter counterpart. Jimnys in the past have been available with a small amount of body variety. For a long time, it was available as a convertible, and some long wheelbase variants were produced. Aftermarket companies have also made their own changes to the SUV's shape. But four full doors from the factory seems to be a new step for the Jimny. Also, the fact that it's testing in Europe with left-hand drive suggests it will be a model offered in global markets, and not just in Japan. Sadly, it will still not come to the U.S. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.