Suzuki's Toy-Like Q-Concept Electric Mini Car

For those of you that found the Suzuki Regina that we showed earlier today, a bit too down to earth for a Tokyo Motor Show concept, the Japanese automaker has another study up its sleeve. Of course, there's the argument that the Q-Concept looks more like a toy than a real car, but that's another story.

Q-Concept Electric Mini Car interior

Suzuki's second concept for this year's edition of the Tokyo motorshow is a tiny city car that measures just 2,500mm long, 1,300mm wide and 1,650mm tall.
The company says that the Q-Concept offers "an entirely new kind of mobility — one that’s positioned between conventional motorcycles and cars". We'll assume that Suzuki has yet to learn about the existence of the production Renault Twizy

Q-Concept Electric Mini Car

Inside, the Q-Concept seats two passengers in tandem, though Suzuki says that the rear seat can be removed completely to increase the cargo area when needed.
The Q-Concept is powered by an electric motor that provides a driving range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a top speed of 60km/h (37 mph).

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2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara /Review

Pricing  $18,999 to $24,949 MSRP/$18,239 to $23,951 Invoice Price
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 19 City/23 - 26 Highway

The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a five-passenger SUV that owns a purely unique design and platform.  For 2011, the Grand Vitara drops the V-6 engine in favor of a 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder that receives 162 pounds-feet of torque.  Rear-wheel drive is standard, and you can choose between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.  Full-time single-mode or four-mode four-wheel-drive systems are available as well, but only with the automatic.  The four-mode system includes 4H, 4H Lock (slippery), 4L Lock and Neutral positions and has a limited-slip center differential.

A fully independent suspension and a 3,000-pound towing capacity round out the impressive mechanical specs for the 2011 Grand Vitara.  One benefit of having a less-powerful, lower-displacement four-cylinder engine is the improved gas mileage.  EPA estimates for the Grand Vitara reach 19 mpg in the city and 23-26 mpg on the highway.  Competition includes the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda CR-V.

Trim levels include base, Premium, and Limited, which allow for a little something for everyone.  On the inside, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara boasts a standard navigation system, which adds Google Local Search and traffic and weather information on Premium and Limited models.  A 7-speaker CD audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, subwoofer, and XM® Satellite Radio-ready receiver provides exceptional sound quality and is optional.  Standard features include automatic climate control air conditioning with micron filtration system, illuminated steering-wheel controls, chrome interior door handles, and a sliding armrest. 

A power tilting/opening sunroof, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats with leather trim, and Bluetooth® connectivity are other available options.  The 2011 Grand Vitara boasts 69 cubic feet of cargo volume when the 60/40 rear seats are folded for optimal storage capacity.  The Grand Vitara rides on standard 16-inch wheels, and comes with front tow hooks as well as body-colored side moldings.

As for safety, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara features seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability system.
For off-road capability, decent fuel economy, and tons of versatility, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a mini force to be reckoned with.

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Special Bikes/Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle

Just getting started in the motorcycle scene? As tempting as they might be, you — and your brains, bones, and organs — are better off skipping the superbike scene and hopping aboard something a little more tame, like the Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle ($4,000). Sporting a stylish retro design, the TU250X features a 249cc four-stroke SOHC engine, a five-speed transmission, a diamond-shaped steel tube frame, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a low 30.3-inch seat height that's great for beginners.

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Special Bikes/Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle

Just getting started in the motorcycle scene? As tempting as they might be, you — and your brains, bones, and organs — are better off skipping the superbike scene and hopping aboard something a little more tame, like the Suzuki TU250X Motorcycle ($4,000). Sporting a stylish retro design, the TU250X features a 249cc four-stroke SOHC engine, a five-speed transmission, a diamond-shaped steel tube frame, front disc and rear drum brakes, and a low 30.3-inch seat height that's great for beginners.

»»  read more