Although the U.S. has been free of new Suzukis for nearly a year now, the Japanese automaker has a future in the rest of the world, and that future will be on display at the 2013 Tokyo auto show. Exhibiting "small cars for a big future," Suzuki has readied a quartet of pint-sized concepts that very likely hint at production vehicles—for markets other than ours.
Crosshiker Concept
Said to fuse fresh new styling with dynamic weight reduction and a highly efficient powertrain, this compact crossover is derived from the Regina concept that first appeared at the 2011 Tokyo show. Using the brand's next-generation lightweight platform, the Crosshiker is said to weigh in at just 1786 pounds; taking advantage of that light weight, the concept uses a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. Suzuki says the Crosshiker has a design that somehow implies it is eco-friendly, but also evokes passion—the same ethos the brand used with the Regina. We think it looks just few chromosomes short of being an ultra-compact Nissan Juke.
X-LANDER Concept
The X-LANDER is based on the Jimny, Suzuki's long-running, tiny, Jeep-like SUV, but the Japanese automaker adds a hybrid system to the Jimny's 1.3-liter powerplant and all-wheel-drive system. Suzuki says it wants drivers to "use this car in the city and sometimes go out to play in the field." We couldn't have said it better ourselves. While we're sure its proven underpinnings are up to the task, getting past the X-LANDER's Power Wheels Rambo Edition styling might prove a tougher sell to potential consumers.
Hustler and Hustler Coupe Concept
Suzuki's positioning the Hustler twins as "new-genre minicar crossovers that suit an active lifestyle". So in other words, a small, box-like crossover. We're not really seeing it—aside from the slightly raised ride height—but we are digging it as a big on the inside, small on the outside take on cubed-transportation theme. 
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The coupe version has a really futuristic vibe, and has "Green Feel" stenciled across is flanks, reinforcing Suzuki's assertaion that the Hustler coupe suits "the active lifestyle of people who love nature, the outdoors, and sports." Oh, and about the name: apparently, the long litigious arm of Larry Flynt doesn't extend to Japan.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
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