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2003 Suzuki Concept S

Is This the Japanese Brands Future Performance Car?

After one of the most exciting press introductions among the smaller manufacturers presenting at Januarys North American International Auto Show in Detroit, American Suzuki Motor Corp.s (ASMC) always amiable president, Rick Suzuki, unveiled one of the coolest concepts of the week.

The Japanese brand, regularly lauded for safety, environmental responsibility and reliability, showed proof that sometimes very good things actually do come in small boxes. But to call the curving Concept S a box isnt doing it justice. Compared to some of the previous debuts of decadently mammoth ultra-luxury boxes, the pesky

Good things do come in small packages. Here, the Suzuki Concept S is being unveiled at the Detroit auto show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Suzuki seemed downright sexy. The Concept S swelled and curving fender flares, sporty hunkered-down rally profile, and glittering array of performance parts put it into a league of few. Its a performance car that real people might actually be able to afford if produced.

As it turned on its rotating pedestal I

Unique and memorable rear end styling. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

couldnt get over how attractive it was. The fat twin motorcycle-style exhaust pipes protruding out just above its rear diffuser, industrial designed 6-spoke alloy rims and exposed metal gas cap adding to its sporting image, its tall vertical multi-reflector halogen headlamp clusters that creep up to the mid fender point, stimulatingly stylish.

But while the Concept S is a radically new shape, I couldt help but notice how much certain aspects of the design

Attractive, yet familiar design cues. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

mimic the Nissan Murano, especially the rear quarter window, and how the rear fenders curve downward to integrate the taillights. As stunning as it looked under the hot spot lights, the glimmering burnt orange paint scheme doesnt help matters either - more than similar to the Murano poster vehicles paint job.

But if its going to be compared to anything, the award winning Murano is a decent reference. Of course the Concept S is about half the size and conceptually the antithesis of an SUV, especially inside where its cargo capacity is next to nil if all

Navigation system meets video game. (Photo: Suzuki)

four occupants are in place. Just the same its rear seats split and fold flat for larger items, making it as utilitarian as most subcompact hatchbacks.

But load capacities wouldnt be part of the sales pitch to potential buyers if the racy runabout were produced. Aligning with the insatiable passion for technology found in todays youth, Suzuki has packed in a truckload of gear.

High on the wow-factor list is the cars Advanced Navigation System. The video-game-like system automatically follows predetermined routes downloaded from the Internet or via email. It also allows live communication with other vehicles that use the system, plus exchanges

Sci Fi fans will love the fingerprint authorization. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

data while locating the positions of the cars its talking to on its infotainment monitor.

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