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2005 Suzuki Concept X-2

Could This Be the Next Grand Vitara?

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) has its afterburners on full thrust. In the course of just three months, it has created two fully operational concept vehicles to display at two of North Americas biggest and most respected autoshows, the large Concept X SUV, and the slightly smaller, but equally impressive Concept X-2 compact SUV.

Aside from Plan 357, the strategy which Suzuki has used to turn around its current product lineup in showrooms across the nation, the Concept X-2 ushers in the Japanese manufacturers new, customer-focused "Way of Life" philosophy.

"Way of Life" according to Suzuki is the way that the brand will develop and market its future cars and sport utility vehicles for its buyers,

The Suzuki Concept X-2 ushers in the Japanese manufacturers new, customer-focused "Way of Life" philosophy. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

which the company calls "Life Enthusiasts". "Life Enthusiasts", in short, are spirited, adventure-seeking people who live life in the drivers seat. The whole theory behind "Way of Life" is that Suzuki wants to improve the image of its cars; being reliable, safe and efficient just doesnt cut it any more. Modern consumers want excitement, so Suzuki will be injecting its future cars with the same sort of pleasure and joy that Suzuki ATV, motorcycle and marine

The whole theory behind "Way of Life" is that Suzuki wants to improve the image of its cars. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

products have been known to generate.

Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC, contributed to the new philosophy at the X-2s introduction, saying, "Before our designers ever consider specific product design or performance attributes, they are challenged to completely immerse themselves in the lives of the people who will eventually experience our vehicles." He added, "Instead of contrived solutions, the results are cars and SUVs that outperform their owners expectations, and add real enjoyment and excitement to their

The Concept X-2 draws on Suzukis SUV know-how, to deliver authentic 4x4 capability without compromise. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

lives." Its a pretty optimistic outlook, but one that could grant the success Suzuki needs, if executed properly.

The X-2 Concept falls into the compact SUV segment, an area that Suzuki is very familiar with. It essentially created the modern compact SUV segment, bringing go-anywhere toughness with affordability in the short-wheelbase Samurai, and later on, through the Sidekick, Vitara, Grand Vitara and XL-7. Since Suzukis early days in the SUV business, almost every rival manufacturer has entered the compact SUV segment, but the majority have traded off-road performance for civility and refinement

The Concept X-2 uses unibody construction, but one with an integrated frame specifically designed for off-road use. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

with car-based designs, and electronically-controlled four- or all-wheel drive systems. The Concept X-2 draws on Suzukis SUV know-how, to deliver authentic 4x4 capability without compromise.

Like most soft-roaders such as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the Concept X-2 uses unibody construction, but one specifically designed for off-road use. Inside the rigid monocoque chassis is a built-in ladder frame construction, much like the system featured in the advanced (and much more expensive) Land Rover LR3. The combination of the two brings the best from both the off-road and on-road world, allowing the X-2 Concept to tow heavier loads and perform better off-road, without having

Full-time four-wheel drive is aided by a transfer case with three traction modes, including high-range, high-range lock, low-range lock and neutral. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

the traditional high center of gravity, weak body structure and questionable road holding.

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