Published by Ash August 28th, 2008
in Chang'an Suzuki.
Suzuki are the kings of revamping their motors to give them an extra bit of shelf time on the market. Previously they upped the excellent Swift from a 1.3l to a 1.5l, and now the SX4 is getting the same treatment, from a 1.6 to a 1.8l model.
The 1.8l is part of a special edition SX4 that will only run for a certain amount of time. The exterior of the SX4 has pretty much continued with the same lines, however, the grill has been updated slightly which gives it a much more sporty look, it looks like the lower plastic chrome has been added around the front skirt as well.
The SX4 has had reasonable success so far in China, but with the small crossover market hotting up, the latest incarnation of the SX4 may well help it further against its nearest rivals, the Livina C-Gear, PoloCross, and the MG3 SW.
Published by Ash August 4th, 2008
in Chang'an Suzuki.
The SX4 is one of the more popular small crossovers on sale in China. The latest model has been slightly updated for 2008, the updates are quite tasteful and really enchance the looks of the car.
The exterior has been given new silver door handles, as well as nicer roof bars. The interior sees the most dramatic change, with the SX4 getting cool new twin tone seats.
Published by Ash June 13th, 2008
in Chang'an Suzuki.
Chang’an Suzuki make some great little cars, currently limited to the SX4 and the Swift, but we do like their abilities to re-invent the same car and keep it on sale no matter what! Truly ingenious!
Swift:
The Suzuki Swift has been on the market in China for roughly 4 years, in that time the engine has been increased from a 1.3 to a 1.5, various sports editions (note: two tone paint job) and now a summer special edition. The summer special edition is a 1.5l engined model, the Chinese motoring press said that the car has undegone some changes, but fails to list exactly what. Perhaps a new range of color schemes?
The Suzuki Swift has always been a China Car Times favorite, its cheap, it goes reasonbly quick, and its cute. We just wish the GT version would be introduced into China as well!
SX4:
The SX4 was introduced into China a year ago, it came as a small car with rugged looks, a decent interior all at the reasonable price of 120,000rmb, or $16,000USD at the time. If you look beyond China’s vast borders, especially to the USA where the SX4 could be had brand new for $14k with all wheel drive technology its no small wonder China Car Times didnt buy one. For 2008, Suzuki have installed a sunroof on the SX4, both on the hatchback and the saloon variant.
Suzuki SplashThe Suzuki Splash is the only new car from Suzuki this year, although we have to ask why they are planning to introduce another small car into China - perhaps it would be wiser to see some domestic production of their SUV range instead. The Splash is expected to go into production at the end of 2008, and will be on sale in early 2009. The Splash is expected to be cheaper than the current Swift (thus in the 50,000rmb range) and may well be a replacement for the WagonR, unless Suzuki plan to bring out the new WagonR via their Changhe joint venture. The Splash is expected to be packed full of safety equipment that is only usually located on mid range sedans, which Suzuki hope will attract more people to this model.
Published by Ash April 16th, 2008
in Chang'an Suzuki.
Chang’an have been making Bread Vans - aka Suzuki Carry style vehicles for ages now, they even managed to sell one million of the same model. Now it seems Chang’an are planning on making a larger MPV aimed at the business users.
It seems Chang’an may well be working with their partner, Suzuki, to bring the Japanese designed, but Indonesian built, Suzuki APV mini van to China.
Published by Ash December 17th, 2007
in Chang'an Suzuki and Chinese Car News.
The Suzuki Swift has been popular the world over, especially in China and India where low labor costs have made the Swift one of the cheapest cars on the market, is also a damned good looking car in its price range, when compared to the other competitors. Developing lands have always been favorable to sedans, China has the Tiida (versa) sedan, and the Fiesta Sedan, so will we get the Suzuki Swift sedan? We certainly hope not!
Click the above picture for a bigger version.
Published by Ash September 19th, 2007
in Chang'an Suzuki.
China Car Times always wanted a Suzuki Swift for himself, but unforunatly the 1.3 engine is a tad (very) puny for our long distance driving needs, however, Changan Suzuki have finally seen the terrible error they have made and have started to put 1.5 engines into the Swift. 1.3l engines are great for inner city travel but arent so great for doing repeated airport runs (a 100km trip for us) Its closest rival, the Honda Fit has a 1.5l engine and seems to outsell the Swift. Hopefully the Swift can make up some lost ground with the 1.5, pricing doesnt seem to high either and 80,000rmb to 100,000rmb depending on specs.
The Wagon R has been out for donkeys years, and its getting a bit long in the tooth - even in China where the first generation WagonR sells a lot but is starting to lose ground to more funkier looking designs (We’re thinking of the new Chevrolet range here)
Rumors are starting to circulate that Chang’an Changhe Suzuki are getting ready to make the newer, more up to date version of the Suzuki WagonR to increase sales in China. We hope its true, the new generation WagonR looks quite good (pictured, left) There is even talk of a 4WD edition. China Car Times will keep watching this one with a keen interest.
update: Thanks to Erik for point out that the WagonR is made by Changhe Suzuki and not Chang’an Suzuki. We got our Changs mixed up.
Published by Ash April 4th, 2007
in Chang'an Suzuki and Chinese Car News.
The Suzuki SX4, some kind of cross between a Suzuki Vitari and a Suzuki Swift, will have its pricing announced at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month. The SX4 sales in North America are going through the roof, probably due to its its low price $14,999 for a 142bhp 4×4 model complete with power door locks, power windows, power mirrors etc. Quite a bargain if you were to ask China Car Times.
Published by Ash March 28th, 2007
in Chang'an Suzuki and Chinese Car News.
Get ready for Landy! No, thats not the name of some hippy from the 60’s its Suzukis new MPV for the Chinese market.
This month will see its debut on the Chinese market, aimed at families who joint combined incomes is around 100,000rmb per year. A great car no doubt for Chinese families who want to take out both sets of in laws plus their kid. Those seats must come in great use, but imagine trying to turn a corner in the Landy at speed, it seems too be too high and not broad enough, like those little Suzuki jeeps that were famous for rolling over on corners.
We think the car looks really cool from the front, however its a bit long overall. Still, it is a cheap multi functional MPV - it can be used to carry people or it would make for a great cargo carrying vehicle. Smaller than a Ford Transit and probably a lot cheaper.
The Landy will cost 80,000 - 100,000rmb, and unlike the other Landys available in Japan the Chinese Landy will come equipped with a tiny 1.4 16v engine. The Japanese version contains a much more powerful 2.0l engine.
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