JIMS 2008: HIGHLIGHTS Welcome to the Suzuki Way of Life
Suzuki is set to dazzle visitors to the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) with a full range of the brand’s automotive, motorcycle, quad and marine products.
To accommodate the giant display, which features several South African firsts, Suzuki has taken over the entire outdoor lakeside area at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, in the very centre of the show, and renamed it the Suzuki Way of Life World.
Passenger Cars and SUVs
For car nuts, Suzuki Auto SA showcases several exciting products. JIMS showgoers will be among the first to see new Suzuki Alto subcompact hatchback, only weeks after its world debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Featuring an eco-friendly, low-emissions design, the small but spacious Alto links striking exterior styling to brisk performance, while offering exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
The Alto is compact and lightweight, but without compromising interior space or occupant comfort. The styling is sporty and trendy, while the car convincingly expresses Suzuki’s uncompromising approach to quality, comfort and safety.
The Alto’s arrival is particularly relevant against the current backdrop of extreme financial pressure and looming global warming, which has focussed attention on the need for smaller, more energy-efficient cars. It will go on sale in SA during the course of 2009.
Also showcased at JIMS is the Suzuki Swift Sport – a more performance-oriented version of the Swift hatchback. Featuring a muscular 1,6-litre engine, short-shift gearbox and disc brakes all round, with hot hatch looks to match, the Swift Sport is a true pocket rocket that’s set to propel the Swift nameplate into the fast lane.
For motorsport fans, Suzuki is displaying the SX4 WRC that made its debut in the World Rally Championship this year.
This bespoke rally weapon builds on Suzuki’s championship-winning experience in the JWRC Series, and has already started making its presence felt in the highly competitive global series during what has essentially been a development year.
Suzuki is also displaying a concept car at JIMS. The X-Head made its debut at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show and combines the robust utility of a pick-up with the wieldy dimensions of a compact car. It can be configured for a variety of roles, and features four-wheel drive.
Motorcycles and Quads
Suzuki SA is bringing a full range of motorcycles and quads to the Suzuki Way Of Life World at JIMS. For performance fans, the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 superbikes will be of particular interest, while there will be some news of a brand new superbike flagship, too.
Those who like their bikes big and brutal will be keen on the B-King GSX-1300BK, while the other end of the scale will see the affordable and frugal EN125 commuter drawing the attention of those seeking to cut their transport costs.
The wild LTA750X sport quad will be only one of the full range of Suzuki quads on display at JIMS. Racing fans can have their photographs taken with the Rizla Suzuki pit girls while astride Suzuki’s limited-edition Rizla GSX-R1000 superbike.
Suzuki Marine
With an entire lake at its disposal, Suzuki Marine is pulling out all the stops to show its waterbound mobility solutions to JIMS visitors. The full range of Suzumar boats and outboards are on display.
Star of the marine show is the new Suzuki DF250SS outboard motor. The four-stroke big-block V6 is designed for key boating and fishing applications, and is one of the most advanced outboards ever produced by the marque.
Hugely powerful, the 4,0-litre powerplant features twin camshafts, dual intake manifolds per cylinder and compact dimensions, and is expected to change traditional four-stroke perceptions forever.
Suzumar boats on display include the impressive Twister 730, as well as the Barker and Bass Seeker ranges.
The Suzuki Way of Life World at JIMS offers a unique and invigorating display of mobility that sets it apart from the rest.
