Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Suzuki GSX-R ejector seat causes dangerous motorcycle accident]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/suzuki-gsx-r-ejector-seat-causes-dangerous-motorcycle-ride/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/suzuki-gsx-r-ejector-seat-causes-dangerous-motorcycle-ride/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/suzuki-gsx-r-ejector-seat-causes-dangerous-motorcycle-ride/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



With motorcycle riding weather finally here, most bikers have been itching to hit the open road with their pals and even take a few lucky passengers along for the ride. The terrified female passenger seen sitting on the back of this customized Suzuki GSX-R (pictured above) doesn't seem too impressed when she's suddenly tossed off the back seat and dangerously caught by the bike's oversized rear wheel!

According to the video description, the girl was lucky enough to walk away with only minor road rash and some ripped clothing after the accident. Thankfully, the owner of the ridiculously stretched sportbike was able to act fast during the "ejector seat" mishap, which certainly helped him prevent the almost deadly disaster from being much worse.

Click here to watch how it all went wrong on this horrific joyride.


Gallery: Top 10 most insane motorcycle stunts

Continue reading Suzuki GSX-R ejector seat causes dangerous motorcycle accident

Suzuki GSX-R ejector seat causes dangerous motorcycle accident originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accidentejectejector seatfailmotorcyclemotorcycle crashmotorcycle failsuzukisuzuki gsx-r Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20544368/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/suzuki-gsx-r-ejector-seat-causes-dangerous-motorcycle-ride/20544368/article-detail.xml 20544368 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dangerous-motorcycle-ride-fail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dangerous-motorcycle-ride-fail.jpg <![CDATA[Four seniors to drive around world in pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs for charity]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/#comments Filed under: , , ,

The Ultimate Challenge Suzuki Jimny

Plenty of us here at Autoblog have designs for epic drives. Whether it's bouncing around the country in an old International or heading from Alaska to Chile on a bike, we like to think we have big aspirations. Or at least we did until we heard about these four gentlemen. You see, Leslie George Carvall, Alan Butler, Glyn Maher and Charles Scott are all in their 70's, and they plan to pile into a pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs and drive around the world. Sort of makes a hike across country seem like a trip down the block to the local corner store. They're calling it "The Ultimate Challenge," and they plan to undertake the journey for two reasons.

First, they want to prove that age shouldn't stand in the way of people doing what they want to do. Second, the group hopes to raise funds for the 'Heaven Can Wait I'm Busy' group, which aims to direct money toward worthy charities both in the UK and around the world. Save the Children and Oakhaven Hospice are the two currently designated charities.

The trip gets started in just three days, and you can head over to the effort's site to track their progress. The route should cover some 25,800 road kilometres (16,500 miles) and 16,700 nautical kilometres (10,375 sea miles). You can also catch up with the project on Facebook.

Scroll down to watch how one senior citizen plans to travel the world in his one-man sailboat.

Gallery: Suzuki Carry Zombie Apocalypse Vehicle




Continue reading Four seniors to drive around world in pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs for charity

Four seniors to drive around world in pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs for charity originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bucket listbucket-listBucketListdrive around the worldelderly driver accidentelderly drivingElderly peopleheaven can wait im busyseniorshoppingsuzukisuzuki jimnythe ultimate challenge Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20523110/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/20523110/article-detail.xml 20523110 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/the-ultimate-challenge-01-1364394430_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/the-ultimate-challenge-01-1364394430.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki to stop selling cars in Canada after filing bankruptcy in US last year]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/suzuki-to-cease-operations-in-canada-after-filing-chapter-11-in/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/suzuki-to-cease-operations-in-canada-after-filing-chapter-11-in/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/suzuki-to-cease-operations-in-canada-after-filing-chapter-11-in/#comments Filed under: , , ,



As of today, Suzuki Canada Inc. (SCI) has announced they will no longer be selling automobiles after the 2014 model year. While this might not come as a shock since American Suzuki Motor Corporation declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US back in November, we were assured Canadian operations would not cease.

Suzuki Canada had some periods of success in this country since 1973 (started selling cars in 1980) but more recently their marketshare dwindled in the SUV and hatchback market and is virtually non-existent for the Kizashi sedan. SCI will continue to honour warranties as well as provide parts and service for their vehicles sold in the future and those still on the road. Owners can obtain warranty and dealer updates on the Suzuki Canada site.

SCI is planning to focus the business on it's highly successful motorcycle, power sports and marine divisions. So rest assured your GSX-R or Hayabusa needs will still be met.

We'd like to take a moment and pay homage Suzuki's first offerings here, the quirky LJ80 and later the SJ410 and Samurai. When it came to 4x4 fun, reliability and a real personality, one didn't have to look much further than these underpowered tin cans. Thanks for the memories and yes those are my old '88 JX and '87 JX Longbody pictured above circa 1994.

Gallery: Suzuki SX4

Continue reading Suzuki to stop selling cars in Canada after filing bankruptcy in US last year

Suzuki to stop selling cars in Canada after filing bankruptcy in US last year originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> suzuki bankruptcysuzuki canadasuzuki samurai Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20519160/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/suzuki-to-cease-operations-in-canada-after-filing-chapter-11-in/20519160/article-detail.xml 20519160 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sammis-1364333150_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sammis-1364333150.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Suzuki SX4 launches in Geneva, looks eager to come to Canada (w/video)]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2013-suzuki-sx4-geneva-video-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2013-suzuki-sx4-geneva-video-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2013-suzuki-sx4-geneva-video-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

2013 Suzuki SX4 - live on show stand at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

This is Suzuki's all-new SX4 crossover, making its official debut here at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. You may recall the little SX4 as the cheapest all-wheel-drive car on sale in Canada, packing cute styling in efficient, affordable packaging. And it doesn't appear that the formula has changed too much for this new generation, given that the SX4 retains its all-wheel-drive and frugal ways.

The new SX4 is powered by a choice of two 1.6-litre engines - one diesel, one petrol - the former mated to a six-speed manual transmission while the latter uses a CVT with a "seven-speed manual mode" operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles. The all-wheel drive system now has four driver-selectable modes and the "Allgrip" name.

Suzuki is touting the SX4 as having the world's first double sliding glass sunroof, offering "the largest opening areas" in the segment. Overall, the updated interior looks nicely designed and quite functional, though not exactly a shining beacon of refinement.

No word yet on timing, but the new Suzuki SX4 will be making its way to Canadian shores to deliver its all-wheel economy in a new shape. Take a look at the new SX4 in our high-res image gallery above and scroll down to view the SX4 in action, then check out the official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Suzuki SX4 launches in Geneva, looks eager to come to Canada (w/video)

2013 Suzuki SX4 launches in Geneva, looks eager to come to Canada (w/video) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 suzuki sx4genevageneva 2013geneva motor showsuzukisx-4sx4video Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20490968/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/2013-suzuki-sx4-geneva-video-2013/20490968/article-detail.xml 20490968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-suzuki-sx4-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-suzuki-sx4-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Ford, Toyota clean up in Best Car For The Money Awards]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/ford-toyota-clean-up-in-best-car-for-the-money-awards/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/ford-toyota-clean-up-in-best-car-for-the-money-awards/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/ford-toyota-clean-up-in-best-car-for-the-money-awards/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



The U.S. News Best Cars for the Money Awards picks winners by looking at the average transaction price, five-year total cost of ownership, the regard a car has from the automotive press, reliability figures from J.D. Power and Associates and safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The result, according to the magazine, is "the best combination of critical acclaim and long-term value."

Ford nabbed six of the 21 categories that received awards this year, the Focus, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Taurus, Escape and Edge getting trophies. Toyota and its Lexus and Scion sub-brands took another five, the Tacoma and Tundra owning the two categories given to pickup trucks. The other ten awards were split between Honda with three, Buick with two, and one each for Subaru, BMW, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Mazda.

Follow the link to see all the winners and read about why they were chosen.

Continue reading Ford, Toyota clean up in Best Car For The Money Awards

Ford, Toyota clean up in Best Car For The Money Awards originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acuraawardsbest car for the moneybmwbuickchevroletfordhondahyundaiiihslexusmazdanhtsascionsubarutoyotau.s. newsus news Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20473453/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/ford-toyota-clean-up-in-best-car-for-the-money-awards/20473453/article-detail.xml 20473453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fordfocusus-newsaward_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fordfocusus-newsaward.jpg <![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton steals Top Gear fastest lap time from Vettel (w/video)]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/lewis-hamilton-steals-top-gear-fastest-lap-time-from-vettel-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/lewis-hamilton-steals-top-gear-fastest-lap-time-from-vettel-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/lewis-hamilton-steals-top-gear-fastest-lap-time-from-vettel-w-v/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



It appears that when Formula 1 racers have won it all in the form of F1 world championships, they move on to more jovial, juvenile matters - say, Top Gear's "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" challenge. Top Gear has long had a separate time board for F1 drivers, since they evidently drive on a different planet from mere mortals.

Lewis Hamilton has twice taken a stab at the quickest time - his first attempt came in the wet wherein he managed a 1:44.7 around Top Gear's test track at the Dunsfold Airfield in the UK. Being a genuine racer, Hamilton wasn't satisfied with that time since Sebastian Vettel had set a quicker 1:44.0 - albeit in the dry. Making a second appearance on the show, Hamilton managed a dry lap time of 1:42.9 - besting Vettel's lap by a full second.

Previous F1 drivers to grace Top Gear's time board include Rubens Barrichello who managed a 1:44.3 and Nigel Mansell who did a 1:44.6.

And the "reasonably priced car" so savagely driven to the very limits of its physical being? A Suzuki Liana, which sports a very 'reasonable' 105 horsepower from its 1.6L inline 4.

"I'm really surprised," said Hamilton, "I was going to be disappointed in myself if I didn't do a competitive time." Unfortunately, this may be the last time the Brit manages any fastest laps for a while, as his recent move to Mercedes F1 team from McLaren F1 has lifted a few eyebrows - the Mercedes team has only won 1 race since 2010, while McLaren have consistently been fighting for titles while winning races.

To watch Hamilton's record setting Top Gear lap time along side Vettel's, click past the jump.

Continue reading Lewis Hamilton steals Top Gear fastest lap time from Vettel (w/video)

Lewis Hamilton steals Top Gear fastest lap time from Vettel (w/video) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> F1f1 driversf1 racersFormula 1Hamiltonlap timeLewis Hamiltonlewis hamilton fastest laplewis hamilton top gearracersSebastian Vettelsebastian vettel top geartop geartop gear fastest laptop gear lap timetop gear season 19top gear test tracktopgeartopgear fastest laptopgear lap timeVettel Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20466347/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/21/lewis-hamilton-steals-top-gear-fastest-lap-time-from-vettel-w-v/20466347/article-detail.xml 20466347 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/screen-shot-2013-02-19-at-9.23.37-am_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/screen-shot-2013-02-19-at-9.23.37-am.png <![CDATA[Suzuki teases production C-segment crossover]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/suzuki-teases-production-c-segment-crossover/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/suzuki-teases-production-c-segment-crossover/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/suzuki-teases-production-c-segment-crossover/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Suzuki c-segment crossover teaser for Geneva

Suzuki may be retreating from the US market, but its efforts to woo Canadian consumers and European buyers are still going strong. Witness as proof these shadowy teaser images of the automaker's new C-segment crossover that it plans to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Until the official debut, we've got just a few tidbits of information to report about the upcoming Suzuki. We're told, and can see, that the car has been modeled on the S-Cross concept car from the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Quite a bit of translation has happened, however, from show car to production form, as we see that the sweeping greenhouse of the S-Cross has been ditched in favor of a traditional pillared setup, large LEDs have moved from the lower front fascia to under the headlamps, and the grille is now much more in line with the rest of Suzuki's current range. The crossover is still painted in a faintly froggish shade of green, though, so the weirdness hasn't been completely leeched out.

We're also informed that the new C-segment offering will have an available a four-wheel-drive powertrain and one of the largest luggage areas in the segment. All of which strikes us as good stuff. Feel free to read over Suzuki's brief press release below and look at the images before speculating for yourself in Comments.

Gallery: Suzuki S-Cross Concept: Paris 2012

Continue reading Suzuki teases production C-segment crossover

Suzuki teases production C-segment crossover originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 geneva motor showgeneva 2013geneva motor shows-crosssuzukisuzuki c-segment crossoversuzuki s-cross concept Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20450600/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/suzuki-teases-production-c-segment-crossover/20450600/article-detail.xml 20450600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/suzuki-c-segment-crossover-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/suzuki-c-segment-crossover-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the facelifted 2013 Suzuki SX4 destined for Canada]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/this-is-the-facelifted-suzuki-sx4-destined-for-canada/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/this-is-the-facelifted-suzuki-sx4-destined-for-canada/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/this-is-the-facelifted-suzuki-sx4-destined-for-canada/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Suzuki SX4 facelift

The car you see above is, according to China Car Times, the facelifted 2013 Suzuki SX4. Canadians have always had a soft spot for the SX4 and are glad to see the entry-level 'ute get a significant update this year.

Changes we can see include aggressively resculpted lighting units, interesting mould lines on the front bumper cap, redesigned air intakes and unique trim fillets on the doors. Apparently, aren't any significant alterations under the new bodywork, Suzuki's 1.6- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines are expected to carry over to the new year, along with the current model's CVT and manual drivelines.

While Suzuki announced its recent plans to pull out of the US car market, Suzuki Canada continues to move forward with selling cars in our country and we expect to see the fresh faced SX4 hit showrooms shortly.

Continue reading Meet the facelifted 2013 Suzuki SX4 destined for Canada

Meet the facelifted 2013 Suzuki SX4 destined for Canada originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 suzuki sx4changan suzukichinasuzukiSuzuki Canadasuzuki sx4 faceliftsx-4sx4 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20449304/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/this-is-the-facelifted-suzuki-sx4-destined-for-canada/20449304/article-detail.xml 20449304 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/sx4-facelift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/sx4-facelift.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the safest cars of 2013]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/meet-the-safest-cars-of-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/meet-the-safest-cars-of-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/meet-the-safest-cars-of-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed its annual list of Top Safety Picks, an award that highlights automobiles it says offer "superior crash protection." A new and still more significant award, the Top Safety Pick+ honor, is given to those vehicles that earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five areas of measure. And while some 117 vehicles were given the TSP seal of approval for 2013, just 13 passed muster for TSP+.

To be fair, IIHS only evaluated 29 vehicles with its new testing procedures for TSP+ (we'd expect that the number of qualified cars will rise substantially for 2014). Luxury and Near Luxury midsize cars were the first groups evaluated, followed by midsizers in the Moderately Priced Cars category - unsurprisingly, it's only midsize cars that you'll find among the class this year.

Click here to view the 13 safest cars for 2013 and check out the IIHS press release and some more information about the methodology behind the institute's new Top Safety Pick+ testing.

Continue reading Meet the safest cars of 2013

Meet the safest cars of 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2002013 iihs top safety pickaccordaccord coupeacuraaltimaauto safetyavengerchryslerdodgefordfusionhondaiihsinsurance institute for highway safetykiakizashilegacynissaoptimaoutbackpassats60subarusuzukitltop safety picktop safety pick+volkswagenvolvo Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20416991/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/meet-the-safest-cars-of-2013/20416991/article-detail.xml 20416991 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/006-iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-1357310922_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/006-iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-1357310922.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki demand rises after announcing American bankruptcy]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/suzuki-demand-in-us-rises-after-bankruptcy/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/suzuki-demand-in-us-rises-after-bankruptcy/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/suzuki-demand-in-us-rises-after-bankruptcy/#comments Filed under: , ,



Following word that Suzuki is ceasing car sales in America, it appears that demand for the Japanese automaker's wares have increased in the US market. According to The Detroit News, American Suzuki Motor Corp. will import an additional 2,500 vehicles to quench demand that has jumped since the company announced that it was filing for bankruptcy and ending sales in America.

Dealers recently informed their sales personnel that no more vehicles would be produced and that this was the final push. With heavy incentives and a seven-year warranty as value-adds, November sales for Suzuki rose in November some 22 per cent, up to 2,224 vehicles. December sales also rose, but neither month's gains outweigh the long-term losses for the automaker. While Suzuki will sell roughly 22,000 cars this year in the US, it was selling about 120,000 annually before 2008.

As it stands, Suzuki will sell off the rest of its vehicle inventory, including the 2,500 additional units, and dealers will continue to provide parts an warranty work. With all of this negative news for the automaker, it's impressive to see an interest in Suzuki vehicles even with the imminent shuttering of its American car sales. As for Canadian consumers, Suzuki says they will remain open for business in Canada for the foreseeable future!

Continue reading Suzuki demand rises after announcing American bankruptcy

Suzuki demand rises after announcing American bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chapter 11suzukisuzuki bankruptcysuzuki motor americathe detroit news Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20411602/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/suzuki-demand-in-us-rises-after-bankruptcy/20411602/article-detail.xml 20411602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/first-drive-2010-suzuki-kizashi-sport_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/first-drive-2010-suzuki-kizashi-sport.jpeg <![CDATA[Happy Holidays from <i>Autoblog Canada</i>!]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/happy-holidays-from-autoblog/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/happy-holidays-from-autoblog/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/happy-holidays-from-autoblog/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Santa drives a BMW?

We'd like to take a moment to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas from the team at Autoblog Canada. We hope that your Yuletide is filled with surprise and delight, loved ones and friends, food and drink and safe travels wherever you're going. (A fun car on a twisty road to Grandma's house wouldn't go amiss, either.)

And now, for some completely gratuitous winter-weather fun, take a leisurely browse through our seasonally correct gallery of cars dashing through the snow. (A hearty thanks to our photographer friends at the automakers of the world, who make snowy shots like this a fun reality.)

Click here and enjoy.

Continue reading Happy Holidays from Autoblog Canada!

Happy Holidays from Autoblog Canada! originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cars in snowchristmasmerry christmas Tue, 25 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20410886/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/25/happy-holidays-from-autoblog/20410886/article-detail.xml 20410886 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/santa-bmw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/santa-bmw.jpg <![CDATA[It's a hard knock life for a Nürburgring rental car]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Rental cars get no respect. They're abused, misused and flogged mercilessly as athletes in Rental Car Olympics. And that's just at your everyday airport rental counter. The torture gets extreme for rental cars thrashed around Germany's infamous Nürburgring.

Rent4Ring expects its customers to drive its cars around the 'Ring with enthusiasm and, in some cases, less skill than the pros. Rent4Ring just recently retired its Suzuki Swift Sport from its fleet and shared the car's two-year-plus lifetime highlights.

The little hatchback made more than 2,800 laps of the 'Ring over three seasons amounting to more than 500,000 kilometres (310,000 miles) driven by 457 different drivers. "Some were fast, some were slow. Some were nice to the car, a few were frankly awful," says a Rent4Ring rep.

One of those drivers pegged the tachometer at a record (for this Swift, at least) 8761 rpm. The car did about 600 hours of spirited driving, and endured 168,000 gear changes for 180 million engine revolutions.

All that lead-foot levity came at the cost of only two clutches, 27 front brake pads, three brake fluid flushes, a new wheel bearing, a new alternator and battery, 52 Toyo 888 tires and four Goodyear Eagle F1s. About 1,847 gallons of 98-octane go juice.

To the Suzuki's credit, Rent4Ring says the car was never mechanically broken or crashed. Not only does it still drive like new, it still dyno's at 133bhp. The car isn't being scrapped or stuck on a used car lot somewhere but instead was bought by a Rent4Ring customer and should get several more Nürburgring laps before it goes to that big garage in the sky.

Continue reading It's a hard knock life for a Nürburgring rental car

It's a hard knock life for a Nürburgring rental car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nurburgringnurburgring rental carsrent4ringrental carssuzukiswiftswift sport Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20401038/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/20401038/article-detail.xml 20401038 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/suzuki-swift-sport-rent4ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/suzuki-swift-sport-rent4ring.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki Samurai lives on with new Jimny facelift]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/suzuki-samurai-lives-on-with-new-jimny-facelift/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/suzuki-samurai-lives-on-with-new-jimny-facelift/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/suzuki-samurai-lives-on-with-new-jimny-facelift/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Suzuki Jimny is "sold across 188 global markets," but one of them isn't ours. For UK buyers who can buy a Jimny in SZ3 or SZ4 trims, the 2013 model has just been introduced with tweaks peppered throughout the vehicle. First among them is a soft redesign up front, a new bumper, grille and hood updating the face and adding an extra 30 mm to the length of the little SUV. Breeze Blue metallic paint is a new hue but it's only available on the more expensive SZ4.

Inside, customers will find new headrests and ISOFIX child seat fasteners for both Jimny versions, and for the SZ3, new seat fabrics. The 1.3-litre engine with variable valve timing growls out 84 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of torque, returning 5.9L/100km (39.8 Imperial combined mpg) if fitted with a manual, 6L/100km (38.7 Imperial combined mpg) in the automatic.

On-the-road prices are £11,995 (CAD$19,062) for the SZ3, £12,900 (CAD$20,500) for the manual-equipped SZ4, £13,800 (CAD$21,933) with the automatic. More information can be found in the press release.

Click here for additional images and video.

Continue reading Suzuki Samurai lives on with new Jimny facelift

Suzuki Samurai lives on with new Jimny facelift originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 suzuki jimnyjimnysamuraisuzuki Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20380876/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/suzuki-samurai-lives-on-with-new-jimny-facelift/20380876/article-detail.xml 20380876 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013suzukijimny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013suzukijimny.jpg <![CDATA[Remembering Suzuki... and its funny commercials]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/remembering-suzuki-of-america-in-commercials/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/remembering-suzuki-of-america-in-commercials/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/remembering-suzuki-of-america-in-commercials/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Suzuki X90 Pez

American Suzuki Motors may be leaving the US market for good, but as long as the lights are on at YouTube, its commercials will stay behind to remind of the times we shared. We dug up nine commercials - sort of like a Time Life infomercial for an entire brand - and among the starring actors are the X-90 improving the 90s with the help of a Pez dispenser, the Peter Pan-ish Sidekick, Optimus Prime getting his pipes all smoked up over the 1987 Samurai and an XL7 that would have sold in the millions if its commercial were even half true.

We've also included a remarkably oddball eight-minute featurette/commercial about a giant Suzuki Swift.

You'll find the retrospective in the videos below. Enjoy.

Continue reading Remembering Suzuki... and its funny commercials

Remembering Suzuki... and its funny commercials originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> commercialgrand vitarakizashipezsamuraisidekicksuzukiswiftsx4videox-90x90xl7 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:25:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20373616/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/remembering-suzuki-of-america-in-commercials/20373616/article-detail.xml 20373616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/suzuki-x90-pez_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/suzuki-x90-pez.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki Motors remains in Canada, but files Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S.]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/suzuki-motors-remains-in-canada-but-files-for-bankruptcy-in-ame/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/suzuki-motors-remains-in-canada-but-files-for-bankruptcy-in-ame/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/suzuki-motors-remains-in-canada-but-files-for-bankruptcy-in-ame/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Suzuki emblem

Suzuki's recent announcement of filing chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings caught most of us by surprise. However, the bigger news is that Suzuki in Canada has said they will remain open for business for the foreseeable future!

Although new Suzuki cars and trucks will no longer be sold by Suzuki in the United States (once current supplies run out), it looks like Suzuki won't be laying off workers and closing dealerships north of the border.

According to Bill Porter, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, "Suzuki Canada has no current plans to discontinue automobile sales in Canada nor are we contemplating any form of court-supervised restructuring as they have done in the United States... Suzuki Canada, including its automotive division, remains fully open for business in Canada and will be honouring all customer commitments."

Meanwhile, American Suzuki Motor Corporation cites bankruptcy as a result of "low sales volumes, a limited number of models in its lineup, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the high costs associated with growing and maintaining an automotive distribution system in the continental US and the disproportionally high and increasing costs associated with stringent state and federal regulatory requirements unique to the US market."

Suzuki's plans in the United States are to "realign its business" and focus on its popular motorcycles, ATVs and the marine market, which will not be affected. Current owners of Suzuki cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles will have their warranties honored, and parts will reportedly be made available.

For now, Suzuki will continue to sell automobiles in other countries, including its home market of Japan. Click here for the full press release.


News Source: American Suzuki Motors Corp and Auto123

Continue reading Suzuki Motors remains in Canada, but files Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S.

Suzuki Motors remains in Canada, but files Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american suzukiamerican suzuki motors corpasmcchapter 11suzukisuzuki bankruptcysuzuki canadasuzuki chapter 11suzuki closing Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:55:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20373460/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/07/suzuki-motors-remains-in-canada-but-files-for-bankruptcy-in-ame/20373460/article-detail.xml 20373460 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/suzuki-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/suzuki-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki could disappear from new car market quickly thanks to low inventory]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/suzuki-could-disappear-from-new-car-market-quickly-thanks-to-low/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/suzuki-could-disappear-from-new-car-market-quickly-thanks-to-low/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/suzuki-could-disappear-from-new-car-market-quickly-thanks-to-low/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Suzuki Kizashi - red - front three-quarter view

Yesterday's announcement that American Suzuki has filed for bankruptcy is all but a death blow for the Japanese automaker's 246 US dealers, but if there's any good news coming out of the situation, it could be the fact that the whole process will likely be quick and painless rather than drawn out. WardsAuto is reporting that with the current inventory and average sales numbers so far this year, there figures to be about three months left for Suzuki's new-car business in the US given current sales rates.

In October, Suzuki sold 2,023 units - a five per cent increase over last year - but with just 5,549 left in inventory, it shouldn't take too long to wind down operations. Sales for the brand peaked 2007 with more than 100,000 units sold, but this year, Suzuki is barely on pace to reach a quarter of that amount, with just 21,188 units sold so far in 2012. In addition to poor sales, WardsAuto also notes that Suzuki faced problems due to its reliance on customers with subprime credit.

Suzuki will continue to sell motorcycles, ATVs and marine engines in the US, while the brand's cars will still be on sale in other countries including Canada and Mexico.

News Source: Ward's Auto, Cars.com

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading Suzuki could disappear from new car market quickly thanks to low inventory

Suzuki could disappear from new car market quickly thanks to low inventory originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american suzuki motor corporationkizashisuzukisuzuki bankruptcysuzuki closingsx4 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20372450/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/suzuki-could-disappear-from-new-car-market-quickly-thanks-to-low/20372450/article-detail.xml 20372450 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/03kizashisportreview2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/03kizashisportreview2010.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Scion FR-S Show Cars at SEMA

Scion made a huge investment in the 2012 SEMA show, and its spanking new FR-S coupe, by putting hundreds of cars in the hands of tuners. The result on the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is unmissable, as just about everywhere we turn we find another FR-S peeking out at us.

We tried to capture a large quantity of the coupes we saw on display, to represent just how thick on the ground they actually are. In the attached gallery you'll find a healthy percentage of the alleged 150-plus cars that made it to SEMA this year. You'll also find a smattering of Subaru BRZ models, too. Fair is fair.

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA

Pics Aplenty: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ show up en masse at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brzbrzfr-spics aplentyscionsemasema 2012Subaru Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:31:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20368420/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/pics-aplenty-scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-show-up-en-masse-at-sema/20368420/article-detail.xml 20368420 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/scion-fr-s-sema-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen drops "GTi" lawsuit against Suzuki]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/volkswagen-drops-gti-lawsuit-against-suzuki/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/volkswagen-drops-gti-lawsuit-against-suzuki/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/volkswagen-drops-gti-lawsuit-against-suzuki/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport - white - front three-quarter view

Way back in 2004, Volkswagen took umbrage with Suzuki being granted permission to use the nameplate "SWIFT GTi" for a performance variant of its small-car offering (2012 equivalent seen here). Now, eight years and surely some very steep legal bills later, VW has finally dropped its claim against Suzuki.

The General Court of the European Union stated, back in March of this year, that Suzuki's GTi registration could not be confused with VW's "Golf GTI." Volkswagen had appealed that ruling, though has now reportedly called off the dogs. In fact, Germany's Die Welt reports that the appeal has been dead for several weeks now.

This news comes amongst continued arbitration acrimony between the two automakers, all revolving around VW's forced divestiture of nearly 20-per cent stake it purchased in Suzuki some two years ago.

News Source: Reuters

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport

Continue reading Volkswagen drops "GTi" lawsuit against Suzuki

Volkswagen drops "GTi" lawsuit against Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car naminggolfgtisuzukisuzuki swiftswiftvolkswagenvw Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20337898/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/01/volkswagen-drops-gti-lawsuit-against-suzuki/20337898/article-detail.xml 20337898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/suzuki-swift-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/suzuki-swift-628.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki sallies forth with new C-segment crossover with fishy S-Cross Concept]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/suzuki-s-cross-concept-paris-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/suzuki-s-cross-concept-paris-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/suzuki-s-cross-concept-paris-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Suzuki S-Cross Concept

It's not what we'd call attractive, really, but at least the new S-Cross Concept is something fresh from Suzuki. Introduced to the world at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki says the pale green machine previews its upcoming production C-segment crossover.

We hope some of its fishier elements - according to Suzie, the specially created Crystal Green Metallic body color evokes "nature in the city and the city in nature", whatever that means - remain in the conceptual pond, but either way, it's good to see that the Japanese automaker hasn't lost its will to compete in a heated segment of the market. In fact, Suzuki promises that the S-Cross "will be the first in an ambitious program of annual European model launches which Suzuki will be starting in 2013. "

What are the chances we'll see a production version of this crossover concept in North America? Your Magic 8 Ball is as good as ours... In any case, feel free to view the photo gallery and peruse the press release.

Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Suzuki sallies forth with new C-segment crossover with fishy S-Cross Concept

Suzuki sallies forth with new C-segment crossover with fishy S-Cross Concept originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> c-segmentparisparis 2012paris motor shows-crosss-cross conceptsuzukisuzuki crossover Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20335158/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/suzuki-s-cross-concept-paris-2012/20335158/article-detail.xml 20335158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/suzuki-s-cross-concept-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/suzuki-s-cross-concept-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Next Suzuki SX4 spotted again]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/next-suzuki-sx4-spotted-again/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/next-suzuki-sx4-spotted-again/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/next-suzuki-sx4-spotted-again/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Suzuki SX4 spy shot - camouflaged front three-quarter view

Thanks to a sketch of the Suzuki S-Cross concept, we can already see the styling direction that the next-generation SX4 will take, and Suzuki is still hard at work on the production version of the car as evidenced by this latest batch of spy shots. These photos look almost identical to those captured back in July, but we see a little more detail at the rear of the car and get a better idea of the next SX4's proportions.

With the baggy camouflage lifted up at the rear of this prototype, we can see that the SX4 replacement has a very Mazda-chic look to it with downward-angled taillights that stretch into the liftgate. Aside from this, the big news is that we're finally getting a sense of the new SX4's size. Suzuki's press release attached to the Paris-bound S-Cross sketch said that the SX4 replacement would be growing to the compact segment rather than being a subcompact like the current car. Recent reports indicate that the next version of this car will be sized closer to the Grand Vitara, and in these pictures, you can definitely see how much the car has grown.

Still unknown is when we can expect to see the production version of the new SX4, or what will be inside it (available turbo power?), but hopefully Suzuki will not delay things like it did with the Kizashi and its numerous concepts.

Hit the jump to view our complete spy photo gallery.

Image Credit: CarPix

Continue reading Next Suzuki SX4 spotted again

Next Suzuki SX4 spotted again originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> s-crossspy photosspy picsspy shotssuzukisx4 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20316504/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/next-suzuki-sx4-spotted-again/20316504/article-detail.xml 20316504 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-suzuki-sx4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-suzuki-sx4.jpg -1 2