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Besides being one of the better known names in the motorcycle world, Suzuki has also been an innovative manufacturer of cars and utility vehicles. In recent years, it has come out with some smart designs that have proven to be a hit with customers.
Like every progressive manufacturer, Suzuki keeps looking ahead and investigates new concepts for vehicles it will sell in the next decade. One such concept which is said to be applicable for a broad variety of activities is the X-HEAD, an aggressive looking vehicle which looks like a futuristic pick-up truck.
The X-HEAD, described as a ‘cross-utility’ is said to have the DNA that reflects the rough-road performance and toughness of the Jimny and Grand Vitara SUVs and the load-carrying capability of the Carry van.
A key feature of the X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes. For instance, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which allows two adults to sleep in comfort, or it can be converted with a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility. Another load-bed unit offer side compartments for storage of activity gear while a fourth unit, called the Rescue, is intended for rescue operations and can be configured to carry a small crane.
The appearance, especially the aggressive front end, suggests this is large vehicle but it is actually 3750 mm long and 1695 mm wide – smaller than a Grand Vitara and just a bit larger than a Suzuki Swift. But its highest point is 1860 mm off the ground which is the same height as the APV.
For the concept, Suzuki’s engineers have proposed a 1372 cc DOHC 16-valve petrol engine which delivers power through a 6-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels all the time, with a limited-slip differential at the centre for maintaining stability on slippery surfaces.
Will Suzuki really put a vehicle like the X-HEAD in its showrooms? It’s not out of the question and according to a Suzuki executive at the Tokyo Motorshow where the prototype made its debut, response has been very positive and many people would like to own one. It would not be difficult to put it into production as much of the hardware already exists in other Suzuki models so the only question that the top management would ask is whether there will be enough demand to justify the investment in tooling up.
Panels on either side of the load bed can be used for storing equipment