Suzuki Skydrive: Futuristic scooter design

Since its formal introduction in the Philippine market last November 2009, the Suzuki Skydrive has exceeded sales projections, confirming this revolutionary scooter’s appeal among Filipino riders. Small wonder, as the Suzuki Skydrive features an exciting futuristic design that is setting another trend in the motorcycle industry,


The Suzuki Skydrive’s development concept gives us clues to this scooter’s charisma. Taking on the challenge to design a scooter that would implement the most advanced technology features, the design team created a concept bike that was aerodynamic, very agile and comfortable with adjustable honeycomb-style seats. Two SD concept bikes were exhibited at the 2008 Bangkok Motor Show, and created a buzz with their revolutionary looks. Public perception judged the SD prototypes as the first-ever Japanese scooters that managed to dethrone the Italian style.


By 2009, Suzuki was ready to launch the mass market version, calling it the Suzuki Skydrive. It features a 125cc 4-stroke, air-cooled, E10 gasoline compatible, SOHC engine that can generate a total horsepower of 9.4ps @ 7500rpm. Optimal engine combustion is assured by the patented Suzuki Jet Cooling System (SJCS) and Pulsed Secondary Air Injection (PAIR) System. All these engine features are designed to make the Suzuki Skydrive the leader in performance and fuel economy.


Smooth acceleration was built into the Suzuki Skydrive through its aerodynamic styling, as well as its Super CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system. The brake system consists of front hydraulic disc and rear drum brakes. The oil-damped suspension system features a telescopic coil spring for the front and swing-arm type for the rear. 14-inch alloy wheels add to the Skydrive’s sporty look, while a stylish muffler guard contributes to rider safety.


The new Suzuki Skydrive is a fusion of traditional excellence and innovative technology. Its head-turning looks bring together a sleek aerodynamic body marked by a revolutionary multi-reflector headlamp, sporty instrument panel, and convenient flat floor board. A magnetic key shutter provides added security and peace of mind for public parking, while an underseat compartment provides storage for personal items. Back riders will appreciate the die-cast rear footrest for more stable and comfortable riding.


The Suzuki Skydrive is being introduced at a very affordable P69,900 and is available in Pearl Mirage White, Candy Summer Red and New Titan Black.


Suzuki Bida Ang Toda campaign reaches out to tricycle drivers


On another note, Suzuki president Satoshi Uchida also announced that with the warm acceptance of the “Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida ang Toda” campaign among tricycle drivers and operators last year, the company will be going on another roadshow in partnership with its provincial dealers.


During the three-day campaign, tricycle drivers and operators are treated to a fiesta-like celebration which includes a stunt show, fun games, trike-khana challenge, a talent contest dubbed as Talentadong TODA, as well as a safety riding and preventive maintenance seminar.


Suzuki owners get free engine oil plus snacks and give-aways when they avail of the service campaign which includes free oil change and service check-up. Several test units of the Suzuki Mola 150 and Suzuki Mola 125 are also available for test rides.


According to Suzuki president Satoshi Uchida, “Because tricycles are the most common means of public transportation, especially in the provincial areas, we would like to reach out to tricyle drivers and operators through the Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida Ang Toda program. As transport operators, we want to help enhance their safety and preventive maintenance awareness through our seminars. At the same time, we want to show our appreciation by entertaining them with our games and contests.”


The Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida ang Toda campaign is set to visit the following cities in the coming months: May – Santa Cruz, Laguna; June – Tarlac, Tarlac; July – Tanuan, Batangas; August – Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; October – Gapan, Nueva Ecija; November – Tuguegarao, Cagayan; December – Roxas City, Capiz.


Interested tricycle drivers and operators may see posters and print ads for details.


New Suzuki automobiles in Philippine showrooms soon

The motoring rumor mill is abuzz with speculation about an exciting Suzuki vehicle that is due to launch very soon. Supposed to be an upgrade on the earlier model, this Suzuki sedan is expected to be sportier and more aggressive than its predecessor.
A sneak peek at Suzuki’s specification sheet promises a revolutionary look influenced by the latest European design trends. For motorsports enthusiasts, a rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels create the active lifestyle aura while a more powerful 1600cc engine with 110 HP and equipped with variable-valve timing (VVT) delivers a more efficient power band.
There is also speculation on whether Suzuki will be introducing the hatchback version of this Italian-designed vehicle, which is credited with contributing to impressive global Suzuki sales when it was first introduced to the international market in 2007.
Although Suzuki already offers a line of compact hatches in the Philippine market, this new Suzuki hatchback, once it becomes available is sure to create a stir as it is a hatch like no other with its higher ground clearance and built-in roof rails. Sporty, adventurous, compact yet roomy are some of the adjectives being bandied about this Suzuki crossover vehicle.
Suzuki vehicles are typically packed with features that are not normally found in similar models for its category. This philosophy of providing value-added products at a competitive price has strengthened the Suzuki value-for-money proposition, and this is expected to hold true for the new Suzuki models.
Set to hit the eighteen Suzuki automobile dealers nationwide, these new additions to Suzuki’s product line-up will definitely heat up the summer!

Coke partners with Gadgets Magazine for Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0

Coca-Cola Philippines has partnered with Gadgets Magazine, the country’s first tech-lifestyle magazine, to present Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0. In what is conceived to be a convergence of alternative media practitioners and bloggers, Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0 has adopted “Opportunity & Responsibility” as its conference theme. Scheduled for Saturday, 17 April 2010, at the Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0 hopes to stimulate discussions about issues confronting new media.
In much the same way that the Philippines was recognized as the world’s texting capital in the late 90s, Filipino netizens have established their presence in social networking sites. According to “Power to the People –Wave 3,” a Universal McCann study released in 2008, the Philippines can be regarded as “the social networking capital of the world”. The study, conducted in 29 countries, estimates that about 90% of Filipino users read blogs (second only to Korea’s 92%). It also reported that the Philippines has the highest percentage of photo uploaders and web video viewers.
Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0 will tackle hot button issues about new media such as ethics, copyright concerns, and journalistic integrity. The keynote speech will focus on “The social and ethical responsibilities of new media.” Other plenary topics include “Optimizing the economic potential of your blog” and “Bloggers as media practitioners.” The morning session is expected to close with a facilitated discussion on “Crafting a blogger’s code of ethics.” Speakers include Gadgets Magazine’s Publisher & CEO Maribelle Alba, media personality Ira Panganiban, Yugatech’s Abe Olandres and Yvonne Chua from PCIJ.
The afternoon schedule of Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0 will consist of breakout sessions covering technology trends, gaming, mobile networking, photography, digital living, and health/fitness. Hosted by industry leaders, these sessions will showcase the latest advances in these fields.
Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0 is open to all bona-fide bloggers. Due to space limitations, we shall be limiting the conference to about 100 participants. Complimentary tickets are available for about 60 slots, after which a minimal registration fee of P2,500 will be charged to cover meals and the participant’s kit.
Pinoy_Blogfest 1.0 is presented by Gadgets Magazine in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines. Other sponsors include Toshiba the official notebook partner, Canon, Asus Technologies, TCL Sun, Isukoshi, Reebok, and LG Electronics. Media partners are Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM, NU 107, and ClickTheCity.com.
For more details about the event, please visit www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Suzuki Swift: sporty compact car

From the very early stages of the Suzuki Swift’s development programme, the company set out to produce a compact car based on a radical approach to design and development. Taking a more globally-oriented outlook, the Suzuki design team collaborated with European automotive professionals and ordinary motoring enthusiasts to create a class-leading vehicle with genuine worldwide appeal. The current Suzuki Swift gives an exciting glimpse into the new ideas and design approaches that will shape new Suzuki automobiles in the coming years, embodying Suzuki’s unique DNA as a successful compact car developer as well as a top motorcycle brand.
More eye-catching, sportier, more refined, more user-friendly, and more fun to drive than any other compact car, the Suzuki Swift has been a runaway success in the highly-competitive Japanese and European markets. Introduced as a global car, it is produced in Hungary, India, Japan and China, and has received a four-star rating (out of five) in the EuroNCAP crash tests.
Sporting a 1500cc DOHC 16-valve VVT (variable valve timing) engine, that delivers maximum power of 110hp @ 6000rpm, the Suzuki Swift strikes the optimum balance between power and fuel efficiency. Excellent handling ability marks the Suzuki Swift’s rally heritage, with McPherson strut front suspensions and torsion beam rear suspensions ensuring a stable and comfortable ride. Power-assisted steering and small 4.7m turning radius make the car a breeze to drive and park in tight city streets. Passenger safety is further assured with dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, side impact beams, and 3-point ELR seatbelts.
Designed as a sporty compact car, the Suzuki Swift features an aerodynamic and distinctive silhouette that is sure to turn heads. Multi-reflector halogen headlamps and front foglamps create a racy profile when matched with tires mounted on 15-inch alloy wheels.
A sophisticated instrument panel includes the usual tachometer and digital trip meter, and mounted on the dashboard is the information center which houses the digital clock, outside temperature and fuel consumption meter. The plush 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio switches conveys a touch of luxury for driving pleasure.
The young urbanite will delight in the comfort and convenience features of the Suzuki Swift, which add to its cachet as a sporty compact car. Power windows, power side mirrors, a pollen filter, keyless entry, and an integrated audio system with in-dash CD, MP3, auxiliary port and 6-speakers come standard in this sporty compact car.
The cabin is surprisingly roomy, belying its 3695mm x 1690mm x 1500mm (L x W x H) dimensions. Comfortably seating 5 adults, the rear seats can be folded down to create additional cargo space. Small items can be stored in front and rear cupholders, front door pockets, passenger seat back pocket, and passenger seat under tray.
In the Philippines, the Suzuki Swift is available in manual transmission, priced at P730,000, and automatic transmission retailing for P 770,000. Catering to the young, sporty individual, it is offered in five color choices including pearl supreme red, silky silver metallic, pearl white, bluish black pearl and kashmir blue.
Relying on performance, quality, value and high-technology, Suzuki is one of the world’s largest car manufacturers.
The Suzuki Swift debuted in the JWRC (Junior World Rally Championship) in 2005, and has since enjoyed several winning moments. In 2006, the Swift won five out of nine events, and was rated as the best in the Super 1600 category. In 2007, P-G Andersson won the championship on the Suzuki Swift.


Suzuki Celerio wins nod of trendy urbanites; attracts no. 1 dealer Motortrade as corporate client

Since its introduction into the local market in mid-2009, the Suzuki Celerio has enjoyed better-than-expected sales as trendy urbanites quickly appreciated the value package of this fashionable sub-compact.
While marketed primarily for individual buyers, the Suzuki Celerio recently earned another corporate account with the delivery of 15 units of its automatic transmission variant to Motortrade, the country’s largest multi-brand motorcycle dealers with over 300 branches nationwide, and also the current number one dealer of Suzuki motorcycles. According to Motortrade President Thomas Ongtengco, the Suzuki Celerios will be used by the Motortrade Group of Companies for its collection managers and area managers in their fieldwork. The Suzuki Celerio was the brand of choice by this top corporation because of its great value for money, proven fuel efficiency and outstanding reliability. Features that Motortrade is all too familiar with having sold hundreds of thousands of Suzuki motorcycles in the past 40 years.
Designed for European sensibilities, the Suzuki Celerio is both practical and stylish, making it a popular choice among the young professionals and business corporations. Sporting a lightweight aluminum 996cc engine with multipoint injection, it is a proven fuel miser and an eco-friendly vehicle with low CO2 emissions.
Its aerodynamic body creates a drag coefficient of only 0.3, contributing to better fuel efficiency. Extensive European road testing resulted in coil springs and dampers tuned for optimum handling stability and an enjoyable driving experience.
Despite its compact proportions, the Suzuki Celerio ensures ultimate passenger safety, thanks to a strong cabin structure and energy-absorbing materials. Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, 3-pount ELR seatbelts and high-mount stop lamp complete the safety package.
Long drives are made more convenient with the Suzuki Celerio’s practical features, such as electronic power steering, power door locks, front power windows, and keyless entry system. An integrated audio system with MP3 capability auxiliary input and 6-speakers keeps you entertained on the road. Built-in front foglamps and 14" wheels with full wheel cap make this vehicle a looker.
A host of storage spaces such as front cup holders and rear door bottle holders, front/rear door pockets accommodate all the necessary driving gear. And, when you need extra cargo space, the rear seats can be conveniently folded down.
Remarking on Suzuki’s growing roster of corporate clients, Suzuki Philippines President Satoshi Uchida notes, “The main bulk of Suzuki car sales comes from individual consumers, but we are very pleased that fleet vehicle sales are also making a significant contribution to our total sales figures. I believe that because of our excellent value proposition, Suzuki is becoming the brand of choice for the fleet requirements of many private and government institutions. In particular, the Suzuki Alto and the Suzuki APV G.A. are very popular business models. We are optimistic that with our very affordable and value-packed Suzuki vehicles, we will be able to appeal to a wider segment of Filipino car buyers in both the individual and corporate segments.”