Suzuki Raider Breed Wars: The Quarter Mile Battle • Third Leg

Suzuki Philippines, one of the leading motorcycle brands in the country, is bringing drag racing to a legal venue by staging the Suzuki Raider Breed Wars: The Quarter Mile Battle.

Aware of the dangers posed by illegal drag racing which is usually held in open roads at night, Suzuki organized the Raider Breed Wars to give drag race enthusiasts a legal and proper venue to showcase their skills.

The first leg kicked off last May 30, on the Old Airport Road Km 10, Sasa, Davao City,  and attracted a crowd of more than 5,000 riders, racers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Mindanao. The second leg, held at the Clark Speedway, Pampanga, on July 4, was targeted at motorcycle fans from the northern Luzon area. 

The third leg is scheduled for October 10, at the South Reclamation Project in Cebu City, and is expected to attract riders from the Visayas.  The fourth leg will be on November 7, at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Batangas City, with competitors expected from southern Luzon and Bicol regions.

The top two finalists in each category from all the different legs are expected to vie for championship honors in the Final War to be held on December 5, in Manila.

Considered as the bestselling range in the Suzuki motorcycle line-up, the Suzuki Raider motorcycles have a strong following in the sporty underbone category, particularly among those who expect high-performance features in an affordable package.  The three variants in the Suzuki Raider Breed line-up — Raider R150, Raider J Pro and Raider J — showcase advanced features and innovations in safety, reliability and performance, making them the new leaders of the motorcycle pack in the market today.

Suzuki Jimny: High-Performance Off-Roader

The Suzuki Jimny is often described as an off-road icon, and is recognized as Suzuki’s first global success, allowing the Japanese vehicle manufacturer to carve out a niche among 4x4 enthusiasts.

First introduced in 1970 as the LJ10, the Suzuki Jimny celebrates 40 successful years as a bestselling compact 4x4 vehicle.  The current model 2005 Jimny has been completely redesigned to offer strong off-road performance with sophisticated styling.   

A four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC 1300cc engine delivers maximum output of 81hp @ 5500rpm and maximum torque of 110Nm @ 4500rpm.  Noted for its quick response and high fuel-efficiency, the Jimny’s M13A engine is teamed with Drive Action 4x4 to deliver reliable performance for extreme driving challenges.  Its Drive Action 4x4 allows shifting between 2WD and 4WD mode while driving, for quick response to road surface and weather conditions.  

Probably the most outstanding characteristic that has made the Suzuki Jimny a world-renowned off-road vehicle is its legendary durability.  Suzuki’s patented ladder type frame provides a solid foundation for the chassis, while its rigid three-section design ensures a stable, quiet ride.  A three-link suspension with coil springs and rigid axle provides a high level of riding comfort.  Front disc brakes paired with rear leading and trailing drum brakes deliver adequate stopping power.

Despite its hardy exterior, the Suzuki Jimny is stocked with comfort amenities such as power steering, air-conditioning, console box with cupholder, and luggage compartment undertray.  Seating is for four adults, with full flat reclining seats and separate folding rear seats.  

The Suzuki Jimny is available in two trim levels, the base JX model and the deluxe JLX model.  The Jimny JLX has standard fog lamps, alloy wheels, roof rail, power windows, central door locks, electric side mirrors, and digital trip meter.

The Jimny JX M/T retails for P 698,000 while the Jimny JLX is priced at P750,000 for the manual transmission and P805,000 for the automatic transmission. All three variants are available from 19 Suzuki automotive dealers nationwide.

Suzuki Grand Vitara evolves into an urban cross-country vehicle

Since its debut in 1988, the Suzuki Vitara has remained true to its development concept as an “urban cross-country vehicle.”  The first-generation Vitara made its mark with excellent off-road capabilities and automotive engineering,  thereby strengthening Suzuki’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, fuel-efficient, and well-built workhorses.

From that original hardy off-roader, the current third-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara has evolved into a more refined performer that excels in a wide variety of situations.  In keeping with its urban cross-country concept, Suzuki engineers focused on improving the Grand Vitara’s efficient performance, practical urbanity, and ease of use.

For the Philippine market, the Suzuki Grand Vitara configuration is a 2.4L 4x2 AT model CBU from Japan, in response to the local demand for an SUV adapted to city driving while delivering both improved fuel efficiency and power.  This sports utility vehicle features a front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission drive train.  It is powered by a fuel-efficient, 2.4L 16-valve gasoline engine that delivers maximum power of 164hp @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 225Nm @ 4000rpm.  

Carrying on Suzuki’s traditional strong stance and engineering, the Suzuki Grand Vitara’s unibody construction delivers improved body rigidity, handling and safety.  In addition, it incorporates Suzuki’s built-in ladder frame design for enhanced durability. Four-wheel independent suspension with McPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension ensure riding comfort.  

A dignified exterior  with an edgy visual strength and presence, a new front grille and bumper design, as well as new, five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels make the Suzuki Grand Vitara a commanding yet refined presence on the road. 

The Suzuki Grand Vitara features a host of standard features not usually found in the compact SUV class.   Sure to delight audiophiles is a sophisticated audio system with MP3 playback, front auxiliary jack and 4 speakers and steering wheel mounted controls.  A fully-automatic climate control system provides utmost comfort even during the hottest summer days.  Power windows, power door locks, power side mirrors and keyless entry are standard.  The new meter cluster incorporates an information center that gives you the time, temperature, fuel consumption and fuel range.  

In the Philippines, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4L 4x2 AT is offered in three colors — Bluish Black 3, Silky Silver Metallic, and Pearl White.  It is attractively priced at P1,275,000, and is available from a network of 19 Suzuki automobile dealers nationwide.

P-Noy @ PIMS


President Benigno C. Aquino with Suzuki President Satoshi Uchida at the Suzuki display during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show held at the World Trade Center last 19 August 2010. On display was the Suzuki Kizashi Sports Concept car, as well as current models available in the Philippine market, namely the Celerio, Swift, APV Type II, Grand Vitara 4x2 and the newly-launched SX4 Aero & SX4 Crossover.