SUZUKI

Suzuki to introduce new small crossover, which will be half the price of Duster

The Suzuki Hustler is a popular crossover in Japan that you will easily remember by its unusual retro-style appearance. The current generation has reached the point of no return and now it is up to Suzuki to decide - retirement or a new version.

Japanese media reports that the company is more inclined to the second option than the first and that it is already working on a new Hustler. At first glance, it is clear that it is a “kei-car”, or light car, the category of the smallest vehicles allowed on Japanese highways. These compact cars, microvans and pickup trucks are designed according to strict Japanese regulations that limit their size, engine capacity and power so that owners have tax and insurance benefits. They may not be longer than 3.4 meters, wider than 1.48 and higher than two meters, writes Mundoquatrorodas.

Its layout is expected to be similar to that of the Suzuki Wagon R, with a large touchscreen that supports voice recognition and a dashboard mounted above the center console.

Engine capacity is limited to 660 cubic meters, and power to 64 hp. The “Kei-car” category was introduced in 1949 to boost the automotive industry and provide affordable vehicles after World War II. They are popular for their economy, ease of parking and practicality in urban areas, often accounting for a third of new car sales in Japan.

An electric version is also expected...The car, which costs half the price of the world's best-selling Dacia Duster, will be presented in three power variants. One of its main changes will be a new mild hybrid system with a 48-volt starter-generator, which consumes an average of 3.7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. It includes a 660 cc naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine. In the future, the Hastler should also have a fully electric version, with a range of about 200 kilometers.

Externally, the car is expected to be similar to the eWX concept (pictured), which had a matrix radiator grille, C-shaped LED headlights, as well as a lot of plastic around the perimeter of the body. Inside, the compact crossover is likely to be updated almost beyond recognition. 

Autonews