[against the wall]

anybody else besides me notice that this car kinda looks like the chops of the next gen rav4?

[anonms]

Wow. The new Escudo looks so beautiful, unlike my mom's old Sport Sidekick.

The new Swift and this new Escudo are so awesome (visually).l If only we had the Swift in the US instead of the stupid Daewoo rebadges.

[jro4566]

Here's some confirmed U.S.-spec features:

*2.7L DOHC 24V V6 5-speed automatic 4WD
*6-disc in-dash AM/FM/XM 7-speaker stereo
*Electronic Stability Control with Traction Assist
*side-curtain airbags with side-impact airbags
*optional leather interior with heated front seats
*optional SWT Appearance package

What MAYBE optional (eventually) are HID headlamps and DVD-based navigation system

And finally, it will supposedly be called the Suzuki X-2 (just like the concept).

[bakamono]

nice! Fit japan road

[neburg964]

This new Escudo looks like a real winner to me, somewhat like a RAV4 on steroids. I especially like the unibody-on-ladder-frame construction and a genuine 4WD system.

Plus, the fact that the engine is longitudinally mounted, and the transmission is right where it should be, makes this truck even more appealing to me.

For those who think this is just a RAV 4 clone, here are some stats. These are taken from the X2 Concept as compared to a RAV 4L with the optional larger tires. The numbers are presented as "Suzuki vs. Toyota":

Overall Length 176 inches vs. 167.5 inches
Overall Width 74.4 inches vs. 70.3 inches
Overall Height 66.7 inches vs. 65.7 inches
Wheelbase 103.9 inches vs. 98.0 inches
Tread 63.8 inches (front) vs. 60.0 inches
64.6 inches (rear) vs. 59.8 inches

Now, I just need to find out how roomy it is inside. If I can fit comfortably, I think we have a winner!

Modified by neburg964 at 3:02 AM 5/17/2005

[megadethmartyr]

I see Nissan seats, Subaru steering wheel, RAV4 everywhere. Well, if you're gonna steal ideas, might as well steal from those having good luck with them. No way in hell do they sell that many though. Whoever set that estimate should be fired. Gradual increases people.

[thainogkok]

I heard that it will hit u.s. showroom in this july, is that true?

[jro4566]

Quote, originally posted by thainogkok »

I heard that it will hit u.s. showroom in this july, is that true?

In the U.S., expect to see it around September (my guess) since that's when most Suzuki vehicles are launched in the U.S.

I really think Suzuki has a winner here. With a name not tarnished like the Sportage, better styling and gas mileage than the Tuscon, along with the same, if not more, features makes a great compact sport ute!

[Andre]

Quote, originally posted by carfan223 »

anybody else besides me notice that this car kinda looks like the chops of the next gen rav4?

I worked with Brenda Priddy to identify which car this was, we both thought it was the RAV4 reskin after lining up photos and the greenhouse seemed the same. Then we called it a night. She cross referenced witrh someone from Toyota who said it wasn't a Toyota, we ended up having to compare number plates from her spy shots to those on press sites to disckover it was a Suzuki.... That was a long day.

[Nurburgring]

jUst a quick fact,
the new XL7 will use the Equinox/Torrent platform.