Suzuki Rolls Out Green Compacts: 2011 Tokyo Auto Show

TOKYO — Japanese small-car specialist Suzuki will unveil a trio of green compacts at the upcoming 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, under the umbrella of "Small Cars for a Big Future."

Suzuki describes the Regina as "a vision of a next-generation global compact car." The oddly styled Regina weighs just 1,600 pounds. Thanks to a greater focus on aerodynamic design and the use of lightweight materials, the car is projected to deliver ultra-high fuel economy of at least 75 mpg with a small gasoline engine, with ultra-low CO2 emissions of 70g/km or less.

The Q-concept is a tiny pure-electric two-seater designed primarily for interurban use. Measuring just 98 inches long, the runabout is positioned between a motorcycle and a conventional car, with 1+1 seating that can be reconfigured for two rear child seats for young families or a cargo bin for small businesses. Suzuki says the car has a range of about 6 miles and is "handy for shopping, commuting, going to the doctor, transporting children, and all the other short journeys in everyday life."

The Swift EV Hybrid is a new "range-extended" derivative of Suzuki's Swift compact, powered by a small gasoline engine and electric motor, with energy stored in a compact battery pack. Range on pure electric power is up to 20 miles. The vehicle looks nearly ready for production and could be introduced in Japan in 2012.

Suzuki also will show the final production-ready version of the new Swift Sport that debuted in September at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Inside Line says: Suzuki's green vision appears to mirror that of several of its Japanese competitors.