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Suzuki's Snub-Nosed Mini Rig

The Japanese carmaker's X-Head cross utility vehicle concept offers unique utility in a tough-as-nails wrapping

Suzuki's Snub-Nosed Mini Rig

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

Japanese manufacturer Suzuki has been crafting some pretty cool concept cars lately. The menacing Kizashi Concept Sedan previewed at the Frankfurt Show back in September.

There's more bold design in store for us at next month's Tokyo Motor Show when Suzuki unveils the Kizashi 2 and X-Head Concepts. Kizashi 2 is a more rugged, off-road version of the original concept that debuted in Frankfurt while X-Head is a chunky, Tonka-truck-like "cross-utility vehicle."

It seems the X-Head Concept is meant to serve as an all-in-one camper, rescue vehicle, and style icon. A main feature is that it can hold various load-bed units, which means that the rear section can be reconfigured for assorted purposes. The Camper allows two adults to sleep in comfort while a unit called the Fashion provides what Suzuki is calling "stylish urban mobility." The Rescue unit is designed for rescue operations in a wide range of road conditions. Specific details of how this would work in reality are still scarce.

Despite its absurdly high ground clearance (thanks to those monster tires), the X-Head seems compact. This blend of high ride height and dense vehicle dimensions makes for one tough-looking, stout workhorse. It's as if BMW's Mini brand took on a commercial grade tractor-trailer.

If you dig the rough and tough SUV aesthetic pioneered by classics like the Jeep CJ-7, Land Rover Defender, International Scout, and Ford Bronco, pray that Suzuki brings this very cool concept to life.

The Verdict: A snub-nosed mini-rig ready to traverse hell on a bad day.

Schwartzapfel, a certified car freak, has studied the automotive marketplace and worked as an advertising/marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works

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