The 1997 Suzuki UW-1 was a multi-purpose compact wagon with futuristic urban styling; the UW1 was seen at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1997. Central to the design of the UW1 are the concepts of improved cabin space, light, and visibility.
All of the UW1 windows - from the windscreen, sides, rear quarters, and the rear are made as large as possible to allow maximum light penetration into the cabin. Above the driver, a double sunroof opens to access still more daylight.
The UW1's four-cylinder DOHC fuel injected engine is mid-ship mounted under the rear of the long-wheelbase vehicle. The UW1's tires are placed at the very corner of the chassis, providing a spacious, fully flat cabin and luggage area.
Driver visibility is also aided by a unique "bridged" dashboard, allowing outside light to be drawn from above and below the shelf-style instrument panel.
The space-age dash also houses the vehicle's pull-down computerized nerve center, controlling the UW1's onboard navigation and safety systems, all operated from a center console command pod.
The LCD computer screen incorporates an advanced collision avoidance driver warning system, and radar forward monitoring equipment performs vehicle navigation functions and enables an anti-collision alarm.
Other safety features in the UWI include:
Dual airbags.
A reinforced cabin safety shell.
A technical design emphasis on a light and airy cabin to reduce driver fatigue.
The suspension comes from MacPherson struts up front and five-link coil rear suspension. Transmission is a four-speed automatic, in dial-type column shift configuration, mounted on the steering column.
The UW1 is just one example of the company design team's projections for the urban car of the future, as Suzuki strives to meet consumer needs into the next century.
Source: www.autowww.tokyo-motorshow.com; web.com.au
Images: Suzuki; www.ritzsite.nl
