“Rounded-corner squares” to break away from the Hustler image: the all-new Suzuki XBEE

Shifting to a “cool-cute” direction to make it a car chosen by all genders

Suzuki’s compact SUV, XBEE, has undergone a full model change eight years after its debut in December 2017. The scope of improvements is wide-ranging.

While the previous model’s design was highly regarded, it lagged in areas such as “features that make driving easier” and “fuel efficiency.” In response, the new XBEE switches its engine from the K10C 1.0-liter inline-3 turbo to the Z12E 1.2-liter inline-3 naturally aspirated unit, improving fuel economy by 25%. In addition, overall product appeal has been significantly enhanced with newly adopted features that improve safety and usability, such as the Dual Sensor Brake Support II collision mitigation braking system, an electric parking brake, and a steering heater.

So why make major changes focused on the front mask even though the design was well received? Market research showed that while the previous model had a strong image of being “casual and cute,” it scored low on “cool.” “So with the new model, we chose to redefine XBEE’s character. Rather than abandoning the ‘cute’ elements of the previous model, we sought to inherit that appeal while fusing in a ‘cool’ image that also connects to SUVs — shifting to a ‘cool-cute’ direction to create a model that people of any gender would choose,” says Koichiro Fukushima, who was in charge of the exterior design.

The new XBEE’s design concept is “Mind Safari — Find a New You.” It is composed of three elements: “Unique” and “Active,” carried over from the previous model, and “Slow,” meaning “taking one’s time to enjoy high-quality experiences that fill the heart.”

Based on those three elements, let’s look at the specific exterior design changes. First, “Unique (iconic graphics that engender affection).” Whereas the previous model used circles and ovals as motifs, the new model employs “rounded-corner squares” to create a more robust image. You can glimpse this in the line connecting the grille to the headlamps, the under-grille, and the fog-lamp bezels.

Particular effort went into the headlamps to achieve “an intensely expressive, highly individual look.” Within a fully blacked-out housing sits a circle-shaped position lamp with the upper section cut off, contributing to a distinctive face that is instantly recognizable as XBEE.

As for the “Active (moderate expression of toughness)” element, the raised center height of the hood and the increased body-color area of the bumper add mass to the face. The enlarged front grille adopts a dot pattern to express a playful sense of activity. Notably, instead of chrome plating, hot stamping (a metal-foil transfer technology) is used for the front grille, which prevents the emission of pollutants.

The aluminum wheels are newly designed as well. Higher trims feature wheels that combine machined surfaces with solid black, forming a tough motif inspired by XBEE’s “X.”

For the “Slow (generous, emotionally rich forms)” element, the plane curve connecting the front grille to the headlamps has been simplified to emphasize a generous, wide stance. Another point is that, whereas the previous model’s hood sloped downward at the front, the new model adopts a horizontal, forward-stretching design, creating a more elongated silhouette.

A warm, relaxing space with a premium feel

Next, we asked Kei Nakanishi, who was responsible for interior design, about the new model’s concept. “I think the previous XBEE delivered well against its original concept. But as times have changed, there’s been a growing demand for a more adult look. To answer that, we aimed for a warm space with a premium feel that allows you to relax.”

As with the exterior, the new interior underwent major changes guided by the three elements of “Unique,” “Active,” and “Slow,” aiming for an upscale, SUV-appropriate space.

Specifically, the interior features repeated “rounded-rectangle” graphics in various places; silver accents on a horizontally oriented dashboard that conveys strength; and resin ornaments that mimic leather and stitching. For the resin ornaments in particular, the team actually purchased chairs and studied leather and stitch construction to express furniture-like warmth, then reflected those findings in the design — a measure of how much effort went in.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of the new XBEE, the dashboard’s shift to a horizontal design seems to enhance the perceived sense of width. It also helps that the brown resin ornament is fashioned to run in a continuous loop from the dash around to the doors.

Another noteworthy point is the newly introduced two-tier center console — a first for Suzuki on higher trims. It allows smartphones and small items to be stowed separately on upper and lower levels. Practicality as a compact car has also been improved, with storage space in the middle of the instrument panel sized for a 630 ml plastic bottle or a tissue box.

New color “Mystic Blue” shows multifaceted expressions depending on the light

Finally, a note on color design. The new color “Mystic Blue” expresses the world of the “Mind Safari” design concept. Described as “a fantastical blue capturing the instant when fog lifts within a sea of clouds at dawn,” it presents a sophisticated air in the city and accentuates a tough character outdoors.

Color/Materials/Finish (CMF) designer Minami Takaira explains Mystic Blue’s characteristics as follows: “By basing it on a solid color and blending in a high proportion of large, glittering particles, we created a color whose impression changes greatly with the angle of light. When illuminated it shines brilliantly with heightened saturation; in shadow, saturation and brightness drop and it takes on a solid-like look that blends into its surroundings — a distinctive hue.”

A newly developed accent color, Warm Silver, has also been introduced on the new model. True to its name, it is a warm-toned silver used for the fog-lamp garnish and emblems. By deliberately keeping its usage area small, it stands out as an accent.

Inside, newly developed brown resin is used for the instrument panel and door trims. To reproduce the look of leather, the surface features an embossed stitch grain. High-luminance Warm Silver is used as an accent to create a cohesive feel with the exterior.

On vehicles equipped with the “Upgrade Package” available for the upper “HYBRID MZ” grade, the instrument panel trim uses a newly developed “Safari Khaki” paint to create a more premium, adult-oriented space. When light strikes it, yellowish particles sparkle to produce an emotional atmosphere.

The seats use a herringbone-pattern woven fabric. By intentionally orienting the pattern horizontally, the design emphasizes interior width while the finely tuned mélange effect creates a refined sense of ease. On Upgrade Package vehicles, new brown synthetic leather is used for the seat bolsters and door armrests.

Incidentally, the model name “XBEE” is a coined word from “X-over (crossover) to be,” meaning “a crossover that excites.” To deliver excitement even outside the car, a new line of apparel and goods has been introduced as the “Suzuki Collection.” It will also be interesting to see how users receive the new owl character inspired by the new model’s headlamps.