Suzuki X-90: Small Format for Big Fun

On paper, the Suzuki X-90 looks like an automotive joke. A compact two-seater body, minimal practicality, controversial appearance, and a strange concept. However, in reality, this car evokes completely different emotions. Skepticism quickly gives way to sincere childish delight: the X-90 doesn't try to be rational, it takes with charisma, unusualness, and a sense of pleasure from the very fact of its existence. Especially when it comes to the rare Philippe Cousteaux Special Edition.

Suzuki has long been famous for its ability to make compact cars with non-standard features. Just remember the Cappuccino micro-sports car with rear-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution, and a transformable body, or the Jimny, which, despite its toy size, is a full-fledged frame SUV with a low range. Against this background, the X-90 became the brand's boldest experiment in the mid-90s - an attempt to combine the fun of a sports car with the capabilities of a real SUV.

The Suzuki X-90 was produced from 1995 to 1997 and looks even more exotic than modern design adventures like convertibles based on crossovers. With a length of only 3710 mm and a wheelbase of 2200 mm, the car is designed strictly for two. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated G16A petrol engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of about 100 hp, which is quite enough with a weight of just over a ton. A 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic were offered, and most importantly, a frame chassis from the Vitara with a rear solid axle, switchable all-wheel drive, and a low range.

Because of this unusual combination, the X-90 was often criticized. Some publications considered it "neither fish nor fowl," and Jeremy Clarkson once called it the worst car in history. But such assessments seem too harsh, especially if you look at the model in the context of its time. In the mid-90s, the market did not yet know the crossovers familiar today, and the X-90, along with the early Toyota RAV4, looked like a bold and innovative product.

Inside, the Suzuki X-90 makes a surprisingly pleasant impression. The high seating position, excellent visibility, and simple analog instrument panel create a feeling of "automotive detox" after modern cars with screens. The ergonomics are intuitive, all controls are where you expect them to be. Even tall drivers feel comfortable in the cabin, and the range of seat adjustments allows you to stretch your legs and not bump your head against the roof.

The Philippe Cousteaux Special Edition, released in a limited edition of about 3,000 copies, stands apart. It features an extended body kit, original 16-inch wheels, and additional visual accents. It was this modification that the current owner ended up with, who began searching for a rare model back in 2018, traveling to many cities and reviewing many tired and unsuccessfully modified copies.

A suitable X-90 was found only in the fall of 2024 in the Rostov region. The car was in factory condition, without any collective farm alterations, with original paint and a full set of accessories. In operation, it proved to be reliable: expenses were limited to scheduled maintenance, and most technical details are available due to its relationship with the Vitara. The main difficulties are related to body elements and optics - they are rare and expensive.

Despite its modest size, the X-90 turned out to be surprisingly spacious. The trunk with a volume of about 240 liters allows you to transport luggage for travel, and there is additional space behind the seats. The suspension with trailing arms and an A-shaped element provides good articulation and comfort, and the high ground clearance and all-wheel drive allow you to feel confident off-road.

The Suzuki X-90 is not about numbers, dynamics, or practicality. This is a car for emotions, which brings smiles to the driver and those around him, especially with the roof panels removed. It is rare, strange, and absolutely irrational, but that is its main advantage.

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