Suzuki looks at new compact SUV for us

Suzuki will unveil its new concept C-segment crossover at next month’s Geneva motor show. The car is based on the S-Cross design which was first introduced at the Paris motor show last September.

It will be the first time Suzuki attempts to crack the crowded compact SUV market, and, if it does make it Down Under, will be competing with the popular Hyundai ix35 and the Nissan Dualis.

As Carsguide reported last October, the concept SUV is ready for production and is expected here late next year or early 2014, a spokesman for Suzuki Australia says. “Europe will get the car first, then we've said we definitely want it,” says company spokesman Andrew Ellis.

Suzuki are keeping the specifications for the Australian model under tight wraps, with Suzuki Australia claiming they don’t even know what the new concept SUV will sport. A release date for Australia is still in the air, but Ellis tells us “With a bit of luck we should see it here by the end of the year.”

Suzuki says the new vehicle will boast classic crossover design, with a roomy interior and one of the largest luggage areas in the market. For European markets it will be built in Hungary, with the engine expected to be a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine supplied by Fiat. The Australian version however, is tipped to be powered by a petrol engine.

Full global specifications and European release date look to be announced officially at the motor show next month, but in the meantime Suzuki says to look forward to an advanced AWD system, roomy interior and great fuel economy.