Suzuki SX4 News

Suzuki is rumoured to be working on a small SUV to slot underneath the Vitara and take on the likes of the popular Toyota Yaris Cross, Mazda CX-3, MG ZS and Hyundai Venue.

Call it what you will. The dreaded second-album syndrome. Pressure to make lightning strike twice. Or just blind dumb luck the first time around. Whatever it is, sometimes a follow-up doesn’t live up to the promise of the original.

Toyota-owned badge Daihatsu retired from our market in 2005, but a void in Toyota’s line-up could see some of the Daihatsu product return in the form of the small Terios SUV rebadged as a Toyota Rush.Toyota is keen to capitalise on a growing sub $25,000 compact SUV market segment. Sales are thriving, with a new Nissan Juke, Suzuki SX4, Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and Fiat Panda all joining the Mitsubishi ASX in the search for a slice of the market. Toyota doesn’t currently have a competitor in this segment, with the bigger RAV4 starting at $28,490.But Toyota has an advantage in this rivalry: It owns Daihatsu – Japan’s oldest car manufacturer and small car specialist. The first generation Daihatsu Terios sold in Australia between 1997 and 2005, creating the same compact 5-door SUV segment that is now thriving. But the current model never made it to our shores due to Daihatsu’s local retirement.Toyota has successfully sold the Rush in overseas markets for over a decade, and the current model since its introduction in 2006. It is powered by an 80kW, 141Nm 1.5-litre VVT-I engine, featuring a five speed manual and four speed automatic. But unlike other cars in this segment, it has permanent four-wheel drive and a central differential lock, which combined with short overhangs, gives the Rush more offroad credibility than most of its competitors.However, a two wheel drive version is also on offer, for buyers who prefer the extra height and space but not the extra capability of a small SUV. With a kerb weight of just 1180kg for the four wheel drive model, the Rush is a relative lightweight, which should help keep running costs low.If Toyota Australia decides to tackle the compact SUV market with the Rush, it will be the first time a car manufactured by Daihatsu is sold in Australia since 2005. However, a new Rush is expected sometime next year, featuring improvements to power, safety and refinement. This means it’s likely Toyota Australia will wait until then to introduce the Rush into Australian showrooms. 

The Japanese company is joining the lemming-like rush into baby SUVs. Just as everyone from Ford to Holden and Renault is pushing into the sub-compact class that's developing below models such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Suzuki is planning to reinvent its SX4 as a genuine SUV.Until now it's been a lightly-worked Swift wagon with all-wheel drive, but that will change when the iV-4 concept goes into production in 2014.A teaser shot of the iV-4 ahead of its public unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month points to a vehicle almost as large as the Grand Vitara, but with a much more car-like drive that will take it up against the Ford EcoBoost, Holden Trax, Renault Captur and others.It's part of a new-car push that includes a replacement for the baby Alto and also the S-Cross newcomer. But Suzuki is keeping tight wraps on the iV-4, even from its Australian crew. "We currently have no information," the Suzuki Australia spokesman, Paul Ellis, tells Carsguide.The preview picture reflects a new approach to styling at Suzuki, including what is likely to be a clamshell bonnet - similar to the Mini -  and a split grille with a new shape of LED running lamps. The side profile is typically SUV, with a practical back end and workable ground clearance.Suzuki fans cannot wait for the iV-4 and the rest of the brand's new models, after a product drought created by the Global Financial Crisis. "The last big launch we did was the all-new Swift in 2011 and 2012 with the Sport model. We're getting some product back in the veins again, which is nice," says Ellis.He confirms the new Alto as well as the SUV push. "Over the next couple of years we're looking at S-Cross, the new Alto and this compact SUV from the iV-4."The concept shown at Paris last year becomes the S-Cross and that will hopefully be here before year's end. Then we have the Alto and what comes from the iV-4. But we will have to wait another month even for the first look at that one."This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover

The move, dropping the sedan, reverts to the body shape with which it first launched the car in early 2007.  Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers says the sedan has fallen victim to the market segment's stronger demand for the hatch. “We've taken the sedan out of the range, the hatch market is so much stronger so that's the direction we're taking,” Mr Devers says.  “We're trying to keep the value in it, it's a competitive market out there, we're confident that pricing and the extra spec will help it,” he says. Mr Devers says the model update offers small car customers a value-for-money package and a new TV campaign in October will raise its profile.  “We need to increase SX4 volumes, we've maintained the lower price from earlier this year, and with added spec, so we're expecting a 20 per cent increase in sales, we know the two-litre engine is a ripper, we've just got to get a higher profile for the SX4,” he says. NEW LOOK Due in showrooms this month is the new model, boasting a facelifted front end, new-look alloys, new fabric seat trim and exterior rear vision mirrors with indicators. PRICE AND EQUIPMENT Pricing is largely unchanged, starting from $18,990 for entry-level manual, rising (like the rest of the range) by $2000 for the CVT version; $24,290 buys the S model, which is a CVT-only proposition. The all-wheel drive range starts at $21,990 for the manual or $23,990 for the CVT, while S buyers will pay $24,490 for the manual and $26,490 for the S CVT.  The standard features list now includes cruise control and Bluetooth, as well as power windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated controls, remote central locking, air conditioning, an eight speaker sound system, a trip computer, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and brakeforce distribution systems, six airbags and power mirrors. The S models adds 16in alloys, remote keyless entry and ignition, wheel-mounted gearshift paddles for CVT models, climate control, a touchscreen satnav with Bluetooth and voice activation and a USB auxiliary input. ENGINE The engine bay is still inhabited by the two-litre powerplant teamed with either a six-speed manual or a continuously-variable automatic transmission. SAFETY The little hatch boasts six airbags and stability control across the range and will also be available in two new colours - a metallic "plasma” yellow and boost blue, which is back on the colour choice list.  

The crossover now shares a common exterior look across its 2WD and AWD hatch range. The new 2WD model adds the same wheel arches and underbody fenders, while roof rails are now standard too. The range topping 2WD S model also adds the same stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, along with keyless start, cruise control, digital climate control air-conditioning, fog lamps, leather steering wheel, rear roof spoiler and a 9-speaker premium audio system. All models come with a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine, teamed with either a six-speed manual or the optional continuously variable CVT style transmission. All models come with six airbags, stability control and a four-star crash rating. The entry level model is available for a special introductory price $19,990 driveaway.

Suzuki unveiled the third and final Kizashi 3 sports sedan concept at the show today, which previews plans Suzuki has for entering the medium passenger car segment.Built as the ultimate Suzuki, its 3.6-litre V6 engine features plated cylinders, a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki’s MotoGP and World Rally Championship teams.The 220kW VVT engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive on 21-inch wheels.Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste - is a sign of things to come from the brand.“This concept represents a new direction for Suzuki in that it takes our expertise with smaller sporty vehicles and translates that into the midsized segment,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers “We believe Kizashi will break the mould of typical midsized or family vehicles, when it goes into production next year.”While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Devers said production of the new mid-sized sedan would begin in late 2009.For now, Suzuki has added more style and value to the award-winning Swift and SX4 AWD with the release of limited edition versions at today’s show.Inspired by Suzuki’s domination of the Junior World Rally Championship, a run of 800 Swift RE3s come with more than $3000 of extras including a sports bodykit, unique seven spoke alloy wheels, and unique RE3 floor mats and badges, priced at $16,990.Suzuki has also waved its limited wand over 300 versions of the SX4 AWD Adventure. Based on Suzuki’s AWD hatch, the Adventure pack comes with roof racks, cargo tray, rear bumper protector, bonnet and headlamp protectors, Adventure decals and floor mats, and without a price increase.Suzuki Australia also today confirmed the all-new sub-light Alto would join the line-up in 2009.The fifth and smallest member of the line-up is also the most fuel efficient; the four seat Alto is aimed at urban drivers after eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort, practicality, or performance.Powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 50kW and 90Nm, the Euro IV-compliant engine delivers just 4.5l/100km through a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto, thanks partly to a low drag coefficient of just 0.30.Standard safety equipment includes ESP, a crushable energy-dispersing structure and six airbags. Pricing and final specs will be announced closer to the launch in the second quarter of 2009.

Suzuki unveiled the third and final Kizashi 3 sports sedan concept at the show today, which previews plans Suzuki has for entering the medium passenger car segment.

The tiddler of Japanese carmakers has plans for a big year in 2009 in Australia.Suzuki, which is a fraction of the size of Toyota and Nissan and made its name and money with micro cars in Japan, is almost ready to deliver a new baby car and a mid-sized star in local showrooms.No one at Suzuki Australia will confirm the exact plan for the micro-car, though it is likely to be a Splash baby car made in Hungary, or the production version of the Kizashi concept that will go up against a range of mid-sized V6 rivals.But a group of Australian dealers travelled to Europe last week to see the Splash, Swift and SX4 being built in Hungary — at a rate of 300,000 cars a year — before going to the Rally of Turkey to see the company's World Rally Championship car in action.“We will launch a sub-Swift car in the second quarter and Kizashi at the end of 2009, both in new segments for Suzuki,” Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says.“Two new cars in 2009 will increase our volume naturally as we currently compete in only 45 per cent of the Australian market.”Devers says the Australian plan will reflect Suzuki's global moves, which have already seen the Euro-style Splash make big gains in Europe.“Suzuki's new philosophy is to become a global player and produce vehicles in strategic locations in factories in Japan, Hungary, India — where Suzuki has 50 per cent market share and has won several JD Power and Associates quality awards — and Thailand, which comes on stream in 2010,” he says.“Our stated goal is to achieve 40000 units by 2010, again with incremental models sourced from the most appropriate global factory. This will allow us to continue the Suzuki core philosophy of true value for money.”Devers will not confirm Splash from Hungary and hints India or Thailand could be a better long-term fit for Australia, despite the size and success of the Eastern European factory.Planning for the Kizashi is further into the future, though the final production version of the car — previewed with concepts at several shows — is expected to be seen at the Paris Motor Show in October.Devers is still not committed to a rally program in Australia, though an SX4 suitable for local regulations should be ready towards the end of the year. 

It has taken Skoda a little over 100 years to populate 90 countries around the world, so its arrival here was inevitable. Even if presence fills up an already maxed out marketplace