Suzuki SX4 2012 News

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.  

A fresh Japanese attack on the World Rally Championship will inspire a new Suzuki. The baby brand plans to topple Citroen and Ford in the forests from 2008, then attack the Subaru WRX and Lancer Evo in showrooms. Its weapon is the SX4, a compact all-wheel-drive wagon receiving the full treatment for the WRC and gaining a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine for the road. The power target is at least 150kW. The car will have permanent AWD and a wild body kit that will be keyed to the SX4 WRC. "We will develop a sporty version of the SX4. From 2008 we will challenge for the World Rally Championship," says Hirotaka Ono, Suzuki Motor Corporation board member in charge of strategic planning. "We will use a 2.0-litre turbo for the sporty version." The SX4 was previewed in Japan this week ahead of Australian sales from the first quarter of next year, with a likely starting price in the $22,000 range. It is a new car from Suzuki and was designed and developed as a compact crossover wagon. The idea is similar to that of the new Dodge Caliber and a switch from the hatchbacks and sedans that dominate the small-car scene. The Suzuki is less aggressive and more likely to appeal to women. Suzuki is moving into full-scale development of its WRC SX4 with its Suzuki Sport division and will soon be trialling cars on roads used for the world championship. "We will start the program in the WRC sometime in 2007. From 2008 we will challenge for the championship," Ono says. Suzuki has already won world rally titles with its front-wheel-drive Ignis and Swift. INDIAN ENTRY The first Indian-built cars for Australia will be sold in Suzuki showrooms. India will be tapped within three years for a sub-Swift car that will be sold throughout the world. It is likely to have a 1.0-litre engine and a hatchback body. Suzuki will also move into the mid-sized prestige market by 2010 with a car to rival the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series.