The next-generation Suzuki SX4 has materialised as the production version of the Japanese brand’s 2012 S-Cross concept.
The new SX4 is being displayed at the 2013 Geneva motor show ahead of its roll-out to showrooms later this year.
Suzuki had suggested the S-Cross was pointing to a baby SUV that would expand the company’s vehicle line-up but it seems this is instead a replacement for the SX4 that has struggled to mimic the success of the smaller Swift.
Suzuki says it set to design and develop a successor to the SX4 but found customer research indicated a bigger vehicle was required.
The new Suzuki SX4 is 4300mm nose to tail, making it 165mm longer than the current SX4. It is also slightly wider and taller, while the wheelbase stretches by 100mm.
Boot space increases by 160 litres to what Suzuki says is a class-leading 430L. It says passenger space also sets a benchmark.
The Suzuki SX4, which should reach Australia before the end of 2013, will again be available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
The latter will include a new four-wheel-drive system that offers the driver four selectable modes comprising 4WD Lock, Snow, Auto and Sport.
Power comes from a choice of 1.6-litre four-cylinders – one petrol, one diesel.
The 1.6 petrol is linked with a five-speed manual as standard; the 1.6 diesel is paired with a 6-speed manual. A continuously variable transmission is optional.
Suzuki says it is targeting some of the lowest CO2 emissions for the class – 125-136 grams of CO2 per kilometre for the petrol and 110 to 115g/km for the diesel.
Both engines feature stop-start technology to help save fuel in traffic.
Suzuki says the new SX4’s doubling sliding glass panoramic sunroof is a world first.
The Suzuki SX4 will be built in Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary.
