GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Another small Suzuki SUV

Not content with releasing the born-again Vitara in Australia by September, Suzuki has foreshadowed yet another small SUV to slot between it and the venerable Jimny next year.

Revealed overnight at the Geneva motor show, the iM-4 concept measures 3693mm long, 1709mm wide, 1566mm high and rides on a 2438mm wheelbase.

That makes the boxy five-door SUV less than 20mm longer than the three-door Jimny and almost 140mm lower, although it's almost 110mm wider overall and its wheelbase is almost 188mm longer.

The Japanese brands says the iM-4 is a proper 4x4 with compact dimensions and minimalist design, with a new platform, four-wheel drive, short overhangs and good ground clearance providing decent off-road capability.

Familiar Suzuki design cues include a clamshell bonnet, tapered side window opening and blacked-out A- and B-pillars, while the headlight and grille treatment is said to take inspiration from a pair of sunglasses.

Few technical details were provided, but Suzuki says the iM-4 is powered by a mild hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.2-litre engine, integrated starter/generator, lithium-ion battery pack and brake energy regeneration.

The iM-4 will enter production in 2016 and Suzuki Australia General Manager Automobiles Andrew Moore told motoring.com.au last week that he was "pushing hard" for the local release of both it and the iK-2 small hatch concept also revealed at Geneva.

Both all-new models are believed to be key planks in Suzuki Australia's goal of 30,000 annual sales by 2017, before which time it will also have released replacements for both the Swift and Jimny.

"The iM-4 is all-new and fits between Jimny and Vitara," he said. "Both these cars are yet to be confirmed but we're talking to the factory because we want both these models in Australia."

More 2015 Geneva Motor Show news here