GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Suzuki grows next SX4

Suzuki has staged the global debut of its new-generation SX4 at this week’s Geneva motor show, revealing an all-new compact crossover that grows in all key dimensions to constitute the Japanese brand’s first genuine C-segment model.

The new SX4 has been confirmed for Australian release by the end of this year and, at least initially, will be sold alongside the smaller existing Swift-based SX4 ‘Crossover’, which is currently priced from $18,990.

Positioned beneath the mid-size Grand Vitara, which currently starts at $24,990 in three-door form, it will provide Suzuki with its first direct rival for big sellers in the fastest growing segment of Australia’s booming SUV market, including the Nissan Dualis (from $24,990), Hyundai ix35 (from $25,990) and Mitsubishi ASX (from $25,990).

That’s why Suzuki Australia believes it could become its second biggest seller after the Swift, which found more than 12,000 customers last year – more than triple that of the sub-$12,000 Alto hatch, Grand Vitara and SX4.

Rather than directly replacing the current SX4 ‘crossover’, the new model is bigger in all key areas in response to customer demand for small SUVs, measuring 4300mm long.

As well as being slightly wider, taller and no less than 100mm longer in wheelbase, that makes it 165mm longer than the existing SX4 but still 30mm shorter than the segment-leading Dualis, which attracted more than 13,000 buyers in 2012.

To be built in Hungary alongside Europe’s Swift and Splash models, the next SX4’s boot space increases by 160 litres to what Suzuki claims is a class-leading 430 litres, and Suzuki says it will also offer class-leading occupant space.

Like the current SX4, the new one will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the latter comprising four selectable drive modes including 4WD Lock, Snow, Auto and Sport.

In Europe, engine choices will include 1.6-litre petrol and (Fiat-sourced) turbo-diesels, linked to five- and six-speed manual transmissions respectively, and an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) for both engines.

Suzuki says it hopes to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions of 125-136g/km for the petrol and 110-115g/km for the diesel, thanks in part to the fitment of a fuel-saving idle-stop function.

The new SX4 will also be available with a two-piece sliding panoramic glass sunroof that measures an expansive 1000mm long when closed and offers a 560mm opening.