Next Suzuki SX4 to get sexier

Suzuki has released two teaser images of a sleek new small crossover concept that is almost certain to preview the Japanese brand’s next-generation SX4 when it makes its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.

In a typically short press release issued late last week, Suzuki said the S-Cross is a C-segment (small) crossover concept that “embodies an ‘Emotion x Quality x
Aerodynamics’ design theme”.

To prove it, accompanying the release was a line drawing of a compact five-door hatchback on steroids, and a backlit teaser shot of the car’s backswept headlight, which is underlined by a prominent Z-shaped design feature formed in part by a lower horizontal strip of daytime running lights.

Suzuki’s description of the S-Cross as a C-segment crossover model all but confirms the company’s intention to continue the high-riding all-wheel drive configuration that makes the current SX4 unique in the small car segment and conceptually closer to a number of similar offerings in the SUV segment, including Subaru’s new XV.

According to Suzuki, the S-Cross will feature “distinctive dynamic lines that start on the front bumper, sweep across the doors and continue to the rear”, suggesting stability and solidity and helping to form a “cutting-edge crossover look”.

As we reported when spy shots of the SX4 replacement emerged in Spain just a few weeks ago, the all-new Suzuki small car is expected to adopt the Kizashi mid-size sedan’s front-end styling and feature a sleeker, sportier body design.

The SX4 successor is likely to offer similar performance to the current model’s 2.0-litre petrol engine (112kW), but could do so via a smaller-capacity engine – perhaps displacing 1.6 litres - to meet tightening European CO2 emission standards.

Gearbox options are likely to continue as per the current SX4, including manual and continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs), while front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions are again expected.

Also expected to continue are the three model configurations of the current SX4, which is available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles – the latter forming the basis of a high-riding AWD crossover derivative.

The 2.0 2WD hatch kicks off the current SX4 range at $18,990 plus on-road costs, with the AWD variant starting at $21,990, an S version adding $3000 to the price of both hatch models and the single-variant SX4 2WD 2.0 S sedan costing $22,490.

When it slashed pricing by $1500 last year, Suzuki also aligned the exterior styling details of the 2WD SX4 models with those of the AWD cars, specifying the latter’s wheel-arch flares, underbody protection and roof-rails for the front-driver in both the standard and S grades.

Australian sales of the current SX4, which dates back to 2007, are actually more than 10 per cent up so far this year, off a low base.

To July, Suzuki has sold 1111 examples, representing less than one per cent of Australia’s booming small car segment, which is led by the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Holden Cruze, Hyundai i30 and Ford Focus – all of which have found more than 10,000 buyers in 2012.

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