What's the news?

Suzuki has unveiled the new SX4 crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. The new production car draws inspiration from the S-Cross concept seen at the 2012 Paris Show. With an increase in size the SX4 has moved into the C-segment market category and class leading passenger space is promised. The new model will go on sale in the autumn.

Exterior

Keywords for the design theme are 'emotion, quality and aerodynamics'. Chrome detailing and LED daytime running lamps as part of the headlight are described as 'quality' features. Smooth contours, a sloping roof and low drag door mirrors express the aerodynamic features of the SX4. Suzuki is claiming a world first for the car's double sliding panel glass sunroof with no other car in the class offering this feature. Two new colours are offered on the latest model too, Crystal Lime Metallic, a vivid green intended to bring the city to the countryside and vice versa (we're paraphrasing here) and Amethyst Grey Pearl Metallic, evoking a spark in darkness.

Interior

The instrument panel features a soft finish and has been designed to overlap the doors to give a sense of quality. To give back seat passengers more knee room the backs of the front seats are shaped to give extra clearance. Maximum luggage capacity with the rear seats in place is 430 litres and the back bench and luggage board can be repositioned to suit different loads.

Mechanicals

Two 1.6-litre engines are available, one petrol and one diesel. The petrol engine is based on a current unit but with reduced friction to improve fuel economy. The diesel comes with a variable geometry turbocharger to provide torque even at low engine speeds. There is also a new engine cover for this unit to suppress noise and vibration.

Both two- and four-wheel drive systems are available and the petrol-powered SX4 comes with the choice of five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions. Turbodiesel models come only with a six-speed manual gearbox. On four-wheel drive models the driver can chose between four modes to suit different driving conditions.

Carbon dioxide emissions range from 110g/km for the 2WD diesel to 136g/km for the 4WD petrol models. Vehicles with manual transmissions are available with stop-start to save fuel and cut emissions.

Anything else?

The SX4 will be built at Suzuki's factory in Hungary. Prices and equipment levels will be announced later this year.

John Lambert - 7 Mar 2013