Currently reading: Little brother for the Grand Vitara
First pictures of Suzuki's new SX4 junior 4x4 released

Hot on the heels of the Swift supermini and Grand Vitara off-roader comes the SX4, the third part of Suzuki’s new model assault.

Due for a public launch at the Geneva motor show before going on sale in the UK next Spring, the SX4 is expected to undercut its Fiat Sedici sister car with a starting price of around £10,000.

Styling is close to the Sedici, with both cars styled with the aid of Giugiaro’s ItalDesign concern. But the Suzuki offers a novel spin on the classic soft-roader concept, with both ‘Urban’ and ‘Outdoor’ versions of the SX4 available.

The Urban line brings a more car-like appearance and fuel-saving two-wheel drive, while the Outdoor line comes with a rugged look and like the Sedici will be available with a three-mode 4x4 system offering two-wheel drive, automatic four-wheel drive or permanent 50:50 front:rear split.

Three engines will be available for the SX4: an entry-level 98bhp 1.5-litre petrol, plus the 106bhp 1.6 petrol and range-topping 118bhp turbodiesel that also feature in the Sedici.

Some 60,000 cars will be produced annually in Suzuki’s Hungary plant, with Suzuki versions outnumbering Fiats by 2:1.

Read our full review on the Suzuki SX4

Add a comment…