Currently reading: Suzuki set to launch Nissan Juke rival
New Suzuki compact crossover to arrive in 2015, other future models and planned updates revealed

It has been revealed to Autocar that Suzuki will launch a Nissan Juke-sized compact crossover in Europe in 2015.

Myriad other models and updates are planned for release in the near future. Over the next two years Suzuki will launch a new model in the Volkswagen Up segment to replace both the current Alto and Splash models, a five-door version of the Swift Sport, and all-wheel drive for the standard Suzuki Swift as part of a series of mid-life changes.

Another model on the drawing board is a more spacious B-segment car, in the mould of the Nissan Note and Toyota Verso. It will be designed to compliment the Swift and address the limited rear passenger and boot space of that particular model.

Suzuki is also considering the G70 concept, formerly called the Regina, for production.

The new and as yet unnamed Juke-rivalling crossover model will be built in Suzuki's Hungary plant alongside the new SX4 S-Cross, a Nissan Qashqai-sized model that's due to launch in the UK in the autumn.

Despite the new car partly keeping the SX4 name, it is not a direct replacement as it's a bigger model; the new Juke-sized model will be the replacement for the current SX4, which is committed to be built in Hungary until the end of March 2014 at the earliest.

The new model will be built on a shortened version of the S-Cross's new platform, but it will feature a much edgier design and offer a high range of customisation. Engines are likely to mirror the S-Cross, with 1.6 petrol and diesels with the option of front- and all-wheel drive, and manual and automatic transmissions.

A planned replacement for the current Alto and Splash will launch in 2014. It will be built in Thailand, with both cars being gradually phased out next year to make way in the range for the new model that's said to offer the space of the Splash with the economy of the smaller Alto.

The mid-life facelift for the Swift will launch later this year. Four-wheel drive is the big news, with two versions offered: one a standard-looking model, and another with a fully body kit for a rugged off-road look. 

Suzuki's Swift Sport will be mechanically unchanged, but a five-door version will be added to the line-up next to the existing three-door car. 

The Grand Vitara, Jimny and Kizashi will continue in the Suzuki range unchanged, although the Jimny will need to have ESP fitted if it is not to fall foul of EU legislation.

Suzuki's sales and marketing manager, Dale Wyatt, stated that the company wanted to achieve 30,000 sales in the UK in 2013. At the end of May it had sold 14,000 cars, in what's the biggest market for the company in Europe.

"40,000 per year may be possible with the new models" said Wyatt, "but beyond that will be hard work and we don't want to make any bold claims. It's about getting things optimised."

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Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Chris C 11 June 2013

SX4

Hooray, Suzuki finally acknowledges that it consistently makes cars with too small a boot space!

Shame they don't do a 4wd version of the current Splash/Agila - that would have been a great Ignis 4x4 replacement and give Fiat some competition to the Panda 4x4. Manufacturers should pay more attention to people in rural areas who need 4wd and a small/narrow but comfortable car to suit country lanes.

I hope they have a good diesel and improve their model development/quality - my SX4 has been a great disappointment after my Ignis and they seem to be lagging behind their Japanese cousins in customer acceptability.

The Vitara must be next for replacement while the little old Jimny seems to be rolling on and becoming iconic almost like a Defender!

 

 

whiteliner 11 June 2013

suzuki

Why not take a look at the new saloon concept (Authentics) showcased at the recent  Shaghai motor show.

whiteliner 11 June 2013

suzuki authentics

Sorry forgot to say also on show on www.globalsuzuki.com

JIMBOB 11 June 2013

Good Value

This is one of the cars which has a real mixed bag of rivals:

Skoda Rapid, Ford Fiesta, Kia Soul, Hyundai Ix20, Dacia Duster

It's a little sad to hear about the potential demise of the Splash.  The Splash and Agila are cracking cars (with shortage of bootspace and the relatively high kerbweight being the main problems), and I am still convinced it is the best value new car on the road (if you buy it on offer for £7k).  After running a 1.0 SZ2 for a few months and it  saved me a fortune in fuel too. 

I think Suzuki could be a bit of a sleeping giant in the UK still, if it replaces the SX4, Jimny, Splash and Vitara with super-economical and equally characterful/charming replacements (which are still offering value for money), they will clearly take sales from more conventional marques. 

 

catnip 11 June 2013

What happened with that

What happened with that Suzuki/VW situation in the end? Last I heard VW were threatening Suzuki....