We have known for quite some time now that Suzuki->ke87 plans to expand its lineup with a new crossover model that will take on the Nissan Juke->ke3600 and other compact crossovers->ke288. Few details are known on this new model, but the company unveiled a new iV-4 concept car at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235 that will preview Suzuki's new SUV lineup.
The new iV-4 concept will be developed around a new theme called "Grab your field" and it will will retain the clam-shell bonnet and five-bar front grille that have become a hallmark of its SUVs.
As for the concept's name, "i" stands for "individuality", "V" for "vehicle", and "4" for "4 wheel-drive" as it features Suzuki's next ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system.
Updated 09/10/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
Click past the jump to read more about the Suzuki iV-4.
Click past the jump to read more about the Suzuki iV-4 competitors.
2014 Suzuki iV-4
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 Suzuki iV-4
- Engine/Motor: inline-4
- Horsepower: 150
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
The new iV-4 concept features a distinctive Suzuki design language with a five-slotted grille and a clamshell hood. New features specially designed for the concept are the fog light with built-in laser sensor on the roof, and the illuminated grille.
The concept displayed in Frankfurt is painted in a very cool Brilliant Turquoise Metallic - a color inspired by the sky reflected in a skyscraper.
Dimensions:
|
Overall length |
4,215 mm (165.94 inches) |
|
Overall width |
1,850 mm (72.83 inches) |
|
Overall height |
1,665 mm (65.55 inches) |
|
Wheelbase |
2,500 mm (98.42 inches) |
Interior
Suzuki offered no details on the interior featured in the iV-4 concept, but we expect it to be a little bit more futuristic that the one to be offered in the production version. There should be lots of leather and all the latest technology feature offered by Suzuki.
Drivetrain
No details also on the engine found under the hood, but for the production version we expect to see the same engine lineup featured in all the Suzuki models, with the top version getting a 2.0 liter four-cylinder with an output of about 150 horsepower.
The production version will also be offered with the ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system - "the next generation of 4WD technology, in order to deliver the powerful drive the user expect of an SUV."
When can I drive one?
Suzuki announced that the production model based on the iV-4 model will be produced at Magyar Suzuki starting 2015.
Competitors
The Nissan Juke was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and, despite its crazy exterior look, it became a very successful crossover.
The Juke comes with a choice of three engines: one diesel and two 1.6-liter gas-burning units. The most powerful is the new turbocharged MR16DDT, which features direct injection to deliver a total of 190 horsepower, while the naturally aspirated unit delivers a total of 117 horsepower. There is also a diesel unit that delivers a total of 110 horsepower.
The production version Tiguan was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and received its first update for the 2011 model year. The model is one of the most successful compact SUVs on the market with more than 700,000 units sold, as of 2011.
Depending on the market, the Tiguan can be ordered with a choice of seven engines: four petrol and three diesel with power ranging from 110 to 200 horsepower.
Conclusion
Suzuki delivers quite successful model on the crossover segment - take the Jimny for example that sales very well for over 15 years. We are pretty sure that the production version iV-4 will enjoy at least the same success, because it appears that the company found a solution to put its German competitors into trouble. Take a look at the Kizashi sedan that became one of the best sold models in its segment in just a few years after its official launch.