Debuting at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show alongside the iM-4 crossover, the Suzuki iK-2 is apparently previewing a more upscale brother to the Swift. Unlike the iM-4, which gives a foretaste of a mini crossover that could become a successor to the Suzuki Jimny, the iK-2 is aimed at a more crowded segment that is currently being led by the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta in Europe. Sure, the Swift is already somewhat competing against those, but the production version of the iK-2 would be slightly larger and a bit more upmarket in both features and pricing.

Most reports are already suggesting that the concept is almost production-ready, with the European version to be built in Hungary, while the Asian version would be sold under the Maruti brand in India. Countries like Japan, Thailand and Malaysia would also get similar versions.

Click "Continue Reading" to learn more about the Suzuki iK-2 Concept.

2015 Suzuki iK-2 Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Suzuki iK-2 Concept
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Suzuki describes the iK-2 as "an ideal compact sized car, developed with an innovative theme of 'Harmonised Force,'" adding that the "new model raises compact car values to the limit." Putting that in context with the official images, it may sound like hot air, although the iK-2 does feature a slightly different design language than on the top-selling Swift. The five-door hatchback sports muscular fenders almost like on a crossover, a pronounced waistline and a roof spoiler on the sloping hatch.

The front end is dominated by a wide bumper grille and a pair of LED headlights cut by two character lines from each side of the engine grille. Just like on the Suzuki Swift, the A-pillars are blacked out, albeit the "floating roof" appearance is less distinctive on the iK-2 courtesy of that design motif. For some reason, the door handles look oversized and occupy a good deal of real estate on the otherwise smallish doors, while the rear end doesn't look all that special compared to the rest of the car.

Exterior Dimensions

Overall length

4,023 MM (158.38 Inches)

Overall width

1,920 MM (75.59 Inches)

Overall height

1,450 MM (57.08 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,520 MM (99.21 Inches)


Interior

Suzuki didn't release any interior photos of the iK-2, but a near-production center console and design details are to be expected. Thanks to the slightly larger dimensions, the production version is likely to offer better legroom and headroom than the Swift, while interior materials could be more upscale as well.

Drivetrain

Sporting the Boosterjet moniker, the iK-2's turbocharged, 1.0-liter engine has been newly developed by Suzuki for use in both the production version of the model and in other future cars as well. The carmaker doesn't specify if it's a three-cylinder or a four-cylinder, but I suspect it is based on the 1.2-liter four-cylinder found in the Swift, sporting reduced displacement and boosted with a turbocharger. There are no official numbers regarding the powerplant's output, but around 100 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque aren't entirely out of the question.

According to Suzuki, the iK-2 is based on a new-generation platform that has been substantially redesigned and optimized to deliver improved fuel economy and better safety and handling. The Japanese carmaker also says that its current four platforms will become three, along with more modular parts to be shared across the lineup, including the future production version of the iK-2 Concept.

Prices

It’s way too early to talk about prices, but given this new small hatch will compete against the Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Fiesta in Europe, I expect it to retail from around €11,000, which converts to $12,300 as of 03/03/2015. Since Suzuki no longers operates in the U.S. as a carmaker, don’t expect whatever comes from the iK-2 Concept to cross the pond into North America.

Competition

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is currently one of the best-selling superminis in Europe, and the car to beat in the segment. The German hatch is available with a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, starting with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that generates 59 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque. At the other end of the lineup is a 1.4-liter TSI that delivers 148 ponies. A 1.4-liter TDI diesel with 89 horses and 170 pound-feet is for those looking for higher mileage, while sportier drivers are met by the Polo GTI, which is powered by a turbocharged, 1.8-liter with 189 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The Polo also benefits from the brand’s latest convenience and safety features, which also makes it more expensive than most of its competitors. The supermini starts from €12,600 ($14,100 as of 03/03/2015) and goes up to €22,275 ($24,950) in GTI trim on the German market.

Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta is the other hot-selling supermini in Europe. Five engines are available in most markets, including the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost, and the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel. Outputs range from the 79 horsepower of the 1.0-liter three-pot to the 123 horses of turbocharged, EcoBoost mill. The 1.6-liter four-banger churns out 104 horsepower, while the 1.5-liter diesel is rated at only 74 horsepower. More oomph comes from the 1.6-liter TDCi diesel, which generates 94 horses and a class-leading equivalent of 71 mpg. The Fiesta ST is powered by a turbocharged, 1.6-liter with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque.

Available in numerous trim levels, the Fiesta retails from €10.950 ($12,260 as of 03/03/2015) in Germany, but the sticker jumps beyond €20,540 (about $23,00) when the range-topping Fiesta ST is selected. The Fiesta is the only vehicle of the pack that’s also available in the U.S., where it retails from $13,965.

Conclusion

Struggling to gain more market share for quite a few years now, especially in Europe, Suzuki is in desperate need of new vehicles to enter previously unexplored segments. The iK-2 Concept likely previews such a model, but I doubt Suzuki will make a significant impact in a segment dominated by Volkswagen and Ford. In Asian countries it may be the exact opposite, especially in emerging markets like India, where Suzuki is present with the Maruti brand and the production version of the iK-2 may do well.