The Suzuki S-Cross was firstly unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and now the Japanese car maker has showcased the production version of the S-Cross. The S-Cross production version is the 2014 Suzuki SX4, which happens to be the next generation version of the vehicle, which was originally developed by Fiat and Suzuki together. Suzuki hasn’t revealed much about the all new SX4 but it is expected to go on sale in the second half of this year, with an India entry likely by mid-2014. Maruti Suzuki is busy readying up a facelift for the current SX4.
The 2014 Suzuki SX4 looks like a crossover because it is one, just like the original SX4. However whether Maruti Suzuki will bring in the crossover version or the sedan version of the next gen SX4 is still unknown. We feel Maruti Suzuki will discontinue the current SX4 sometime early next year, considering the poor response it has got in the Indian market, replacing it with the SX4 Crossover as this segment is seeing a definite increase in demand. Last month Maruti Suzuki sold just 215 units of the SX4 in the Indian market.
The 2014 Suzuki SX4 measures 4.3-metres in length, having a wheelbase of 2600 mm (a 100 mm increase over the current model). The boot capacity is 430-litres and the SX4 has grown in all dimensions. The new SX4 gets a range of features including the world’s first double sunroof. The list of equipment includes engine auto start-stop system and steering mounted paddle shifts. Suzuki will offer the new SX4 with front-wheel and 4-wheel drive. The 4WD system might not make its way to India, considering the low demand for 4×4.
Powering the 2014 Suzuki SX4 is a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is popularly known as M16A, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 1.6-litre diesel engine, which we suspect comes from Fiat (1.6-litre Multijet) is also offered on the new SX4. This oil burner is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox but Maruti Suzuki could give us the new SX4 with a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, which does duty on the current car. A CVT gearbox will be offered as well and has manual mode with 7-gears. The SX4 Crossover if launched in India, will compete with the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport.
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