Suzuki IK-2 small hatch and IM-4 mini-SUV revealed at Geneva
New Suzuki concept cars debut new Swift-style hatch, and sharp new IM-4 small crossover
Suzuki has been busy with two brand new concepts at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The 'IK-2' small hatchback is pitched as a model that sits above the Swift in size and practicality, while the 'IM-4' is a new mini SUV that perches between the ageing Jimny and new Vitara.
The IK-2 was originally rumoured to be a direct replacement for the current Swift, but that was quashed be marketing boss Dale Wyatt. He stated the B-segment concept was in fact Nissan Note-style small car that, in his words, “will answer all the reasons not to buy a Swift” when it hits the market in early 2016. It also fits in with the firm's plans to build six new models in three years.
Wyatt also claimed the new car will be “very comfortable, raised up a bit and not as dynamically wired as the Swift”. The supermini-MPV fits in with the firm's ideology of having two new cars in each of the A, B and C segments, one "emotional" (the Swift), and one "rational".
Its curvy styling and elegant lines look far more modern than the current Swift (itself due to be replaced soon). Underneath, the 4-metre long supermini is based on a brand-new platform that will underpin a whole range of Suzuki models, speeding up development time.
Power for the IK-2 comes from a 1.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine which is lighter and faster than the Swift's naturally aspirated units. A petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is also expected to appear in the next few years.
Suzuki IM-4: The new Jimny?
That's what most rumours have again suggested, and take one look at the concept and you can see why. The iM-4 is described as an "iconic mini 4x4" which blends "new technologies and distinctive styling". But a Suzuki spokesperson was insistent that it's an all-model.
Despite the firm refuting the claims, at just under 3.7-metres long, it's certainly small enough. undercutting quite a few city cars in length. It's also 482mm shorter than the Vitara, but only 18mm longer than the Jimny.
The iM-4 looks to share the same tall and upright profile, but with a more modern twist than the 17-year old Jimny. The sharp front-end reflects this, and the wraparound window line echoes that of the current Swift. A distinctive rising kink behind the rear window gives it a sporty look, with slats in the C-pillar and a sloping rear window.
The same new platform as the IK-2 aims to cut weight and increase rigidity, and comes with high ground clearance, a four-wheel drive system and 18-inch alloy wheels. The concept is powered by a mild hybrid powertrain, called the 'SHVS', which combines the firm's 1.2-litre 'Dualjet' petrol engine and and electric motor with lithium-ion batteries and brake regeneration.
The IM-4 is likely to make production later in 2016, although we have no details in terms of pricing or other engines.
