Frankfurt show: Suzuki moots Jimny replacement

SUZUKI this week issued a pair of teaser photos of the rugged iV-4 compact SUV concept it will premiere at September’s Frankfurt motor show.

The concept is a stylistic evolution of the boxy XA Alpha micro off-roader concept shown in Delhi at the start of 2012. Little else is known, but the iV-4 is expected to point to a replacement for the small and rugged Jimny, one of the few ‘proper’ all-terrain machines in the segment.

The shadowed shots show a high-riding and boxy design replete with bulging haunches, snubby overhangs and a Jeep-like slotted grille design (with five bars instead of seven). Other design features include slender side mirrors, roof-top spotlights and large, sickle-shaped daytime running lights in the bumper.

The raked roofline with integrated spoiler and the clamshell bonnet harken back to the Range Rover Evoque. But while the concept appears to take a leaf from the more premium product, Suzuki prefers to call it “basic ruggedness”.

Suzuki will reveal the iV-4 in full on September 10, but the production version won’t emerge to tackle the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke and Holden Trax until at least 2014. By that time, Suzuki will also offer the Dualis-rivalling S-Cross compact SUV alongside the current Grand Vitara.