First look: X marks the spot for Suzuki

SUZUKI has announced it will preview a mid-size SUV concept, named ‘Concept X’ at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

While the press material labels this the first ever concept of its kind for Suzuki, memories obviously fail to stretch back as far as 2000’s XL-6 concept, the thinly disguised precursor to the XL-7 wagon now on-sale in Australia.

To be fair, Concept X appears to be more of a cross-over in the style of the Nissan Muarno than the traditional hard-core Suzuki four-wheel drive.

Entering the growing cross-over - or soft-roader - market would be a new and logical move for Suzuki.

Ahead of the reveal, details are relatively scarce, Suzuki admitting the concept is designed specifically for the ever growing American market.

Key features the concept will showcase include versatility, functionality, safety, performance and ‘infotainment’.

Exterior design is highlighted by triangular exhausts, polished metal sills, pillar-less roof, rear-hinged back doors and a lifting rather than side-opening tailgate. Suzuki says the vehicle also has “daring” interior styling.

The concept also includes a V6 engine with “class-leading horsepower” and a new full time four-wheel drive system combining on demand and low range ability.

The Concept X forms part of the next generation of Suzuki vehicles, which include the new Suzuki Swift and an all new Grand Vitara, due for release in Australia next year.

There is no word on the right-hand drive fate of a production Concept X.