1 Apr 1996
Models may vary from state to state due to there being three different Suzuki importers – Ateco, Mayfair and Suzuki Australia – operating in Australia until 2000. Today Suzuki Australia – part of the Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan – is the sole importer.
Suzuki launched the bizarre two-seater three-box X90 4WD in Australia in early 1996, chasing what turned out to be a miniscule market.
Basing it on the ageing short-wheelbase Vitara 4WD meant the X90’s on-road handling and roadholding were more small truck-like than the 4WD-meets-sports coupe styling might suggest.
Power came courtesy of Suzuki’s venerable 70kW 1.6-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine married to a dual-range five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
The part-time rear-to-4WD system featured automatic freewheeling hubs.
A removable T-bar glass roof, power steering, power windows and central locking were standard, while air-conditioning, airbags and anti-lock brakes were optional.
By 1998 the X90 was quietly withdrawn from sale in Australia.
