Suzuki and Fiat joined forces to create a "sport X-over" mixing family hatch size with moderate off-roading abilities and elevated ground clearance. In Geneva, Fiat revealed its Sedici and Suzuki showed of the new SX4 shown here.

Although the SX4 spawned a concept World Rally Championship car for Geneva that was the star of the Suzuki stand, the road car is still worth a closer look. UK sales of the SX4 start in April with three models powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine using variable valve timing to produce up to 106bhp: a front-wheel drive model in either GL or GLX trim and the '4GRIP' GLX with selectable/automatic four-wheel drive. The petrol engine will be joined later in the year by a Fiat-sourced 1.9-litre turbodiesel with 118bhp. There is no mention of a Sport version to take advantage of the WRC connection as yet.

In Suzuki's line-up, the SX4 sits between the new Swift super-mini and Grand Vitara, giving the GM-owned Japanese company one of the freshest ranges in the industry. In size, the SX4 is larger than a Fiesta, but more compact than the Focus class, with an excellent view out for all passengers thanks to the raised ride height and higher mounting points for the rear seats.

The versions equipped with four-wheel drive should do a good job of getting drivers out of sticky situations thanks to the i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive), which features three selectable modes: 4WD-Auto, 4WD-Lock and 2WD.

• More news and reviews from Suzuki
• Buying Guide : All models Suzuki
• New & Used Car : all offers Suzuki
• Picture Gallery Suzuki
• More motoring news
• Message Boards - Talk about it

More pictures

Related Videos for suzuki