Suzuki has unveiled the S-Cross at the Paris Motor Show. The concept car heralds the company’s next-generation C-segment crossover model. The new crossover will be the first in a programme of annual European model launches which Suzuki will be starting in 2013. 

Suzuki’s future model strategy

Suzuki’s new “Way of Life!” brand strategy is focusing on creating models − such as the Alto − which are characterised by small environmental footprints and low running costs. Going forwards, the company plans to launch models which exceed the environmental performance ceiling in their segments at a greater level. The production model of the S-Cross concept aims to be amongst the lowest CO2 emitting cars in the crossover C-segment.

Since launching the Jimny (originally the LJ series) in 1970, Suzuki has expanded its line-up of off-road vehicles to include models such as the Vitara and Grand Vitara.

Crossover 

The new model heralded by the S-Cross will mark Suzuki’s full-scale entry into the market for C-segment crossovers.

The new vehicle’s features and functions will be designed primarily for comfort. It will also offer a greater degree of practicality by providing one of the largest luggage areas in the crossover c-segment.

The new crossover will join the Alto, Splash, Swift, SX4, Kizashi, Jimny and Grand Vitara in a line-up which already includes A-, B- and D-segment passenger cars and SUVs.

The S-Cross design

Keywords for the designers were Emotion, Quality, Aerodynamics, and Toughness:

• Emotion: expressed by dynamic lines running from the front bumper to the rear of the body, by chrome-plated features which extend into the body from LED fog lamps in the front bumper, and by LED headlamps and tail lamps with organic designs aimed to suggest the muscles of an animal.
• Quality: expressed by a mesh front grille consisting of dark chrome and silky chrome and roof rails which are flush with the roof line when not in use.
• Aerodynamics: expressed by a roofline which slopes downwards towards the rear and by smooth contours on the sides of the front bumper, at the bottom of the doors and on the sides of the rear bumper. The shape of the body helps the vehicle meet tough demands for fuel economy.
• Toughness: expressed by a front skid plate, by flared wing arches and under mouldings, and by 20-inch chrome wheels. 

Body colour

A specially created Crystal Green Metallic body colour has been devised. The image it hopes to evoke is one of “nature in the city and the city in nature”. 

Specifications (mm)

Suzuki is currently on a high in the UK because of the downsizing trend, with sales up 22 per cent so far in 2012, putting the company on course for an end-of-year total of 25,000. Almost half of sales are of the Swift, with the Alto and Splash also doing well.

Source: Suzuki

Tags: 4x4, car design, city, concept car, crossover, Crystal Green, nature, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki S-Cross, Suzuki Vitara