Revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show back in March, the Suzuki iM-4 crossover concept looks set to be a concept no more as our spy photographers have managed to capture a prototype of said car undergoing tests in Europe complete with its (camouflaged) production body – no mules based on existing models here.
Looks wise, the masked mule prevents us from forming any solid conclusions on the aesthetics of Suzuki’s new compact crossover. However, the silhouette does look to retain much of the boxy, muscular outlook first showcased on the concept car albeit with minor alternations to make production feasible, we reckon.
Changes include the adoption of new headlights, redesigned side mirrors, restyled door handles and smaller, less flashy wheels. The rear of the prototype also features a wiper while the tailgate spoiler found on the concept is nowhere to be seen here. Elsewhere, the car looks set to arrive exactly as it was illustrated in leaked patent images that surfaced in August 2015.
Under the bonnet, reports are indicating that the yet-to-be-named rival to the Fiat Panda 4×4 will arrive powered by a choice of two petrol engines – a turbocharged 1.0 litre ‘Boosterjet’ mill and a 1.2 litre ‘Dualjet’ engine. Front-wheel drive is expected to be featured on the base variants while all-wheel drive could come as a cost option or as standard on costlier versions of the crossover.
In concept form, the Suzuki iM-4 is said to ride atop a “new-generation platform” that promises increased rigidity as well as lower weight. Said new platform is one of the many steps taken by Suzuki to streamline its portfolio of current car bases from four to three platforms. No target date has been announced for the debut of the production version of the Suzuki iM-4 concept just yet.
GALLERY: Suzuki iM-4 concept
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here comes’ the Daihatsu FX’s rival.
Why nobody said this camouflaged is very ugly and why need test on the road?