Suzuki set to launch Nissan Juke rival

It has been revealed to Autocar that Suzuki will launch a Nissan Juke-sized compact crossover in Europe in 2015.

Myriad other models and updates are planned for release in the near future. Over the next two years Suzuki will launch a new model in the Volkswagen Up segment to replace both the current Alto and Splash models, a five-door version of the Swift Sport, and all-wheel drive for the standard Suzuki Swift as part of a series of mid-life changes.

Another model on the drawing board is a more spacious B-segment car, in the mould of the Nissan Note and Toyota Verso. It will be designed to compliment the Swift and address the limited rear passenger and boot space of that particular model.

Suzuki is also considering the G70 concept, formerly called the Regina, for production.

The new and as yet unnamed Juke-rivalling crossover model will be built in Suzuki's Hungary plant alongside the new SX4 S-Cross, a Nissan Qashqai-sized model that's due to launch in the UK in the autumn.

Despite the new car partly keeping the SX4 name, it is not a direct replacement as it's a bigger model; the new Juke-sized model will be the replacement for the current SX4, which is committed to be built in Hungary until the end of March 2014 at the earliest.

The new model will be built on a shortened version of the S-Cross's new platform, but it will feature a much edgier design and offer a high range of customisation. Engines are likely to mirror the S-Cross, with 1.6 petrol and diesels with the option of front- and all-wheel drive, and manual and automatic transmissions.

A planned replacement for the current Alto and Splash will launch in 2014. It will be built in Thailand, with both cars being gradually phased out next year to make way in the range for the new model that's said to offer the space of the Splash with the economy of the smaller Alto.

The mid-life facelift for the Swift will launch later this year. Four-wheel drive is the big news, with two versions offered: one a standard-looking model, and another with a fully body kit for a rugged off-road look. 

Suzuki's Swift Sport will be mechanically unchanged, but a five-door version will be added to the line-up next to the existing three-door car. 

The Grand Vitara, Jimny and Kizashi will continue in the Suzuki range unchanged, although the Jimny will need to have ESP fitted if it is not to fall foul of EU legislation.

Suzuki's sales and marketing manager, Dale Wyatt, stated that the company wanted to achieve 30,000 sales in the UK in 2013. At the end of May it had sold 14,000 cars, in what's the biggest market for the company in Europe.

"40,000 per year may be possible with the new models" said Wyatt, "but beyond that will be hard work and we don't want to make any bold claims. It's about getting things optimised."