Suzuki Going Upmarket with Concept X?

Like the S2 concept which eventually became the European and Japanese market Swift, the Concept X represents a critical

The Concept X represents a critical component in Suzuki's ongoing brand revolution. (Photo: Suzuki Canada)

component in Suzuki's ongoing brand revolution. It is a demonstration of the company's in-house engineering abilities, a much-needed reminder to the North American market that there's more to the brand than rebadged Daewoo-engineered GMDAT products.

The production variant will most likely share basic architecture and components with GM Europe's lineup of SUVs, which is to include the Chevrolet S3X, a Fiat SUV, and the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Frontera.

As with GM's Delta and Epsilon platforms, the basic architecture would be developed by GM Europe, while all other major components such as suspension, engine, exterior and interior design would be left in the hands of

Suzuki's concepts are usually a stunning display of creative styling and ingenious technologies. (Photo: Suzuki Canada)

the individual brands to ensure unique corporate identity.

The finished product would be the first modern SUV for Suzuki in years, replacing the makeshift seven-seat XL-7 which is based on the crude 15-year old Sidekick body-on-frame chassis. Expect to see a roadgoing model make its debut some time in the next twelve months.

While few and far between, Suzuki's concepts are usually a stunning display of creative styling and ingenious technologies. The Concept X is no exception, and is a sign that Suzuki's engineers are still on the ball with what's hot and trendy on today's rapidly changing automotive front.