Suzuki says no to Swift 4x4

THIS high-riding, body clad and all-wheel drive Suzuki Swift has emerged in the UK, but curious Australians are still set to miss out.

As well as getting some styling revisions, the Swift 4x4 – designed for snowy European roads – sits 25mm higher and is 65kg heavier than the regular two-wheel drive hatch.

It arrived in the United Kingdom this week, but has been on-sale for a little while in icy cold markets such as Germany, Hungary, Switzerland and Japan. But Australian snow bunnies, it seems, are not on the list.

Suzuki Australia communications manager Andrew Ellis said despite the local interest in the car, it won’t be added to the local line-up.

“It’s got a smaller 1.2-litre engine and its from Europe as well so to get it over here from a cost perspective and practicality, the case just doesn’t make sense,” he said.

The Japanese car-maker claims enhanced cornering ability in the 4x4, thanks to the permanent four-wheel drive system “which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling.”

Meantime, Mr Ellis said the regular Australian-spec Swift would receive a “cosmetic upgrade” around the middle of next year as a part of a mid-life refresh for the range.

Mr Ellis also confirmed the S-Cross SUV - touted as a replacement for the aging SX4 - will arrive in Australian showrooms either late this year or early 2014.

The SX4 will continue to sell alongside the S-Cross for the first few months of next year before being phased out completely.

Suzuki has confirmed the S-Cross will be powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and is working on adding a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel to the range as well.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Australia is currently offering limited edition ‘Shadow Sport’ versions of its Grand Vitara compact SUV and the range-topping Swift Sport for no additional cost.

The Grand Vitara features a contrasting black roof and is available on any model in the range, while the Swift Sport gains a red roof and side decals.

The Shadow Sport originally featured on Channel 9’s renovation reality program The Block, and due to the level of interest it received, Suzuki decided to make it available to the public.

Suzuki will sell just 100 Shadow Sport Grand Vitaras and a further 100 Swift Sports.