In this first ever post on our blog, we would like to give you a recap of the latest global model launches that Suzuki has done in this past year.
First up is the SX4 S-Cross. First unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the SX4 S-Cross is Suzuki's first completely new global strategic model in almost four years (the last product they released before the S-Cross was the current generation Swift, which had it's world premier at the 2010 Paris Motor Show). Despite carrying the SX4 moniker in most European markets, Suzuki stated that the S-Cross will not be a direct replacement of the original SX4, and will insted be sold alongside the older modelfor a period of time. Another model (still in development) in the form of a B-Segment SUV will take the old SX4's place when it arrives later in 2015.
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| Suzuki SX4 S-Cross |
The S-Cross is based on Suzuki's new C-segment platform, and is powered by either a 1.6 litre petrol or diesel engine. The car is also available with Suzuki's latest four wheel drive technology called AllGrip as an option.
Positive reviews from European automotive media
The SX4 S-Cross has been getting great reviews from European automotive media, with most of them praising it's great value for money, low CO2 emissions and high fuel efficiency, and it's surprisingly great handling for a car in the crossover segment.
Here is a video review from one of Europe's automotive media, carbuyer.co.uk.
Sales performance
Since it's launch, the S-Cross has been doing pretty well in the European and Chinese market, where it is called 'Feng Yu'. Suzuki's 2014 Q1 European sales experienced an increase of 21% to 47,036 units from 39,006 in the same period last year, with the S-Cross becoming their third best-selling model after the Swift and the Alto, at a sales of 9,756 units. Apart from the relatively stable sales of the Swift, better supply of the Alto (2013 Q1 sales of the Alto was disrupted by insufficient supply due to the July-August 2012 strike in Suzuki's Manesar plant in India), the introduction of the S-Cross plays an important role in boosting Suzuki's European sales. Especially if we consider the fact that other models in the Suzuki range are experiencing a decrease in sales, with the old SX4 down 21% YTD, the Splash
down 9% YTD, the Grand Vitara down 27% YTD, and the Kizashi down 52% YTD.
(Source of sales figures: bestsellingcarsblog.com, JATO via Automotive News)
2. Suzuki Celerio
Second is the Celerio, which has only been launched in India as a Maruti Suzuki product. In the Indian market, the Celerio is positioned as a replacement of the A-Star (known as Alto in the European market) and the Estilo, while in Europe, it will replace both the Alto and the Splash.
A big hit in India
As the first car to offer AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), the Celerio has become a big hit in the Indian car market. With over 35,000 bookings since it's launch last February, and over 8-12 months of waiting period for the AMT versions, the Celerio is all set to repeat what Maruti Suzuki has done in revolutionising the Indian car market with the 800 a couple of decades ago. It is also the first car in the Indian car market with about half of it's sales accounting to the automatic version.
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| Maruti Suzuki Celerio |
Thai production
Apart from India, Suzuki will also produce the Celerio in their Thai plant, which will serve as Celerio's export base for the ASEAN region, as well as Europe and Australia. European version of the Celerio has been displayed at this year's Geneva Motor Show, while the Thai domestic version was displayed at the 2014 Bangkok Motor Show last March. Production of Celerio at Suzuki's Rayong plant is expected to start this month, with Thai launch happening soon after, and export to Europe beginning in the second half of this year.
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| Euro-spec Celerio at The 2014 Geneva Motor Show |
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| Thai-spec Celerio at The 2014 Bangkok Motor Show |
While the Indian and European versions of the Celerio feature AMT, the Thai version, which will participate in the government's second phase Eco Car programme, will instead be equipped with a CVT unit.
Well, those are the two new global products that Suzuki has introduced in this past year. Both the S-Cross and the Celerio mark only the beginning Suzuki's model blitz, with them planning to launch 7 new products for the European market, 7 for the Chinese market, 9 for the ASEAN region, 14 for the Indian market, and 16 for the Japanese domestic market within 4 years time 1.
1 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/driving-ahead-suzuki-readies-new-car-roadmap-for-india/article5390658.ece
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