Production-spec Suzuki iM-4 patent images surface - Spied

26/08/2015 - 15:41 Suzuki iM-4, Maruti Suzuki Aravind Jayachandran

Nearly dentical to the Suzuki iM-4 Concept from 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

A slew of patent images of the Suzuki iM-4 has surfaced online, courtesy of Alvolante.it. It looks identical to the concept model shown at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, contradicting reports that the production-spec model will sport a different design.

Suzuki iM-4 top view patent sketch — Compared to the concept car, the iM-4 gets production mirrors, door handles, bumper and radio antenna.

Suzuki iM-4 showcased at Auto Shanghai 2015 — Suzuki iM-4 Concept car for comparison.

Measuring 3,693 mm, the iM-4 concept is about 300 mm longer than the Suzuki Hustler kei-car (small car) exclusive to the Japanese market. A Suzuki official has already stated that the iM-4 based production car will be positioned above the Hustler in the global lineup. The micro-crossover could play the support role to the Celerio in the European A-Segment.

It rides on a next generation platform that is claimed to have better rigidity and lighter weight . The concept model packed a 1.2-liter DualJet engine featuring the SHVS mild hybrid technology with 4WD.

Suzuki iM-4 rear patent sketch — The production model gets plastic wheel caps, fuel lid and rear wiper, but otherwise stays identical to the concept.

Suzuki iM-4 roof at Auto Shanghai 2015 — Suzuki iM-4 concept rear

For the Indian market, Maruti is working on another sub-4m SUV (codenamed YBA), which borrows design cues from the Maruti XA Alpha Concept. It will be the first sub-4m from Maruti to rival the likes of the Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Mahindra TUV300. It remains to be seen if the iM-4 is brought to India.