The new versions of Suzuki are already on the roll in Europe, and it plans to go a lot further still, selling at least 340,000 cars mostly small sports & SUVs in Europe for 2007. That’s why the main offering of Suzuki here is a saloon version of the decent little SX4 that until now has only been hatched. With other usual features of Suzuki remaining unchanged, the new saloon, with its top-hat proportions, offers a high and upright seating position for good visibility. Suzuki also claims that the 1.6-litre petrol-powered SX4 saloon has great driving dynamics, though the proportions presented can still be a debating point.

In its road drive guise, as the Sporty Swift, it also offers special suspension; 17-inch (43cm) wheels, and loads of comfort equipment that the rally car doesn’t have, and a slightly milder version of the 1.6 engine.

Suzuki also announced that after some selected outings especially for Europe this year, the SX4 WRC on show here will step up the company to a full WRC campaign in 2008. And showing concern for the message conveyed through the European environmental demands, Suzuki looks forward to a “Diesel engine” – being the desperate need of this year.