Suzuki Launches Production of New SX4 in Hungary

VIENNA – Suzuki Chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki joins Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for the official production launch of the next-generation Suzuki SX4 cross/utility vehicle at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary.

The new model, named SX4 S-Cross, was unveiled at this year’s Geneva auto show. The CUV will be exported to the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Magyar Suzuki created 100 new jobs at the plant as part of plans to build 100,000 units in its first year of production. Current SX4 output will continue.

The SX4 S-Cross is 169 ins. (430 cm) long, 5.9 ins. (15 cm) longer than its predecessor. The vehicle is 69.5 ins. (176.5 cm) wide and 62.2 ins. (158 cm) high. The wheelbase is increased from 98.3 ins. (250) cm to 102.4 ins. (260 cm).

The new CUV, which is available with 2-wheel or all-wheel drive, is powered by a 1.6L gasoline engine producing 88 hp or a 1.6L diesel making 118 hp.

The Esztergom plant, which can produce 200,000 units annually with two 8-hour shifts operating five days a week, manufactured about 155,000 vehicles last year, down 9.7% from 2011. The total figure comprises the Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Splash and its sibling Opel/Vauxhall Agila, as well as the SX4 and its sister vehicle Fiat Sedici.