Paris Motor Show Preview: Suzuki S-Cross Concept

The Suzuki SX4 is probably the most unique vehicle the Japanese automaker has in its North American line-up, and with this small hatchback having been around since 2006, Suzuki is preparing a replacement with a concept that will be on display at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Until the official Suzuki S-Cross concept is unveiled, Suzuki has released a couple teaser images giving us an idea what the SX4's successor might look like.

One of the images is a sketch and the other is a heavily shadowed look at what should be the actual concept vehicle, and from what we can see, it is a great start. Suzuki says the S-Cross uses a "Emotion x Quality x Aerodynamics" design language, and with that kind of multiplication, this design should equate to a stylish SX4 replacement. Some of the key styling cues of the S-Cross concept include curvy body lines (especially up front), hidden rear door handles and an expressive front end with large, angled vents below the headlights trimmed with a thin set of LED running lights at the bottom edge. Judging by these photos, the S-Cross concept should be a great follow-up to the stylish and sporty Suzuki Kizashi sedan that debuted for the 2010 model year.

Aside from the two images and a brief press release, little is known about the S-Cross (including its platform and powertrain), but like the SX4, Suzuki is calling its new concept a compact crossover which makes it very likely that the concept - and production model - will include all-wheel drive. If Suzuki does bring a production version of the S-Cross concept to the United States, it would most likely be priced very close to the current SX4 hatchback that starts just under $17,000. No word if there would be a sedan version of the S-Cross like Suzuki offers for the SX4.

The Suzuki S-Cross concept will be officially unveiled on September 27 during the press days of the Paris Motor Show, and the show is open to the public September 29 through October 4.