Suzuki iM-4 SUV revealed in production form through new patent images

Suzuki’s latest compact SUV may have just been revealed in its final production form, if this set of leaked patent application images proves to be an authentic preview of what’s to come.

Unveiled in March as the iM-4 concept, the renderings shown here reveal that the showroom model’s styling will not stray far from the original show-car’s looks.

Standout differences include the requisite wheel downsizing, along with a switch to conventional lighting at both ends and regular panel-mounted door mirrors. These renderings also suggest that the gill-like vents in the concept’s thick C-pillar have been switched out for a subtler trio of indentations.

The bumpers at both ends are also lightly revised in these new images, while the doors have done away with the flush handles and dark grey protective insert along the lower edge.

Little is known about the tiny new SUV, although its passage to production has been promised for some time now.

Revealed alongside the iK-2 concept â€" which has now transformed into the new-generation Baleno â€" the iM-4 is expected to take its place in the Suzuki range as a crossover companion to the light Celerio hatch.

In concept form, the iM-4 is powered by a 1.2 litre petrol engine mated to a mild hybrid electric system, but we can likely expect the production model to derive power from the Celerio’s 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine.

Expect the new SUV to be focused entirely on ‘soft road’ commuting, leaving off-road activity to the next-generation Jimny that is expected to appear sometime in 2018.

Suzuki Australia has already signalled its interest in the production version of the iM-4, although the company has yet to confirm a local debut. If confirmation comes, a 2017 launch could be on the cards.

Above: the im-4 concept, revealed in March.

In Australia, the iM-4 will help to bolster Suzuki’s sales figures, which, at the end of July, sat at 11,452 for the year, compared to 10,133 for the same period in 2014.

The Swift remains the best-selling model in the local range, with 6859 sales year-to-date (end of July), against 5188 at the same point last year.

Suzuki will also welcome the all-new Vitara next month, giving the company a small new companion to the S-Cross.

Watch for CarAdvice’s review of the new Vitara to come early next month.

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