CAR MODIFICATIONS

Suzuki’s subsidiary in India has introduced a new concept version of the SX4. The automaker introduced the vehicle at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.

The Suzuki SX4 Hybrid is a follow-up on the SX4-FCV fuel-cell concepts shown in Tokyo last year, and Paris the year before. While the previous versions were five-door hatchbacks, the new model is a four-door sedan. It also sports a new paintjob, and blue tint on the front and rear light clusters.

Also new is the front bumper, which now places fog lights were air inlets used to be. Instead of oversized upper grille and lower air intake, the car now takes on a more modest and realistic look. However, the new rear bumper is more robust and sporty, which has the unfortunate effect of making the car look a bit disjointed.

The SX4 Hybrid combines a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 50-kiloWatt electric motor. With the lithium-ion battery pack, the car is capable of driving short distances on just electricity power. A five-speed semi-automatic transmission was also installed.

Maruti Suzuki, the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese automaker, will showcase a fleet of the hybrid cars at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Developed under a partnership with several government programmes, the Suzuki SX4 Hybrid could enter mass production within five years.