Suzuki SX Concept

Suzuki's New York concept turned out to be a surprise. Not because the SX (for Sport Crossover) is a thinly disguised production car headed for North America early next year: Suzuki has done that before, most recently with the XL-7. It's a surprise because it looks like a Japanese minicar, only larger, and because minicar-averse Americans reacted favorably. SX (not the production model's name) is only 165.4 in. long, with a 97.6-in. wheelbase and a 62.2-in. overall height.

While the concept is powered by a 2.0L/220-hp supercharged aluminum I-4, the production version will get a normally aspirated version of the engine, probably making no more than 150 horses. It'll come with front or all-wheel drive, a clamshell hatchback tailgate, folding rear seats, and a driver-oriented five-passenger interior. Styling, especially the nose, will be toned down for the production car. It'll have more subtle color schemes and smaller wheels and tires, which were 17 in. on the New York show car.

Built on a unibody, the SX shares its new platform with the next-generation Esteem, also due here early next year. The sedan will be available with FWD or AWD, and rumor is the Esteem wagon will be offered in a version with extra cladding and a higher ride height to take on Subaru's Forester crossover.