Suzuki Grand Vitara will keep 4WD ability

And it's an aspect Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says is part of the brand. "The thing with the Grand Vitara is it is part of the Suzuki DNA, they won't let go of dual range or things like that," he says.  

Given the SUV market is split evenly between two and four-wheel drive, there's also an expectation of a cheaper 2WD Grand Vitara, but don't expect any confirmation of that from Suzuki Australia yet. 

What Mr Devers will says is that they are looking at something smaller - as well as a seven-seater - for its SUV catalogue.  

"Grand Vitara fills one niche, there are smaller ones coming in now. "The car that was at the Delhi Motor Show, the XA Alpha Concept might be the next go - we're trying to get that concept car for the Sydney show. 

"Japan are working on a seven-seater as well, so I think we'll go smaller and larger than the Grand Vitara over the next two years," he says. 

The Australian arm of Suzuki is targeting 26,000 sales this year - up from a 2011 tally of 23,778 that was eroded by natural disasters and industrial action in India, from where the Alto light car hails. 

"We went three months without any Altos and we do 350 a month of those." 

"There will be an additional 1500 Swift Sport, plus in the second half of the year we'll get revised Grand Vitara and SX-4, that's where the incremental volume will come from," he says. 

A top 10 finish in 2013 is also being targeted by Suzuki - who expect to fight it out with Kia, VW and Subaru for final spots in the top 10. 

The Suzuki four-wheeled product portfolio was expected to grow to include a Kizashi V6, turbocharged and wagon model, but the GFC has delayed those cars for at least 18 months - but Mr Devers says the Kizashi will get a push into the lease and fleet markets this year, albeit with a watchful eye on resale values.

"The big thing is awareness with Kizashi, once people drive it they love it. "This year, we'll build it's profile and hit fleets and novated leases," he says.