“With 99 years of heritage behind it, Suzuki is riding the crest of five successive years of growth and another record start to the year,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Those dramatic sales results will be reflected by the quality line-up on display at the Melbourne Motor Show.”

Headlining the vehicle range will be the all new Grand Vitara turbo-diesel SUV.

“Customers have been telling us for some time they would welcome the option of a turbo-diesel engine and, once again, Suzuki Australia has listened and responded,” said Devers.

“We’ve also maintained Suzuki’s reputation for offering outstanding value for money, with the Grand Vitara turbo-diesel going on sale with a recommended retail price of just $34,990.”

Devers said the Grand Vitara turbo-diesel came complete with a full array of creature comforts and safety equipment.

“The Grand Vitara turbo-diesel packs a full complement of safety equipment, including ESP with traction control, six airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist."

“Inside, customers are cosseted in a comfortable environment complete with cruise control, MP3 compatible CD player, climate control air-conditioning and power windows and mirrors.”

The newest addition to the Grand Vitara line-up is powered by a 1.9-litre Direct Diesel injection System (DDiS) intercooled and turbocharged engine producing 95 kW of power at 3,750 rpm and a hefty 300 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm.

Tony Devers has also indicated the new Grand Vitara diesel uses "just 7.6 litres of diesel to cover 100 kilometres."

“That means the Grand Vitara turbo-diesel will be able to cover a journey from Sydney to Melbourne on a single tank of fuel, representing outstanding value for our customers.”

Suzuki’s revamped SUV line-up will be complemented by a Trekker version of Grand Vitara and the renamed Jimny Sierra.

The limited edition Trekker pack adds more than $4,000 worth of value to Grand Vitara.

Features of the Trekker pack include satellite navigation, an iPod interface, rear spoiler, headlamp and bonnet guard protectors, floor mats, reverse parking sensors and a cargo net and tray.

Buyers of the three-door Grand Vitara Trekker also get upgraded alloy wheels, while the five-door pack comes with airbag compliant side steps.

“The first Trekker pack we unveiled last year was a huge hit with customers around the country,” said Devers.

“This new pack is a direct response to customer requests for popular Grand Vitara accessories and reinforces Suzuki as Australia’s leading brand for providing fantastic value for money."

“As one of the few compact SUVs with genuine off road credentials, the Grand Vitara Trekker is the perfect 4WD for the bush and the urban jungle.”

The Trekker pack is available only on three and five-door petrol engined Grand Vitaras, including the range topping Prestige. It is not available on the new turbo-diesel model though.

Devers said the launch of the Jimny Sierra was a move sure to be popular with a broad range of customers.

“The Sierra name has assumed cult status with Suzuki owners and the larger off-roading community, with vehicles retaining very high resale value and demand outstretching supply in the used market,” he said.

“Owners have told us they wanted the Sierra name to live on, making the decision to re-launch the Sierra nameplate an easy one."

“The Sierra has a rich heritage among 4x4 owners, many of whom take modified versions to places where bigger and far more expensive SUVs would become stranded."

“The original and rugged Jimny Sierra will keep all the features that have made it such an iconic vehicle, with a respected 1.3-litre engine, legendary off-road performance and fantastic value for money with a recommended retail price of just $19,990.

“It’s a great vehicle for people wishing to enter the world of off-roading and looking for a vehicle that offers reliable, dependable performance. And those are features the Jimny Sierra has in spades.”

Devers said customer interest in a more aggressive look for Suzuki’s new small car had prompted the vision for the SX4 sedan concept.

The concept draws on the rich rally heritage of Suzuki, with the new SX4 WRC entry scoring points finishes in the first two events of the 2008 championship.

“SX4 is a great package, combining rally-inspired performance, great driving dynamics and creature comforts such as keyless start at a value-packed price."

“However, we are constantly looking for new ways to improve the appeal of our popular small car."

“As a result of feedback from dealers and prospective customers, we decided to use the Melbourne Motor Show as a forum to gauge public interest in a new, more aggressive look.”

Devers said the sedan concept boasted 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a bonnet scoop to give a more forceful look to the graceful lines of the SX4.

“It takes a great looking car and, we believe, adds even more appeal to those customers wanting a more sporting look.”

Show patrons wanting to test their driving skills should also head to the Suzuki stand, to sample the Suzuki Swift Sport rally simulator.

Suzuki will be hosting a competition – open to all licensed drivers – to find the best driver at Melbourne Motor Show, who can negotiate the championship winning Swift Super 1600 around a WRC-inspired track.

Daily prizes of a Team Suzuki Racing jacket will be up for grabs.