SUZUKI'S stunning Concept-S, launched at last week's Paris Motor Show, is an exciting and innovative concept for Suzuki's all-new super mini specifically designed for the European market.

But it won't be at the British Motor Show later this month as Suzuki are not exhibiting this year.

This is a shame as it promises to be a real winner from a company not known for advance designs.

Currently powered by a 1.6-litre high performance engine and with a six-speed sequential gearbox and permanent four wheel drive, the Concept-S embodies much of the technology acquired through Suzuki's challenge in the Junior World Rally Championship and incorporates Suzuki's leading edge motorcycle and automobile technology and design initiatives.

Following further development and evolution Concept-S is expected to be in production in the latter part of 2004.

It will be manufactured at Suzuki's plant in Hungary, at Esztergom near Budapest, where the current production capacity of 100,000 units will be expanded to 200,000 units by 2004.

Suzuki has also announced that diesel engines for Jimny and Grand Vitara ranges are to be introduced next year.

The Grand Vitara three-door diesel will be available in Spring, 2003; Grand Vitara XL-7 by mid- year and Jimny including Jimny Soft Top which is manufactured in partnership with Santana S.A. in Spain by the year end.

Suzuki says that its current challenge in the Junior World Rally Championship has has already provided substantial benefits especially those related to the introduction of new technology.

"Continued involvement by Suzuki in this exciting project will further enhance its abilities in harnessing its motorcycle and automobile engineering and design expertise in order to benefit the future development of new road-going models that are sporty and fun," says Suzuki GB's sales and marketing director David Seward.