Suzuki planning a WRX rival?

Suzuki isn't known for its high performance sports cars but the recent Kizashi Concept shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show is proof it harbors greater ambitions. With the company competing in the World Rally Championship, management is now suggesting a car that can showcase their involvement and the recently launched AWD SX4 sedan could be the vehicle to do so.

According to a report from Cars Guide, a “SX4 Sport” could form the basis for a performance model derived from the WRC car, with an engine and performance mods to firmly take on the iconic WRX. The WRC car gets a 235kW (320hp) engine and weighs only 1230kg, however, a production model could be in the 160kW (215hp) range along with large diameter brakes, hard sports suspension, and a matching bodykit. The report claims that handling could be tuned by none other than rally champion Nobuhiro Tajima, who could give the car a realistic rally feel.

So far, the SX4 Sport remains a rumor, however, the Suzuki Swift got a sweet handling sport model so it makes sense for Suzuki to continue expanding the range.