gear kereta

GENEVA — Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor, which has partnerships around the world, sent out a press release this week touting the upcoming “world debut” of its new SX4 sedan

. Trouble is, we’ve actually seen this vehicle previously — in another country, with another badge, from another manufacturer.

Last fall at the Beijing Motor Show, Chinese automaker Changan Auto pulled the wraps off its new Tianyu sedan. Changan is partnered with several different overseas manufacturers, including Ford and Suzuki. The Tianyu, in fact, is none other than the SX4 sedan.

The SX4 sedan is the four-door notchback companion to the five-door SX4 compact crossover that was introduced last year in the United States. It is expected to share the five-door’s 143-horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and most of its running gear. It will go on sale later this year at U.S. dealerships as a 2008 model.

Suzuki’s Geneva stand also will feature the Splash, a sneak peek at the company’s forthcoming European MPV, as well as the latest iteration of Suzuki’s WRC challenger, which enters competition in August.