Suzuki has revealed more images of its next-generation Swift hatchback that’s being shown off in concept form at the Tokyo motor show.
The Japanese carmaker previously published a single front three-quarter image of this next-generation Swift concept earlier this month.
As previously noted, this next-generation Suzuki Swift concept looks virtually production-ready. It’s expected to launch in 2024.
It has a similar shape to the current car, though a prominent crease runs along the side of the vehicle just above the door handles, with traditional door handles situated below the belt line at the rear instead of in the C-pillar.
The side crease runs into the headlights, and aligns with the bonnet line. The grille appears to be slightly smaller and rounder than the current car.
At the rear there are smaller tail lights, as well as a revised tailgate opening that appears to also be slightly smaller than the current car. There’s also a revamped lower bumper section with a gloss black finish to match the contrasting roof.
Inside the next-generation Swift concept has been given a makeover with a new two-tone dashboard, as well as elements that appear to be taken from the current S-Cross that was revealed in 2021.
These elements include the high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, and the analogue speedometer and tachometer that flank a small screen.
There are other elements that appear to carry over from the current Swift, however, including the flat-bottomed steering wheel and automatic transmission gear selector.
While Suzuki designers have been adventurous in the recent years with models like the retro-styled Ignis, Jimny and Alto, they appear to have been kept on a tighter leash with the Swift.
Ever since the Swift was relaunched globally in 2004 as a more overtly Europe-focused model, each generation has visually been a fairly evolutionary redesign of the original 2004 model.
The new Swift is expected to use a modified version of the current ‘Heartect’ platform to help conform to more stringent safety standards.
Previously spied prototype
Suzuki says the concept comes standard with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive high-beam and a driver monitoring system.
It’s unclear what engines will power the Swift.
A mild-hybrid powertrain is likely to continue and is rumoured to be joined by a parallel hybrid, giving the hybrid Toyota Yaris a direct rival.
Current Swift
In Europe, the current Swift is offered with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine with a 12V mild-hybrid system. It produces 61kW of power and 107Nm of torque, and is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Australian Swifts do without the 12V system, and are offered with either a 66kW/120Nm 1.2-litre atmo four or a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-pot with 82kW and 160Nm.
There’s also the Swift Sport, which uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in Australia that produces 103kW and 230Nm.
European-market Swift Sport models on the other hand feature a 48V mild-hybrid system, and outputs of 95kW and 235Nm.
The Swift has even greater importance to the Australian market following Suzuki Australia’s axing of the Baleno, which didn’t meet ADR 85/00 side impact standards in its updated guise.
The Baleno is produced in India, and initially was exported to markets like Australia and Europe. But while it enjoyed sales success in Australia, it proved a slow seller in Europe and was discontinued.
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