The 2018 Suzuki Swift hybrid has been spotted on Indian soil for the first time and that too without camouflage. This car was unveiled in late 2016 and is the fourth generation for the Japanese automaker’s popular B-segment hatchback.
The car that has been spotted in the photos (at one of the major domestic airports) is the 1.2 hybrid variant. This makes use of the 1.2-litre four-cylinder K Series engine, but with a small hybrid motor for additional torque and output. In the Japanese market, this car is offered with a six-speed manual or a CVT.
It is likely that this model has been imported for R&D purpose. This means that this exact setup will not be offered in the Indian market. However, its design language is the basis for the new Maruti Suzuki Swift that we will see in India during the 2018 Auto Expo. The India-spec car will get the same interiors seen in Dzire but in a shade of black, sans the faux wood inserts.
There is a new platform underpinning this next generation car and this means it will be significantly lighter than the outgoing model. The engines here will be the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel. But this time around we expect Maruti Suzuki to offer a five-speed AMT along with a five-speed manual.