Next-gen Suzuki Swift and Swift Sport images leaked

Suzuki had started working on the next generation of the Swift hatchback long ago. The recent images leaked on the Internet reveal some vital details of the upcoming car.

The next-generation Swift will be based on the new generation Suzuki platform and will be stiffer yet lighter. From the images, it becomes clear that the compact size will be retained with its chubby yet sculpted proportions. The Japanese carmaker calls this new design innovative, stylish, sporty and elegant. It also says that the new Swift promises enjoyable and exciting driving performance. The new model will be 3.84 metres long and 1.74 metres wide. Thanks to the blackened C-pillar, the company has managed to retain the floating-roof like feel as they did with the recent Vitara Brezza.

The next-gen Swift is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine with the availability of the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol unit. The oil-burner will get the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill, which is expected to get the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system. Transmission options will include a five-speed gearbox and a six-speed automatic. Also, during a dealer presentation in France, Suzuki had announced that this new Swift will have the best fuel economy figures among B-segment hatchbacks.

The new Suzuki Swift is expected to be officially unveiled by the end of this year and launched globally in 2017. After nine months of the introduction of this Swift, Suzuki will also start offering the Swift Sport based on the regular hatchback. The performance of this car will be tweaked with a lightweight body, new engine, and sharp and responsive steering and overall handling. This new variant will feature an aggressive body kit and sportier interior. It will be powered by a 1.4-litre Boosterjet motor that will send power to the front wheels only through a six-speed manual gearbox.

We can expect the new Swift to be cheaper than the current model. For the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki’s heavy localisation should help to keep the costs in check. So with overall prices to be lower than the Baleno, the fear of cannibalisation will not be there as Maruti Suzuki can ask for a premium with the Baleno and still position it better against the competition.