After a brochure leak last week, Suzuki has released its all-new Swift compact hatchback, albeit only in its home market of Japan. It’s now more intelligent, more efficient, and (should be) more fun to throw about. It builds on the character of the current Swift, with ‘evolution” rather than ‘revolution’ being the name of the game.
The biggest changes to the Swift are under the skin, with a new platform and drivetrain making headlines here. The new car sits on a lighter, stiffer platform compared to the outgoing car. It also sees the introduction of the 1.0-litre ‘BoosterJet’ turbocharged engine, lifted from the bigger Baleno, as well as a hybrid option. The three-cylinder turbo petrol pushes out 75kW and 150Nm (de-tuned from the Baleen’s 82kW/160Nm), a good 5kW and 20Nm up from the current car’s 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.
On the outside, the new Swift takes the evolutionary path in terms of design, with the little hatch looking undoubtedly like a descendant of the Swift before it. Although the car seen in our photos are for the Japanese market, we really shouldn’t see too much differentiation when it arrives on our shores in May of next year, following its debut in March 2017.
There are plenty of updates tacked onto the new Swift, bringing it bang up to date with its contemporaries. There’s a new six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters (a five-speed manual is standard fit), LED headlights, and autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control available through the various trim levels. Safety-wise, there are a plethora of airbags dotted around the cabin, and the rear seats come with ISOFIX tethers. Five-star ratings in NCAP tests are expected.
We cannot presently comment on trim levels, as the details on these are not yet available. What we do know is that higher-end cars sport chronograph-inspired dials, while a touchscreen infotainment unit (replete with Apple CarPlay) and a more grown-up cabin design is seen across the board. We especially like the look of the new steering wheel, which looks chunky and grippy.
Practicality is up too, something that the current Swift lacks somewhat. The boot is rated at 265-litres, which is a 55-litre improvement over the current car. There’s also improved rear legroom, thanks to an lengthened wheelbase. In Japan, the debut of the Swift will see a ‘warm’ Swift RS in the lineup, though reports are talking about a proper hot-hatch in the form of a Swift Sport, which may see the Vitara’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine shoehorned into the compact car.
The Swift, when it debuts in Australia, will likely strengthen the nameplate’s sales in our market. As it is, the current model is still selling relatively well, with more than 7,000 sales chalked up this year. It’s down on the previous year by 23%, but we reckon this new Swift will find homes, well, swiftly.
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