The fourth-generation of the Suzuki Swift small hatchback has been previewed in ‘concept’ form ahead of its official reveal
Set for official reveal at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, Suzuki has released an image previewing the next-generation of the Swift small hatchback.
While the vehicle pictured is officially labeled a ‘Swift Concept’, it is a clear evolution of the familiar design and looks production ready.
Once unveiled in production form, it’s expected to make its way to Australia where it will compete in the value-focused small car segment, alongside the MG3 and other slightly more expensive rivals such as the Toyota Yaris and recently-refurbished Mazda 2.
Visual differences from the current third-generation include a new face with redesigned headlights, a smaller grille now featuring the Suzuki badge above it, a more prominent crease line along the side profile, and regular rear door handles replacing the hidden handles of the current model.
Suzuki hasn’t revealed too much further detail about the new-generation hatchback aside from referencing some of the safety technologies that will feature, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive high beams and a driver monitoring system.
The engines powering the new Swift have also not yet been revealed either, however it has previously been rumored that the new-generation will receive a mild-hybrid system onboard.
While the current generation Swift is available with a mild-hybrid system in Europe, this has not been the case for Australia.
Three engines are currently available domestically including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol inline-four cylinder engine delivering 66kW/120Nm, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-three cylinder delivering 82kW/160Nm, and a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol inline-four cylinder engine delivering 103kW/230Nm.
Depending on grade, these can currently be mated to either a five- or six-speed manual, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed automatic transmission. All grades are front-wheel drive.
An integral and popular model in the Japanese brands global and local line-up, the current generation of the Swift is almost seven-years old.
Last month, the hatchback sold 632 units in Australia, second in the light car under $30,000 segment after the MG 3 which sold 1443 units, but ahead of the third placed Mazda 2 on 321 units.
However, the Swift isn’t the only ‘concept’ car that has been teased by Suzuki ahead of the Japan Mobility Show.
The Japanese auto-maker has also previewed the Suzuki eVX, an EV concept originally revealed in January. The electric vehicle concept will be on show in Japan featuring a tweaked exterior and having its interior revealed for the first time.
An EWX ‘mini wagon’ EV has also been teased as well as a mini-commercial BEV van and a Spacia kei car concept.
Further details about the new Swift and Suzuki’s other concept vehicles are expected to emerge upon full reveal in Tokyo at the Japan Mobility Show beginning October 26th.
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