Maruti Suzuki Swift Concept Revealed At Japan Motor Show, Will Inspire Next-gen Swift In India

• Next-gen Suzuki Swift concept makes its debut at Tokyo Motor show.

• Gets styling updates that make it look sharper than before.

• Cabin takes cues from the Fronx and Baleno’s interior, but follows a new theme.

• Packs ADAS features like autonomous braking assist and automatic high beam assist.

• Global-spec model likely to get a hybrid powertrain, while India could continue with its pure petrol one

• Next-gen Maruti Swift could be launched sometime next year.

The next-gen Maruti Swift for India is going to take cues from the new Swift concept, which has just been showcased at the Tokyo Motor show. A few pictures of the concept were revealed earlier, but this is the first time the car has been seen in the real world. Here’s what you need to know about it:

Swift concept design

While the concept’s styling is unmistakably Swift-like, it also has a few hints of Mini Cooper in it. The body of the car seems wider than its window and roof line. The front looks sharper, thanks to the new headlights with the LED DRL signature. They rest below the pronounced bonnet line and almost flank the redesigned grille, which looks to have shrunk in size.  

The profile, which looks similar to the current model, has been slightly reworked with the door handles taking up a more conventional position in contrast to the rear C-pillar handles for the current Swift. The rear looks more familiar with a similar outline for the tailgate, taillights and even the bumper. The latter gets black inserts, while the taillights get an inverted C-shaped LED signature. Although, everything does look more edgy and angular than the outgoing model.

And while this is a concept, the design seems largely production-ready and we hope most of the touches are retained. 

Swift concept cabin

Inside, the cabin design resembles recent models like the Fronx, Grand Vitara, and Baleno, with minor dashboard tweaks and a sportier color scheme of black, gloss black, and white. 

The features are not extensively detailed, but a 9-inch touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is visible. The driver's display remains analog with an MID display in the middle, while anticipated features include cruise control, automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start-stop, and various ADAS features, including autonomous braking assist and automatic high beam assist.

Swift concept powertrain

Engine specifications remain undisclosed, but the Swift won't be going all-electric yet. Suzuki suggests a "high-efficiency engine and CVT" striking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, which along with the ‘Hybrid’ badging at the rear confirm the same. 

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However, India is likely to skip the hybrid unit and continue with its 1.2-liter DualJet petrol engine with 89PS and 113Nm, available with a 5-speed manual or an AMT transmission. 

From the looks of it, this concept suggests that the next-generation Swift may be unveiled very soon, and India could get it sometime next year. The update will likely result in higher prices compared to the current starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh. It’ll continue to rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and be a hatchback alternative to the Renault Triber.