All-New Suzuki Swift Launched In Japan

Do Not Miss It!: Our comprehensive First Drive Review of the 2018 Maruti Swift

UPDATE: Everything you need to know about the 2018 Maruti Swift

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that the fourth generation of its best selling car, the Swift will go on sale in Japan in the first week of January 2017. The Swift has amassed the sale of 5.3 million units since it was first launched back in 2004.

The new one will be available with two engine options, a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol and the more powerful 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine which will also power the Baleno RS in India. The new SHVS technology will also be offered on the Hybrid ML and Hybrid RS variants in Japan. The car is based on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform which claims to be light yet rigid. Though the car differs aesthetically to the current generation thanks to its new hexagonal grille, wrap around headlamps with DRLs and edgier tail lamps, in terms of dimensions, its quite similar. At 1695mm it is as wide as the current swift but ironically is 10mm shorter in length at 3840mm. The wheelbase though has grown by 20mm to 2450mm which should result in more room in the cabin especially in the rear. Plus, the shape is unmistakably Swift with its floating roof design which slopes downwards towards the end. The rear door handle though has been shifted to the c-pillar.

The interior is all black and the combination of a flat bottom steering wheel and red surrounds on clocks (from the Baleno) coupled with the purposeful looking centre dash give the car a sporty appeal. The large climate control dials look retro and stylish and even the aircon vents have been replaced. 

Suzuki has confirmed that the car will be showcased at the Geneva Motorshow in March 2017 for other markets. As for India, the rumour mill is rife with the speculation that the Dzire might be launched before the hatchback shows up on our doorsteps. Also, here the car will definitely be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol and the tired and tested 1.3-litre diesel engine but we hope Maruti Suzuki decides to fit it with the Boosterjet as well. SHVS however could very well be on the cards. We can also expect ABS and airbags to be standard across all variants. As with most of Maruti Suzuki’s important models we expect the new Swift to be launched around the festive season in 2017