The next-gen model will also be a lot lighter than the current Swift, and yet it will be about 50mm longer - which means enhanced cabin space we hope! The lighter weight can be attributed to the use of Suzuki's new global platform that has already spawned the Baleno and Ignis. Indications are that the next-gen Swift will also be more of a hot hatch - because Suzuki believes there is room in its global (read European) portfolio for a more performance-oriented compact car. Moreover, with the launch of the Baleno premium hatch, Suzuki can now address the 'sensible' family hatch buyer - giving it more room to play with a sporty and edgier Swift hatchback. The Swift (and its Sport variant in Europe) have already garnered that image which can be further honed - hence the reason to build the Baleno as the family car and not the next gen Swift - in case you're wondering!
If things go to plan we will get to see the new production car (as a 2017 model) at the Paris Motor Show in October this year, when it will make its global debut. That is fitting considering the very successful 2nd generation car also broke cover there in 2004 - with the very successful silhouette which Suzuki has not changed for the 3rd or upcoming 4th generation car as you can see. A source in Suzuki Europe has confirmed that the new Swift will come with 3 new engine options. The first will be a tweaked version of the 1 litre, 3 cylinder Boosterjet engine that powers the Baleno RS/Ignis (and likely soon will power the Vitara Brezza's petrol variant in India too). The second one will be an updated 1.2 K-Series engine and subsequently a 140 bhp, 1.4 litre Boosterjet (4 cylinder) petrol for its Sport avatar that will only be produced as a 2018 model.
But that is what the global Swift portfolio will likely hold. In India we are likely to get the first two and also the 1.3 litre diesel of course. India will be key to the new Swift's plan - as it will be made for domestic and export markets like the current car is. It will however add export markets - even though Suzuki's Hungary plant will continue to make the car for Europe. It is also likely that the car will be shipped to Japan from the Indian manufacturing at Gujarat by 2018.
Image Source: AutoExpress
