New 2011 Swift images revealed

Suzuki has released new pictures of its forthcoming Swift hatchback, including the first shots of its interior.

While the exterior changes are minimal, the interior gets some styling cues from the larger Kizashi saloon, particularly in its centre console. There is also new LCD display, new switchgear and metallic accents.

Suzuki’s all-new lighter, longer and more spacious Swift will go on sale in the UK this September, promising better dynamics, increased performance and improved CO2 emissions and economy.

The Swift’s all-new platform increases the wheelbase by 50mm and the overall length by 90mm. Extensive use of higher strength steel has made the new bodyshell lighter and stiffer than before as well as offering refinement in underbody design. The front and rear tracks are 10mm and 5mm wider respectively. Suzuki claims the Swift, its best-selling model, is much improved dynamically as a result.

Official interior pictures have yet to be revealed, but Suzuki has indicated it will be more sophisticated and “dynamic” than the outgoing car. The interior design continues to feature black as its keynote colour with accents of silver throughout the car. The increase in wheelbase will also create more space for rear passengers.

In the UK, the Swift will be launched with a new Dual VVT 1.2-litre petrol engine that will be replacing the outgoing 1.3-litre unit. The Dual VVT unit produces 92bhp and 12.08kgm of torque, both figures slightly improved over the 1.3 unit. A manual gearbox will be standard and an automatic optional.

However, for the Indian market, the engine that will power this car is likely to be carried over – it’s an evolution of the K-series (K12) motor that powers the current Swift and Ritz. Variable Valve Timing technology that is being used in the European car could come to India as well. Just as it did with M16A on the SX4. Suzuki will also continue with the very successful 1.3-Multijet from Fiat, or the DDiS.