Suzuki is likely to unveil an all-new hatchback concept at this year’s Tokyo motor show. This new concept will preview the design language of the next-gen Swift hatchback. With the current-gen Swift, Suzuki stayed quite faithful to the design cues it had showcased on the Concept S back in 2011.
The styling of the production version of the next-gen Swift though, is expected to be toned down from the one seen on this new concept. This new hatchback will be equipped with Suzuki’s new 1.4-litre turbo petrol (dubbed Boosterjet by the manufacturer) globally, which was recently unveiled in a Chinese-spec SX4 crossover and will be seen on more Suzuki offerings in the near future. In the new Swift, this 1.4-litre engine is also expected to come with Suzuki’s S-Energy hybrid system. This system employs larger-capacity lithium-ion batteries for additional power, zero-emissions and electric-only cruising. The new, twin-clutch gearbox which was recently unveiled in the UK-spec S-Cross 4WD crossover, is also expected on the new-gen Swift.
The carmaker has also confirmed that the India-spec Swift will get the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol Boosterjet motor. Moreover, the next-gen Swift will also get Suzuki’s updated All Grip AWD system. It will come with a special Sport mode which will activate 4WD when the vehicle is in a straight line, and will convert into a FWD vehicle when the vehicle enters a turn. It will switch back to 4WD when the vehicle completes the turn.
The production version of the next-gen Swift for global markets is expected to debut at the Geneva motor show 2016.
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
