Automotive

Safer, smarter Suzuki Swift to make global debut in Geneva

View 6 Images
The Swift will make its global debut in Geneva in March 2017
Suzuki
The new Swift is available in hybrid, turbo and naturally-aspirated versions
Suzuki
The Suzuki Swift is a four door, but clever door handles make it look like a two-door
Suzuki
The new Swift is available in hybrid, turbo and naturally-aspirated versions
Suzuki
The new Suzuki Swift  is smarter and safer than the last model
Suzuki
The new Swift runs on a lighter, stiffer new platform dubbed Heartect
Suzuki
The Swift will make its global debut in Geneva in March 2017
Suzuki
View gallery - 6 images

Suzuki might be a relatively small maker compared to the likes of Mazda and Subaru, but the little Swift has always been good enough to take it up to the bigger kids in the playground. More than 5.3 million have been sold since the first-generation car launched in 2004, which won fans with its cute styling and sharp handling. Now there's a new one, with a fresh face and more tech.

Underpinning the 2017 Swift is a lighter, stiffer new platform dubbed Heartect. Coupled with the turbocharged 1.0-L BoosterJet engine standard in the Swift RS, it should make for a fun little hatch, although keen drivers will be crossing their fingers and hoping a full-fat Swift Sport will be offered. The engine in the RS is coupled with a six-speed auto gearbox, with no mention of a stick-shift.

Along with the compact turbo, a 1.2-L naturally aspirated engine and a mild hybrid will also be offered, but details about both those powertrains are thin on the ground. Expect more details when the car gets its global launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

As you'd expect of a new car aimed at young buyers, the Swift will be loaded with smart safety tech. Thanks to the new camera and laser sensor mounted on the front of the car, it will automatically brake if it senses an impending collision, and dip the headlights when it senses an oncoming car. Adaptive cruise control is also on the options list.

If, somehow, an accident does happen with all this kit, the stiffer new platform should help make the car safer in a crash.

There is currently no word on pricing for the new Swift, which will be available from January 4 in Japan.

Source: Suzuki

View gallery - 6 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
4 comments
Dan Parker
Suzuki's auto division didn't last long in the states. As an owner of a 2010 Kizashi, I'd say they have some work to do on their image before they're successful here.
yawood
@Dan. Where's here? Do you mean the States? In Australia Suzuki has a very good reputation and most of their models sell reasonably well though, as the story says, they don't sell in anything like the numbers of Mazda or Toyota. The Swift and the Vitara (or Grand Vitara) are probably their best sellers in Oz.
Bob Stuart
Strong, stiff, and tough are NOT synonyms. Stiff is the worst one to have in a crash.
Nairda
They are reliable I'll give them that. @yawood, definitely, they can improve their marketing. The Swift sport could have been their Ignis Sport, but they chose to dial it down.
Wish they would make a follow up to the Suzuki Jimny. With a 1.4 turbo diesel this time. That little thing floats on junes and water.