New Suzuki Swift due in 2017

Plans for the next generation of the Suzuki Swift Supermini have emerged following the launch of the Suzuki Baleno.

Talking to our sister title Auto Express, the company’s UK sales and marketing director Dale Wyatt said that the Baleno took care of the “rational end” of Suzuki’s small-car spectrum. This, therefore, allows the next Swift to be “emotional and expressive”.

Judging by leaked images from earlier this year, we’re pretty confident about what the new Swift will look like and that it’ll be slightly longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model. This increase in size also suggests a small increase in practicality over the outgoing model.

According to Wyatt, lightness and a fun-to-drive attitude will be a focus for the new Swift, with the extra practicality of the Baleno allowing the Swift to offer a more rewarding driving experience.

Our images show a curvier design for the new Swift compared to the outgoing model. The softer, curvier lines and a sloping ‘semi-floating’ roof contrast with the current car’s sharp creases and angular design.

We also expect significant weight-saving for the new model, despite its larger size, thanks to the use of lightweight materials in its construction. Entry-level versions should weigh in at around 900kg, which should bring benefits in performance, handling and fuel economy.

Initially, there’ll be a choice between a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a petrol-electric hybrid with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol paired with a small electric motor. These will be followed by a racy Swift Sport version in 2018, which will use a 138bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine. As with the Baleno, a diesel version is unlikely.

There’ll be a greater focus on customisation for the new Swift, with a bigger range of paint colours to choose from, as well as plenty of extras for the interior. Despite this, however, value for money will still be an important part of the Swift’s appeal and we don’t expect much (if any) of a price increase over the current car’s £8,999 starting price. Whether or not the company continues with the current car’s SZ-2 cheapest trim level remains to be seen, however.