Suzuki has shown off the new Swift hatchback, which follows on from - and indeed is basically identical to - the 'concept' version (inverted commas our own...) seen at the Japan Mobility Show in October.
Same size as the old one
The new Swift carries over the platform of the previous model, albeit much modified to keep it as up-to-date as possible. The overall dimensions have barely budged - same wheelbase, same boot volume, and the new Swift is only a few millimetres longer than the outgoing version.
The exterior styling, while it certainly carries over the familiar look of the Swift, which has been ingrained in the car since it was first launched in 2004, is definitely new. There's now a distinct step between the top of the lights and the radiator grille and the rest of the bonnet, which gives it more of a clamshell style. That step is carried on in an accent line that runs all the way around the Swift, giving a sharper separation between the body and the roof and giving the new Swift a touch of a bathtub shape.
The roof is more distinctly separate now than before. Previously, the Swift has used a 'visor' style glass house, with the windscreen and side pillars blacked out, but with the rear c-pillar left in body colour. Now all of the pillars are blacked out, creating more of a floating roof effect. There are some new paint options, too, including Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic and Cool Yellow Metallic, as well as Burning Red Pearl Metallic.
New dashboard and touchscreen
Inside, the dashboard retains simple analogue instruments and (thankfully) physical controls for the heating and air conditioning, but the central touchscreen - a nine-inch unit - is now all new and is set up high on the dash, in a free-floating position, rather than being integrated into the dashboard as before. There's now some contrast colour in the cabin, as the dash mixes both dual-tone black and light-grey with some satin metallic finishes for a classier look and feel.
On the safety front, Suzuki will equip the new Swift with the likes of dual sensor brake support, which uses both radar and camera to trigger an emergency stop, and which can detect pedestrians; lane-keeping steering; driver attention monitoring; adaptive cruise control; a blind spot monitor; and rear cross-traffic alert.
Improved 1.2 mild-hybrid engine
Suzuki says that just one engine will be offered in the Swift, a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid, for which the Japanese car maker promises improved torque, better economy, and lower emissions, although the actual full figures haven't yet been published. Once again, four-wheel drive will be offered as an option, but it's unlikely to find many takers in Ireland.
The Swift has been a huge success for Suzuki ever since it was (re)introduced in 2004, and it's found nine million sales across 169 countries worldwide since then. Given the dearth of affordable, frugal, small, and light cars available at the moment, the renewal of the Swift is hugely welcome indeed. It'll go on Irish sale in spring 2024.