‘Concept’ new Suzuki Swift revealed ahead of Tokyo debut

Still described as a concept in spite of looking production ready, Suzuki sprung an unexpected surprise by providing the first official image of the all-new Swift overnight ahead of its world debut at the Tokyo Mobility Show later this month.

Styling evolution

Known internally as the YED, the replacement for the current third generation that debuted in 2017 adopts a new styling language seemingly derived from Hyundai’s upscale Genesis brand, while retaining the same silhouette as seen in recent spy images.

Along with a Mini-esque grille, the windscreen appears more upright, the bonnet designed around the clamshell principle and the headlights, with an integrated L-shaped daytime running diode, no longer elongated as with the current model.

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In addition to a new waistline underneath the window surrounds that “integrates” with the bonnet, the rear door handles concealed within the C-pillar have been dropped for conventional items, while the pillar in question has been “pushed back” in order to create a look, again, similar to that of the Mini.

No further images of the rear or interior were divulged, with Suzuki’s only other confirmed information being new safety and driver assistance systems, “high-efficiency engine” options and staying true to the Swift’s ethos of being a fun car to live with.

Broader electrification?

Known internally as A2L, the latter statement potentially references the new Swift as riding on an updated version of the Heartect platform, while the efficiency mentioning points to electrification in order to improve fuel consumption.

At present, mild-hybrid assistance is offered on both the normally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine in Europe and India, and on the 1.0-litre turbocharged Boosterjet in Japan.

Elsewhere, a full hybrid version of the 1.2 can be specified in Japan, while the 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo powering the Swift Sport boasts mild-hybrid assistance as standard that saw power in Europe drop from 103 kW to 96 kW when it debuted three years ago.

On the transmission side, the choice of five-and-six-speed manuals are likely to remain, but improved as per the efficiency mentioning, along with the six-speed torque converter automatic, the five-speed automated manual known as Auto Gear Shift (AGS) and the CVT.

With the exception of Japan where all-wheel-drive can be had as an option, the Swift will once again be marketed solely with front-wheel-drive.

Get ready

One of Suzuki’s most important new models to be launched this year, expect more details to become apparent within the next few days as yet more teasers leading up to the official reveal in Tokyo on 26 October.

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