Suzuki Swift spy shot
The Japanese baby will be renewed at the Geneva Motor Show in September, with Australian sales expected in the first quarter of 2011. The Swift follows the breakthrough new Kizashi, which comes in a full size larger into a hotbed of global action including the pace-setter Volkswagen Golf, and has a job that is just as tough.
It must build on the success of the current Swift, which was the first Euro-focussed design from Suzuki and won the Carsguide Car of the Year award when it landed in Australia. Carparazzi sources in Europe say the look of the new Swift is similar to the current car, with a rounded nose and a very short rear overhang, but with a slightly larger body and more space inside.
It is caught during testing at the Nurburgring racetrack which could be particularly significant, with the likelihood of an all-wheel drive chassis for the first time. The basic Swift will continue with front-wheel drive - as well as small-capacity petrol and diesel engine - but there is also a strong likelihood of an all-wheel drive performance model picking up parts already used in the SX4 sedan and hatch.
There is even a chance Suzuki could return to the World Rally Championship with the new Swift, using a turbocharged engine to create a rival to the Subaru WRX and Lancer Evo. Not surprisingly, Suzuki is also working on a Swift hybrid which could join the range as early as 2011 but more likely in 2012.
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