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The highlight of Suzuki’s stand at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 was undoubtedly the new Swift. Despite being dubbed a concept, the model closely previews the production version which is set to debut in 2024.

The outgoing Suzuki Swift was introduced in late 2016 and received a mild facelift in 2020, so it was in need of a major update. The new generation retains some of the signature styling cues of its predecessor, alongside its footprint and proportions. Still, the entire bodywork has been redesigned bringing aerodynamic improvements.

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The new face of the Swift is characterized by the slightly smaller honeycomb grille, with the Suzuki emblem having been relocated below the clamshell bonnet. The headlights have a new shape and LED graphics, combined with a more discreet bumper intake which is highlighted by an aluminum-style trim.

The profile retains the bi-tone treatment with the mirrors, pillars, and “floating” roof finished in black, but gains a new character line above the conventional door handles (the outgoing model has hidden door handles on the rear doors). The new alloy wheels with the diamond-cut finish look production-ready in terms of diameter, which is usually not the case in concept cars.

At the back, we find smaller and boxier LED taillights with a dark background and black trim on the lower portion of the bumper. Last but not least, the concept introduced the Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic shade which will most likely be included in the color palette of the production model.

Suzuki

The interior has also been overhauled, adopting a similar layout to the slightly larger Baleno although the white plastic trim expands to the doors with an interesting texture making it look more modern. The free-standing infotainment display – most likely a 9-inch unit – with the thick bezels has a few touch-sensitive shortcuts.

The steering wheel with integrated buttons is carried over from other models in the Suzuki lineup, as with the revised climate controls with toggle switches instead of rotating dials. The instrument cluster has analog dials with a small screen between them, proving that this is a budget-oriented model. Interestingly, there is a CD slot on the center console, above the multiple USB charging ports.

Suzuki is known for equipping its models with plenty of ADAS in certain markets like Europe and Japan (unlike India), and the new Swift won’t be an exception to that rule. The new generation will feature an improved collision mitigation system called “Dual Sensor Brake Support II”, alongside “Driver Monitoring” and “Adaptive High Beam” systems.

Suzuki / YouTube

The 2024 Suzuki Swift measures 3,860 mm (152 inches) long, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) wide, and 1,500 mm (59.1 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm (96.5 inches). Those figures are nearly identical to the outgoing model, all but confirming it will be based on an evolved version of the existing Heartect architecture.

The company didn’t say much about the powertrain other than describing it as a “high-efficiency” engine with “low fuel consumption” that is mated to a CVT gearbox. However, those who got a look under the bonnet of the exhibits in Tokyo – including our colleagues from Paultan – report it was fitted with a three-cylinder motor with a mild-hybrid system. This engine is said to be unrelated to the current 1.25-liter K12C unit which has four cylinders. Besides the electrified version, we expect the new engine to be available in an ICE-only version for markets like India. Furthermore, Rushlane reported rumors about a “strong hybrid” derivative which sounds ideal for Europe.

Judging from the looks of the concept, we expect a nearly identical production-spec 2024 Suzuki Swift to be unveiled in Japan before the end of the year. Suzuki recently announced the 2024 MY of the existing Swift Sport in Japan, which means that the hot hatch version of the new generation will likely arrive just in time for the 2025 MY.

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