Next-gen Suzuki Swift details and rendering

We are not sure if this rendering is anywhere close to the real deal

The next-gen Suzuki Swift was caught several times by spies and now we have some concrete news. The 2011 Swift that will be launched in 2010 end is the fifth generation model and this time, it will make its way to USA. Moreover, the present Swift has been a revelation for Suzuki and has met with so much success. Even for Maruti, the story is no different. Swift sailed past its own record set in December by selling as much as 11,000+ units in January. Coupled with continuing demand and long waiting periods, the Swift has already attained cult status in India. It has also won several awards all over the world.

With competition from the Polo, Beat and Figo threatening to snatch the best seller title away from the Swift, it was about time Suzuki and Maruti brought an all new model to combat the new kids. The new Swift is expected to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show this year with sales starting in October in Japan while International sales start in 2011 January. India is also expected to get the all new Swift in end 2010 to 2011 Jan. The new Swift will continue using the jewel of a K-series 1.2L engine while a new 1.3L engine is also expected globally. Moreover, the new KB series 1.5L and an all new 1.6L engine are also expected globally. With VW offering the Polo with a 1.6 engine, it was time Suzuki brought along its own 1.6 to compete for the hot hatch tag.

Transmissions options include a CVT and standard 5-speed manual. A 4WD/AWD version is expected for Japan and USA. There are rumours doing the rounds that Suzuki is developing its own 80bhp diesel engine although it makes more sense to either continue with the brilliant 1.3 Multijet or borrow the 1.2L 3-cyl from Polo. Interestingly, a plug-in hybrid is also expected.

The new Swift could be a breath of fresh air in the segment and hopefully spread its spell the same way it did when it was launched 5 years ago. As customers matured and understood the virtues of the Swift, its sales continued rising and still has shown no signs of fall. With a price-cut, we expect the new Swift to take away the crown from the Polo and the Figo, which are the current benchmarks in the segment.

Additionally, the next-gen Swift Dzire will be styled differently from ground-up and will be a global model as opposed to an India-specific model that it is now. It will be 4.2m long and share the chassis with the Swift.

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