What's the news?
Launched in its native Japan late last year, the new Suzuki Swift has made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on a new platform that's shared with the Baleno and Ignis models, the car is said to be nearly 10 per cent lighter than the outgoing model. Three trim levels will be available; SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5, with pricing due to be announced in May.
Exterior
A wider and lower body is mated to the new platform, while the longer wheelbase has corresponding benefits for cabin space and handling stability. Black C-pillar trims give the illusion of a floating roof, while recessed door handles help smoothen the lines of the five-door-only bodyshell. The SZ-5 model gets LED lamps front and rear, while all versions get LED daytime running lights.
Interior
Smarter packaging inside has given more room in all areas, while standard equipment across all three models includes digital radio with Bluetooth and a leather steering wheel. The SZ-T adds a rear-view camera, while the range-topping SZ5 brings automatic air conditioning and satellite navigation.
Mechanicals
Two petrol and one petrol-hybrid powertrains are offered. The base SZ3 gets a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol unit with 89hp, while the SZ-T and SZ5 get the option 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder 'Boosterjet' engine. The latter model is also available with a mild hybrid function which is claimed to achieve CO2 emissions as low as 97g/km.
An 'Allgrip' all-wheel drive system is an option on SZ5 cars fitted with the 1.2-litre engine, and this can apportion power to the rear wheels through a viscous coupling differential when grip dictates.
Anything else?
Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance with braking assist abound on the SZ5, along with an LCD screen displaying all sorts of useful information on vehicle parameters, and all models get six airbags. SZ-T and SZ5 cars also boast a 7-inch touchscreen with connectivity options including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Swift will be available from June onwards, and we'll bring you full details on pricing once we receive them.