The 4thgeneration of the Suzuki Swift hasbeen showcased at the Geneva Show, replete with new-look styling and a modernised interior.

The Swift is the most popular model on offer from Suzuki in South Africa and it has racked up over 5.3 million global sales since its launch way back in 2004. Suzuki is well-known for building reliable and affordable cars and the current Swift model delivers good ride and handling while returning reasonable fuel consumption figures. The Swift is so good, in fact, that it was a finalist in the Budget Car category in the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards two years ago, which in itself, is atestament to its abilities.

Key details

Although local specification is yet to be confirmed, the new Swift will be offered with 6 trim levels in its home country including RSt, Hybrid RS, RS, Hybrid ML, XL and XG. In addition to this, the new Swift will be offered with 3 transmission options including a 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a CVT.

In terms of engines, Suzuki’s new turbocharged 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine will power the new Swift and a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine will also be offered. We sampled the 1.0-litre turbo engine in the new Suzuki Baleno at its international launch in Ireland and we were disappointed that it didn’t make it into the South African offering. In the case of the Swift, we’ll be surprised if it makes it to our shores. The current 1.2-litre offers 63 kW and 113 Nm of torque and there is no indication as yet if the figures will be bumped up in the new iteration.

The big news, however, is that the Swift Sport will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine, replacing the outgoing, naturally aspirated 1.6-litre mill. The 1.4-litre turbo unit will offer no less than 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque and Suzuki may even decide to tweak outputs to better serve the sporty nature of the Swift Sport.

The new Swift’s safety credentials have improved too. In the Japanese market, the Swift will be offered with a Safety Package that includes a Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) collision-mitigating system, a first for Suzuki. The system incorporates a monocular camera, a laser sensor and high beam assist. The package also includes adaptive cruise control. It remains to be seen if any of these features will be offered in South Africa.The new Swift is based on a new "light and rigid" platform, known as HEARTECT,which should see improvements in overall performance and ride quality.

The date of the new Suzuki Swift's arrival in South Africa is yet to be confirmed, but we will keep you updated as local launch and specification details become available.

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