Suzuki unveils the fourth generation of its popular Swift super-mini hot hatchback with a mild-hybrid powertrain and a host of premium-level advanced driver assistance systems.
The first standalone model of the Swift was launched in 2004 has been sold in 169 countries and regions with accumulated sales of over 9 million units. With its biggest annual sales in Europe and latterly India, it has become a firm favorite for urban consumers and particularly for its performance specials that have boasted lightweight models claiming up to 138 hp with a 1.4L Boosterjet gasoline engine.
However, the first base model of the new Swift, which closely follows the concept model previewed at the Japan Mobility Show in October, features a 1.2L gasoline 3-cyl. married to a 12V mild hybrid powertrain although no power outputs have been released as yet.
Instead, the automaker makes great play with the car’s safety technology features that come as standard. These include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, driver monitoring system, blindspot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and Europe’s emergency services summons, eCall.
On top of these there is a new version of the automaker’s dual-sensor brake support. Millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera are employed to detect vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians in front of the vehicle, and help mitigate frontal, diagonal and lateral collisions. If the driver brakes with insufficient force, brake assist automatically engages to help slow the vehicle.
Inside the cockpit is a 9-in. (23-cm) HD capacitive touchscreen, a linkage for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through Wi-Fi and USB, voice recognition, Bluetooth music playback and information display.
Connectivity includes Suzuki’s Connect package that offers vehicle status, parked car locator, driving history, geofencing and curfew alert, security notification, warning light notification, periodic maintenance and automaker recall notification.
Swift also features an automatic all-wheel grip system that engages when it detects a loss of front-wheel traction. When front-wheel slippage is detected, a viscous coupling engages to transfer torque to the rear wheels, providing additional traction for driving on snow-covered roads or other slippery surfaces.
Deliveries in Europe are expected in spring 2024 with prices released nearer the date.
