First glimpse of Swift ahead of 2023 launch

STYLING

THE next-generation Suzuki Swift has been spied testing for the first time. It’s expected to go on sale next year, once again rivalling the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

The current Swift received a mid-life refresh only last year after a 2017 launch. It sits on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform (which made its debut in 2014 with the Alto) and this has supported the Swift’s switch to mild-hybrid power in 12-volt and 48-volt form. The new Swift is likely to continue using this platform, so don’t expect a fully electrified version to rival the Vauxhall Corsa-e or Peugeot e-208 just yet.

Suzuki has partnered with Toyota to provide plug-in hybrid versions of its Swace estate and Across SUV (both of which are rebadged Toyotas), but it’s highly unlikely this partnership will extend to a hybrid

Swift. Given the Swift Sport’s move to mild-hybrid tech, we expect the warm hatch will make a return for this new fourth-generation car.

The overall styling won’t get a major overhaul, but there will be a new front end, featuring a revised grille, a round headlight design and a clamshell bonnet.

The rear door handle has been given a more conventional position on the door, rather than up on the C-pillar like the current car. From the side, we can see the overall proportions won’t differ too much from the outgoing Swift. The rear doesn’t look too far removed either, with similar rear lights, boot lid and bumper.

The current Swift starts from £15,499, and we could see a price rise with the introduction of the new model in 2023.

The most significant change will be at the front, where there’s a clamshell bonnet, new grille and round headlights