The Next-Gen Suzuki Swift Looks Identical to Its Concept Twin

The fourth-gen Suzuki Swift has been unveiled in Japan, featuring similar looks to its concept twin

Following the recent debut of the Suzuki Swift Concept at the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2023 last month, Suzuki has finally unveiled the final production version of its next-gen hatchback model in Japan today. Set to make its local market entry later this year, the fourth-gen Swift features a new mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain setup, an upgraded chassis, as well as a revamped look that still retains some elements from its predecessors.

Fourth-gen Suzuki Swift full ICE version (left) & mild hybrid version (right)

To no one’s surprises, the next-gen Swift model looks painstakingly similar to its concept twin, with both models not only featuring similar exterior trims and equipment, but also similar exterior colourway. For starters, the fourth-gen model's new yet familiar front face comes with full LED headlights with boxier design, sizable octagonal front grille with diamond-style inserts finished in black, while the electrified MHEV model gets a thicker front grille surround finished in chrome.

Aside from the more rounded edges, the next-gen Swift also comes with wider shoulder line, while opting for the four two-tone exterior hue options will grant the hatchback with black-hued roof and pillars. However, the new Swift now comes with visible door handles for the rear ones instead of the hidden ones we saw on the previous-gen model. Similar to the front, the next-gen Swift also comes with boxier LED taillights design, which is now paired with a tamer rear bumper design with dark-hued accents at the lower part.

In spite of all these upgrades, the new Swift’s footprint is nearly identical to its predecessor, suggesting that it may ride on an updated version of Suzuki’s proprietary Heartect architecture. This supermini hatch now measures 3,860 MM long, 1,695 MM wide, 1,500 MM tall, with a wheelbase of 2,450 MM.

On board, the new Swift hatchback gets a revamped cabin space, featuring a slew of new tech equipment and comfort amenities. Key highlights include the new 9-inch central infotainment display that crowns above its redesigned front dash, new A/C control panel, multiple USB charging ports, as well as a new electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto-hold function. Unfortunately, both the fully digital instrument cluster and full leather upholstery are not present in the new Swift, though we expect the latter will feature in the soupier Swift Sport model.

For the Japanese market, the next-gen Suzuki Swift is offered with a mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain setup

More importantly, the fourth-gen Suzuki Swift gets a new MHEV powertrain option alongside the standard full ICE version. Both versions will feature a newly-developed Z12E 1.2-litre 3-cyl petrol mill as its base, with the MHEV model getting an ISG electric motor-generator and a small battery pack that help to reduce its fuel consumption. The Japanese automaker, however, did not reveal the exact power figures for both powertrain options, but we expect the MHEV one will get an extra boost courtesy of its semi-electrified setup.

Aside from that, all variants of the new Suzuki Swift will come with a CVT automatic gearbox as standard, which facilitates power delivery to either the front (FWD) or to all of its four wheels (AWD) – the latter thanks to the optionally-available full-time AWD system.

When will the fourth-gen Suzuki Swift hatchback make its way to other international markets?

The fourth-gen Suzuki Swift is set to make its local market entry later this year, with Suzuki dealerships throughout Japan already taking applications of interest for the new hatchback model, albeit no official pricings were announced by Suzuki Japan for now. Aside from its domestic market (JDM), the next-gen Swift will also be exported to other international markets, where it might get different powertrain and gearbox options.