TOKYO: The wraps have already come off the fourth generation of the Suzuki Swift in Japan and it is due to touch down in Europe next year.
The revamped runabout comes with a host of changes and marks a welcome departure from all those over-equipped and expensive cars.
Suzuki has opted for evolution rather than revolution and the design of the 3.85 metre long five-door model is based largely on its predecessor.
The cockpit features cost-effective analogue instruments and a small digital screen in the driver display.
The Swift is a mild hybrid based around a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable automatic transmission. It also can also be ordered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The small e-module on board recovers energy during braking and reduces standard consumption to 4.6 litres per 100 km (CO2: 103 g/km). The Swift has an output of 61 kW/83 horsepower and can reach 170 kph.
Suzuki has not yet announced pricing for the Swift but if they have been as conservative with costs as they have been with the design, then the new Swift is likely to cost around the same as the old one at some €20,000 (RM100,620).
More official details will be given closer to market launch, which is expected in early 2024.
