Next-gen Suzuki Swift to debut this year with hybrid powertrain: Report

The Suzuki Swift will reportedly be getting a full model change this year featuring an updated exterior design and a new hybrid powertrain. 

Next-gen Suzuki Swift 3D render [Photo: Bestcarweb]

This report comes from an Australian automotive news site called Carsales which speculated that it could be getting a mild hybrid version of its 1.2-liter inline-4 engine. Note that this is the same engine currently offered for the Swift in the Philippine market. 

It will then be followed by the next-gen Swift Sport, which is set to gain a mild-hybrid version of its K14C 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine in 2024. Naturally, the next-gen Swift Sport will be more powerful, but the 1.2-liter hybrid is expected to gain a power bump as well. The report pointed out, however, that fuel efficiency and emissions reduction will be the main point of these new electrified powertrains. 

It was likewise reported that Suzuki will be leveraging its partnership with Toyota to come up with these hybrid powertrains for the Swift. For platforms though, the next-gen Swift might still use the Heartect platform which currently underpins many of Suzuki’s currently available models.  

A spy picture of the Swift test mule taken in Spain [Photo: Carsales.com.au]

As a side note, a hybrid version of Suzuki’s third-gen hatchback model already exists in select markets in Europe including the UK. But the fact that the report says that the next-gen hybrid Swift is coming to Australia might mean it is getting more widespread distribution. Hopefully, this includes the Philippines as well.  

With regards to how it looks, several 3D renders were released by the Japanese website BestCarWeb. These are based on the spy pictures of the fourth-generation Swift in the form of a camouflaged test mule in Spain. 

One of the renders depicts a more aggressive front end with a revamped grille, and a redesigned lower bumper. The side portion looks identical to the current version, but the rear appears to have gained a “larger rump.”

The currently available Philippine-spec Suzuki Swift

The prototype test unit featured in the spy photos also featured a raised clamshell hood. It also featured LED lighting fixtures, and the headlamps in particular sit a bit lower on the car’s front fascia. 

Most of what was said here is yet to be officially confirmed by Suzuki. So do take these with a grain of salt. And for more information about the updated Suzuki Swift, keep it here on Philkotse.