Next-gen 2017 Swift: This is It!

I often wonder that with the infinite number of cameras around, it is next to impossible for manufacturers to keep a new car under wraps. Spied images make the excitement shoot up, but then not much is left to be revealed by the time of the launch, isn’t it? For cost effectiveness, automakers are shrinking the number of platforms across the family. Vehicles from different segments share engines and hence, they are similar. To everyone's total amazement - the third generation of the Swift has been leaked, inside-out. Reportedly at an international dealer conference. The production model is likely to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, later this year. The European sales will start early, while Indian sales will begin next year.

Design?   

The Japanese automaker will never deviate from the silhouette of the 2004-05 hatch, because it clicked. Even the new car doesn’t radically differ from the original. Though, it is sharper and edgier than the current model still, it is a Swift, especially from the rear and side profiles. To begin with, the Mini Cooper-ish proportions are evident, but the front looks angrier. Both the variants have been spied and the stock also looks edgy and sharp with a prominent grille at the center.

The headlights continue to offer swept back layout, but the new ones are sleeker in profile and there will be projectors with DRLs. It is a similar case with the taillamps, expect for the LED lighting. The Swift’s typical floating roof shenanigan is there. However, there is a prominent kink in the C-pillar, similar to the new global Nissans. This exaggerates its floating roof. It also hides the rear door handle. 

Platform? 

No official word is out, but the next-gen Swift will be based on Suzuki’s new platform, which made it debut with the Baleno. The new platform is lightweight, when compared to the current version. It will help the upcoming Swift to become more fuel efficient, with improved structural strength and stiffness. 

Cabin and features? 

The cabin is not nearly as flamboyant as the exteriors. The instrument cluster offers a large twin pod setup and the sport variant might get a flat bottom steering, as seen in the images. The central console features a large screen SmartPlay infotainment system, expect Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, along with MirrorLink. The automatic climate control offers rotary setup with screens. The cabin sports colour palettes similar to the one's offered by Suzuki for the Vitara in Europe. Moreover, expect features similar to that of the new Baleno. 

Engines?

As mentioned above, Swift is expected to hit the market by next year and with a proper reveal later this year. The main focus will be on the turbocharged petrols, since Suzuki’s own lineup of diesels are a few years away. The global petrol lineup includes - a 1.0-litre Boosterjet motor along with the naturally aspirated 1.2 litre engine. The Swift Sport is likely to get the new 1.4 litre Boosterjet (140 PS). The power is equivalent to the current, naturally aspirated 1.6 litre (136 PS) motor, but with a lot more torque - 220 Nm as juxtaposed 160 Nm. 

In the Indian market, it is expected that Maruti Suzuki will carry forward the 1.2-liter VVT motor. This said, we might get the Dualjet version, which is slightly more powerful. There is a possibility that it might also get the Boosterjet in India. The company will start offering the engine later this year. Diesel, on the other hand, is believed to be the same 1.3-liter Fiat-derived DDiS190. As it will be based on the Baleno’s platform and is expected to be lighter, both the engines will still make it zippier. 

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Read More on : Swift 2016

Image Source: Paultan