CAR COMPARISONS: 2024 Suzuki Swift: Our best look yet at new mild-hybrid city hatch

A new Suzuki Swift is just around the corner after being unveiled at this week’s Tokyo motor show. Here’s everything we know so far about the popular city hatchback.

The next-generation Suzuki Swift hatchback due in Australian showrooms in 2024 will have technology never seen before on the popular city hatchback locally.

Unveiled at this week’s Tokyo motor show, the Suzuki Swift Concept appears close to production – and is a concept in name only.

Suzuki has so far released limited information about the vehicle, and for now it remains a secret which engines will be offered.

However both display cars at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show wore ‘hybrid’ badges, which supports earlier reports the new Suzuki Swift will come with the option of mild-hybrid technology.

According to overseas reports the mild-hybrid system may be matched with a new three-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the 1.2-litre four-cylinder in most Swift variants in Australia today.

Meanwhile, following our closest look yet at the first new Suzuki Swift in six years, here are the key highlights we spotted:

More advanced crash avoidance technology than today’s model to keep pace with the latest five-star safety rating criteria;
Top models are expected to be available with a 360-degree camera, a first for the Suzuki Swift and possibly a first for the city-car class;
A massive widescreen digital touchscreen for the infotainment system;
Rear-wheel disc brakes (as available on the current Swift GLX Turbo and Sport) rather than rear drum brakes, across more models;
An electronic park brake (rather than a handbrake lever);
Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for added driver involvement;
Exterior and interior dimensions similar to today’s Suzuki Swift;
The ‘footprint’ or wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) is the same as today’s car;
The option of heated front seats on top models;
More smartphone charge ports than before;
Mild-hybrid engine with ‘stop-start’ technology to save fuel in stop-start traffic paired to a CVT auto;
Room for a space-saver spare tyre or tyre inflator kit under the boot floor;
LED headlights and tail-lights on top models;
16-inch wheels and tyres;
Factory-fit front and rear parking sensors;
New-design 16-inch wheels and tyres.

Unknowns include engine options and safety equipment for Australia-bound versions of the Suzuki Swift, and whether there will be a successor to the Suzuki Swift Sport hot hatch with the new-generation model.

The two display cars at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show lacked a centre airbag or airbags – which recent testing of rival small cars has shown are critical to a five-star safety score when assessed under the latest, tougher criteria.

However Drive understands the new-generation Suzuki Swift hatchback coming to Australia will be equipped with the full suite of safety tech, including centre airbags, so it may be eligible for a five-star safety score (pending test results).