Suzuki swift

SUZUKI HAS OPTED for evolution rather than revolution with its new-generation Swift small hatchback, which is due to go on sale late next year.

This near-production-ready concept, revealed at the Tokyo motor show last month, gives strong hints as to what the new model will look like. It reproduces the current Swift’s general outline, with a few relatively subtle changes.

Differences include a more defined top half and bottom half, with a black roof and rear pillars that flow down to the bottom of the windows. And unlike on the current car – which has the rear door handles semi-hidden in the window frames – the concept’s are in a more conventional location on the door panels, below a well-defined crease that runs the length of the car.

The bonnet appears to be higher and more rounded than on the current car, while the grille is smaller, with the ‘S’ Suzuki badge sitting above it, rather than inside it.

The Swift concept’s interior is more distinct from the existing model’s. For example, there is a larger, full-colour infotainment screen sitting on top of the dashboard, rather than embedded in it lower down.

Further down, there’s a panel for the air conditioning controls, which – reassuringly for usability – are physical switches and buttons. In other words, you won’t have to go to the info