► New 2024 Suzuki Swift spied on test
► Swift Sport hot hatch in the plan
► Spyshots of same-recipe supermini
The Suzuki Swift has long been one of our preferred superminis, mixing Japanese reliability, a no-nonsense approach and a decent drive to create a compelling small car. The warmed-up Swift Sport hot hatch has been the icing on the cake for the previous few generations.
Well, it’s good news: conservative Suzuki is sticking to this recipe and, judging by these new spy photos, doesn’t appear to be messing with a winning formula for the Swift’s successor. It’s little wonder. The Swift is typically the company’s bestselling car in the UK alongside the Vitara range – pre-pandemic it would sell around 11,000 in a good year.
Due in 2024, the next generation appears to keep the simple, unadorned silhouette, upright glasshouse, plunging wedge roofline and chunky C-pillar.
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New 2024 Suzuki Swift: what you need to know
We spotted the new Suzuki Swift, codenamed YED, hot-weather testing in summer 2022. It uses an updated version of the group’s Heartect platform, which means a front-wheel drive layout (though some markets receive all-wheel drive options), a suite of frugal four-cylinder engines and Suzuki’s latest safety features.
Suzuki cleverly positions the Swift – and all its models – with just enough technology to keep up with the times, but not so much that its reputation for simple, affordable, unfussy cars is at risk. So expect LED headlamps and cutting-edge connectivity, but don’t go looking for autonomous systems or overcomplicated electronics.
Although this test car is disguised, it’s possible to make out a more distinctive front end and what appears to be a clamshell bonnet. The new 2024 Suzuki Swift appears to have conventional rear door handles instead of items hidden in the rear C-pillar.
Engineering, tech and the 2024 Suzuki Swift Sport
Our sources point to a simple range of engines, likely led by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid tech.
Full hybrids are in development and a pumped-up Swift Sport running greater boost is tipped for launch within the first year, featuring warm-hatch looks, an uprated chassis and just enough oomph to interest the pocket rocket brigade (output around 160bhp is rumoured).