At the launch of Suzuki Motor Corp.’s remodeled Swift hatchback, CEO Osamu Suzuki said that this November, the Swift is expected to reach cumulative sales of about 2 million units for the six years that it has been on sale. Suzuki said that it now aims for its remodeled Swift minicar to surpass this figure and sell more than 2 million units worldwide. The Swift has been updated, making it 10mm taller and 90mm longer than the current model. The new-generation Swift has a similar design but its fuel consumption has been improved, its emissions have been reduced significantly, and it has better safety and driving performance.
The new Swift will start selling in Europe not long after it debuts in Paris as a three- or five-door. Production of units intended for European markets will continue in Suzuki's factory in Esztergom, Hungary. The new Swift model is powered by a 94-hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine that has slightly more power than the 1.3-liter unit it replaces, using variable intake and exhaust valve timing technology to improve fuel economy to 5 liters per 100 km and cut CO2 emissions by 17% to 116g/km.
The Switch is also offered with a new 75-hp 1.3-liter diesel variant that uses 4.2 l/100 km of fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 9% to 109 g/km. Suzuki said that the car’s weight is lower and it is made stiffer due to the extensive use of higher strength steel. Its underbody design has been refined and its body structure now offers heightened impact safety for pedestrians and occupants alike.
