Suzuki has been on the news lately for its updated SUVs but the automaker has not forgotten the city car segment. The Suzuki Swift is the next in line to get an update, with the fourth generation of the global model – codenamed YED – making its spy debut during hot weather testing. The camouflaged prototype has a familiar shape with a compact footprint, which is predictable since the new generation will most likely use an updated version of the current model’s Heartect platform. However, every single body panel has been redesigned, bringing a fresh look to the lower end of the supermini segment.

The new Swift retains the signature proportions and greenhouse design of its predecessors. At the front, we can see a new clamshell bonnet, a set of narrower and taller LED headlights, and a larger Ford-style grille. The lines of the bonnet are extending in the character line on the profile, where we can see conventional door handles. The prototype is fitted with black-painted alloy wheels featuring a double five-spoke design, and fancy side sill extensions that would be more fitting to a sporty variant. At the back, styling is evolutionary with larger taillights hugging the rear fenders, and a more angular shape for the rear windscreen.

 

Inside the cabin, the Swift will most likely get an overhauled design, with improved materials bringing it closer to the European superminis in terms of perceived quality. Judging from the rest of the range, we expect the new Swift to gain the latest 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and an optional head-up display. In typical Suzuki fashion, the EU-spec model will come standard with a long list of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Under the skin, the Heartect chassis will be upgraded, allowing the Swift to do well in the stricter safety tests. As for the powertrains, we expect Suzuki to keep up with its mild-hybrid turbocharged unit, while it is possible to integrate Toyota’s full-hybrid system like in the case of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The automaker needs to lower its fleet average CO2 emissions in the European market, and rebadged models like the Suzuki Across and the Suzuki Swace are not a permanent solution.

Thankfully, Suzuki won’t neglect the performance-focused Swift Sport, which will live to see another generation. The warm hatch is expected to retain its focus on low weight, a punchy powertrain, and a stiffer suspension setup, featuring with a sportier bodykit that will help it stand out from the lesser variants. The Suzuki Vision GT digital concept that was introduced a few months ago, could work as a source of inspiration for the styling of the hot hatch The current Suzuki Swift was introduced back in 2016 and received a mild facelift in 2020 where the company dropped pure-ICE from the range going all-in mild-hybrid. Thus, we should expect the new generation to debut in 2023 or in 2024 at the latest.