New Suzuki Swift delayed to next year – report

The 2023 Suzuki Swift is now expected be unveiled to the world in the first half of next year, seven years after the current model was released.

The new-generation Swift was tipped to make its debut in 2022, however a recent report from Japanese publication Best Car says Suzuki is due to reveal the hatchback in the second quarter of 2023 (April to June inclusive).

A prototype was spied testing in Europe in July 2022, suggesting the new model will continue with the familiar Swift silhouette introduced back in 2004.

It’s not yet confirmed whether the forthcoming Swift will be based on all-new chassis, or whether it will use a heavily-revised version of the ‘Heartect’ platform under the current vehicle – though either way it’s suggested Suzuki will retain the overall dimensions of the outgoing model, albeit with minor variations.

This digital illustration by artist SRK Designs gives an idea of what the new-generation Swift could look like.

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As revealed by the camouflaged pre-production car, Suzuki will drop the ‘hidden’ handles for the rear doors in favour of traditional pull handles just below the shoulder line.

While details of the engine are also expected to be announced next year, a number of as-yet unsubstantiated reports out of Japan point to a revised version of the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine offered in the current Swift overseas – and the engine is good chance of finding its way to Australia with the new model.

The 2023 Suzuki Swift is due to make its debut in the third quarter of next year, according to Japan's Best Car, and could arrive into Australian dealerships in the second half of 2023, or in 2024.