SPY PICS: Suzuki's next generation Swift caught on test

What's particularly interesting about Suzuki's strong-selling light car is that the company appears to be taking pains to ensure the new model holds onto the essential elements that have come to define it: Appealing style, crisp on-road performance and practical hatchback packaging.

Measuring 3.84 metres long and 1.74 metres wide, the next-generation Swift will be about the same length as the current car, but a tad wider – and easily identifiable. It will use the same lightweight platform as the new Baleno and this will help contain weight. It's being said that the entry-level version of the new Swift will slip well below the one-tonne mark, tipping the scales at around 900kg.

The spy photos published here, despite the disguise, show a shape identifiably similar to the current model, but incorporating popularised styling features such as a jutting nose with a bold griller, sculpted Coke-bottle sides with more pronounced shoulders at the C-pillar and a new tailgate that opens much lower than the current version for easier loading.

The turret, with its flattish roofline and angled-back rear side windows could almost be an undisturbed carry-over from today's Swift. Identification that it's the new model will be left to the below-waistline sculpting.

And not only will it continue to look a Swift: It will perform like one too.

With the low weight and initial use of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine that's doing such a great job in the new-generation Suzuki Baleno, a decent power-weight ratio can be assured.

Suzuki is said to be making bold claims about the new Swift too: The company has been reported as saying it will boast best-in-class fuel economy.

Maybe a little disappointingly, the Swift at the beginning will only have a five-speed manual transmission available – although it's expected a six-speed automatic (once again as per the new Baleno) will be optional.

The new Swift is expected to launch with a hybrid variant, dubbed SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), with the mini-hot-rod Swift Sport to follow in nine months. The Sport is expected to be upgraded to a 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo engine offering a bit more torque than the current model and driving through a six-speed manual transmission.

The Swift continues to be a big seller for Suzuki in Australia, with year-to-date sales figures putting it ahead of the likes of Honda Jazz, Holden Barina and Ford Fiesta.