Suzuki Swift S-concept unveiled at Geneva

Geneva International Motor Show

Hot hatch fans won't have to wait long for a sleeker, swifter Swift.

Japanese small-car specialist Suzuki unveiled a concept version of the Swift Sport at the Geneva motor show this week – ahead of its arrival in local showrooms early next year priced about $25,000.

Unlike most concept cars, this one provided some rather large clues as to what we can expect.

For the first time ever, Suzuki is expected to give the Swift Sport unique body panels to accommodate a wider footprint for better road-holding.

The engine is likely to be the same capacity as before (1.6-litres) but an all-new design that includes direct injection for more power and better fuel-efficiency. And a six-speed manual is likely to remain as the only transmission available as it is still too early for a technical tie-up with Volkswagen.

The German car maker took a 20 per cent financial stake in Suzuki last year and it is understood some Suzuki cars may adopt VW-sourced twin-clutch transmissions and diesel engines.

There is also potential for Suzuki to use the 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine from the Polo GTI, but such a car would be at least three years away – if it went ahead.

A Suzuki executive told the Carsales Network that it is premature to speculate what engines Suzuki would take from Volkswagen, and vice-versa.

"Everything is still under study," said a Japanese Suzuki executive at the Geneva motor show.

Other clues from the concept car include the Recaro racing seats. It is unlikely these will be standard given the cost of the Swift Sport – but they may become an option.

The show car's 18-inch alloy wheels – or ones like it – may make it onto the production car given that top line versions of the regular Swift are already available with 17-inch wheels.

The high-mounted rear wing will likely be toned down for the production car – but the dramatic rear bumper with inset twin exhaust tips could make it onto the real deal. Here's hoping they don't mute the design too much.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Australia has secured the last allocation of the current Swift Sport hatches. The model proved so popular during its runout year that Suzuki Australia put in an urgent call for more cars.

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