Tokyo debut for Suzuki's plug-in hybrid Swift
Petrol-electric hatchback is proof that Suzuki intends to follow in the wheeltracks of Toyota and HondaToyota and Honda may be synonymous with hybrid powertrains, but fellow Japanese small-car specialist Suzuki isn't exactly renowned as a heavyweight in the petrol-electric propulsion genre.
However, a US Suzuki executive confirmed recently that a hybrid version of the all-new Kizashi was in the works, and now the company has released the first images of a plug-in hybrid Swift, which will make its debut at this month's Tokyo motor show.
Although yet to be confirmed, it's believed the eco-friendly Swift uses a 660cc petrol engine that works in tandem with a 54kW electric motor that also drives the front wheels.
The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are housed where a transmission tunnel would reside in a rear-wheel-drive car.
The company has also released an image of the ultra-light seats used in the car, and they dispense with conventional upholstered cushions in favour of a minimalist mesh squab and backrest.
Other energy-saving measures include low-rolling-resistance tyres and aerodynamic wheels. A power cord that plugs into an aperture in the rear bumper enables the battery pack to be charged via a household power socket.
The current-generation Swift debuted here in February 2005, and has earned widespread accolades over the years for its perky styling, sensible packaging and competent on-road dynamics.
It's still a popular seller in the cutthroat baby-car segment, and the only rivals that outsell it are the Hyundai Getz, Toyota Yaris and Mazda2.
An official announcement is yet to be made about when a production version of the Swift plug-in hybrid will eventuate, but even when such an entity does materialise, expect it to be targeted principally at the Japanese domestic market.
Be that as it may, the fuel-sipping Swift is a further sign this year's Tokyo motor show will be awash with hybrid concepts; other contenders in this genre will include the Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept.
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