TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Suzuki Swift Sport concept

Suzuki is planning a surprise for October's Tokyo motor show in the form of Swift Sport Concept, which employs lines from the next-generation model and adds a strong dose of the rally-inspired aggression.

Boasting a body more than 1.8 metres wide and a generous sprinkling of edgy aero parts, the concept will be powered by the new 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 'Booster Jet' turbo technology that was first revealed at this year’s Shanghai show.

But that’s just one part of this concept’s powertrain. According to Japan’s scoop bible, Holiday Auto magazine, the powerplant will be further boosted by a hybrid unit featuring the company’s ‘S-Energy’ system, which employs large-capacity lithium-ion batteries to boost power and allow for zero-emissions electric-only cruising.

The Swift concept will also get a revised version of the Twin Clutch System (TCS) currently seen in the UK-spec SX-4 S-Cross 4WD.

Japan’s biggest mini-car maker calls its AWD system 'All Grip' and we are told it will be improved via a special ‘sports mode’ setting which activates 4WD in a straight line then reverts to front-drive when entering a turn, before switching back to 4WD as you get back on the gas.

While the all-new Swift is expected to debut at the Geneva show next March, this sports concept will preview it as the highlight of Suzuki’s stand in Tokyo this year.