Tuesday, December 21, 2010

SCOOP: New Suzuki Swift Spied at the Nurburgring


Our spy photographers have scooped the next generation of the Suzuki Swift supermini during testing at the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany.Even though the Japanese automaker's people did a pretty good job of bagging the prototype, it's not hard to see that the new Swift will keep its MINI-like design feel. However, the pictures suggest that it will boast larger and more prominent head- and tail lamps.
We don't have any details about the powertrain options, but buyers should expect a range of mainstream four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a more potent unit for the flagship Sport model.
It remains to be seen if Suzuki's recent tie-up with the Volkswagen Group will affect the powertrain offerings in the new Swift.
It is expected that the 2011 Suzuki Swift will be launched in production form at this year's Paris Motor Show in early September, with sales to start in Europe and other parts of the world by early 2011.
From what we've heard, there's also a strong possibility that Suzuki may bring the new Swift to North America where it will compete head on with the likes of the Toyota Yaris and the forthcoming 2011 Chevrolet Aveo.