Swift eras – Suzuki GB celebrates 40 years of the Swift

07-02-2024

With the launch of the all-new Swift Hybrid this Spring, Suzuki reflects on the 40-year evolution of this popular global model, highlighting its development since 1983.

Suzuki's engineers have gained extensive experience in understanding what customers want from a small hybrid car, ensuring the all-new Swift meets these needs while offering advanced technology as standard. The new Swift continues Suzuki's legacy as a trusted brand for those who pride themselves on being different.

Renowned for its expertise in small cars, Suzuki has sold over nine million Swift units globally since 2004.

1983-1989

Initially marketed in Japan as the Cultus/SA310, the Swift name was adopted for the European market in 1985 and for Japan in the late 1990s. Launched in 1983 at the Tokyo Motor Show, it competed with the Toyota Starlet and Nissan Micra. "Cultus" is Latin for care or adoration.

The Swift was Suzuki's first entry into a larger car class than the 'kei' class Fron te model in Japan, starting with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and later moving to a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine known for its smoothness and fuel economy. In the UK, it was available as a three-door and five-door hatchback, including a sporty 1.3GTi model.

1989-2003

Introduced in the UK in 1989, this model was produced for over 13 years and was also made in Hungary for the UK market. Known for its wedge styling, it featured four-wheel independent suspension and was available with 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.3-litre four-cylinder engines. The 1.3-litre GTi model, with nearly 100bhp and four-wheel disc brakes, was one of the era’s first hot hatchbacks.

2005-2010

The 2005 Swift marked a shift with contemporary styling, Japanese quality, and European-inspired driving dynamics. Launched in the UK in May 2005, it was the first product of Suzuki's innovation program to strengthen its position in the compact car market. It was built in Hungary, Japan, and India, focusing on European design and driving characteristics. Available with 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines, the 1.6-litre Sport model introduced in 2006 became popular for its sporty performance.

2010-2017

The 2010 Swift, launched in the UK in September, featured SZ3, SZ4, and SZ5 grades with optional All grip 4WD. It was one of the cleanest petrol engine superminis with emissions of just 116g/km. The new design improved impact safety, handling, and fuel consumption, featuring an even more dynamic interior. The 1.2-litre engine offered better fuel economy and lower emissions, and the 1.6-litre Sport model with six-speed manual transmission was highly acclaimed.

2017-2023

Launched in the UK and Ireland in June 2017, the Swift was facelifted for the 2021 model year with revised styling and enhanced safety features. All models featured Suzuki’s 12V Hybrid system. The Swift, unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, emphasized innovation and evolution with stylish design, excellent visibility, spacious cabin, and ample luggage space. The 1.4-litre Sport model, introduced in 2018 with a 48V Hybrid application, offered even greater economy and lower emissions.

With this rich history, the all-new Swift Hybrid enters the next era, continuing Suzuki's tradition of delivering advanced, customer-focused vehicles.