No Sign if Global Swift Will Replace Current Daewoo-Sourced Swift+ in 2005

Suzukis global marketing plan is somewhat confusing with regards to the subcompact Swift. In Japan, the Swift is a Kei vehicle based off the Wagon R. The super-compact is designed to be very affordable, falling within the jurisdictions lowest tax bracket. To Europeans, the Swift is a Hungarian-built three and five-door hatchback which North Americans will remember as the first-generation Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro/Chevrolet Sprint/Pontiac Firefly. While it also became the second-generation Subaru Justy, the model was not offered here.

Currently in Canada, however, the Swift has yet another identity. Not even a Suzuki-designed product, the Swift+ arrives as

Depending where you live in the world, the Suzuki Swifts appearance is incredibly varied. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

Suzuki intends to unify at least two of its three markets with a brand new Swift. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

Amidst all the confusion, Suzuki intends to unify at least two of its three markets with a brand new Swift, based around the show-stopping Concept S and Concept S2 of recent years past.

The new Swift measures in at 12.1 feet long, 5.5 feet wide and 4.9 feet tall, while riding on a 7.8 foot wheelbase. The first measurement makes it 7.5 inches shorter than Canadas 12.7 foot long Swift+, which will be good news to some and cause concern for others.

The new Swift will be based on the show-stopping Concept S and Concept S2 of recent years past. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

Those that initially fell for the Concept S and S2 body styles will be pleased to see that very little has changed from prototype to production, except for a reduction in visual extras. On that note spoilers, body kits and ground effects have been kept to a minimum. Likewise, the show cars 18-inch wheels have been axed, replaced by smaller, much less expensive 14-inch rims and tires. While the Sprints stance is not quite as aggressive, loosing the go-fast goodies doesnt detract from the cars cheerful appearance.

Unlike the relatively nondescript Swifts of the past, the 2005 model looks sharp, well-built and robust. The cockpit

Unlike its predecessors, the 2005 Swift looks sharp, well-built and robust. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

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