THE Swift has always been one of the most important nameplates for Suzuki, so it should come as no surprise that the Japanese car-maker is expecting big things from its new light car.

Projected to sell about 600 units a month – which will return the Swift model to the top of Suzuki’s sales charts – the fifth-generation hatchback will also have to fend off rivals including the critically adored Mazda2 and fan-favourite Hyundai Accent.

Built on Suzuki’s new Heartect architecture, the new Swift boasts a fresh design, ultra-lightweight construction and new engine options, as well as higher levels of standard and optional equipment, to stand out from the crowd.

Can Suzuki’s new model succeed in drawing the attention of buyers in the shrinking light-car segment?

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