Some breaking news for Suzuki fans out there. Suzuki has previewed the next generation Swift (the third generation) and it is slightly longer (wheelbase up by 50mm to 2530mm -amended ), wider and taller than the model that currently plies our roads. It will also be cleaner and more efficient than the earlier model and will be lighter yet stiffer due to Suzuki utilizing more high tensile steel in its chassis. This surely would make the new Swift handle better than ever and this is a very good thing as the old one is one of the sweetest handling yet affordable superminis out on sale in the market today.

This third generation Suzy Swift will have two new engines; a 94bhp 1.2liter petrol with dual variable valve timing will effectively replace the 1.3liter petrol. The engine will be slightly more powerful and even more economical than the 1.3liter engine. It will make 56.5mpg or 5ltr/100km for the manual, which is 7.8mpg better than the second generation 1.3liter model. .

Some markets will also gain a 1.3liter diesel. Very important for the European markets where oil burners are very popular. It will be more economical and will make 67.3mpg. No news as yet on the sweet handling Swift Sport or 1.5liter model, which would be the one Swift fans out there are waiting for. There will be both manual and automatic transmission for the Swift when the car is officially launched.

As for the looks of the car, it is an evolution, not a revolution. The car is easily recognizable as a Swift but with a larger rear Renault Megane styled rear. The lights front and rear look pulled longer to the sides but everything looks almost the same. This would at least keep the second hand residuals of the current model high and not make people who just bought the current model feel they bought something outdated. Like a Mini, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. Less change is better. etc. etc.

This new 2010 third generation Suzy Swift will be on sale in the third quarter of 2010 and this news came about as Suzuki had just held its premier line-off ceremony for this car at its car manufacturing plant in Hungary, which is where Suzuki builds most of its Swifts for Europe. The plant in Japan should be gearing up for the production of this new car too.

This is a car that I am really looking forward to as I thoroughly enjoy driving the current Swift, both the 1.5liter version and also the 1.6liter Swift Sport. Both versions are so chuckable and so much fun on B-roads. It handles very well, has a high level of refinement and good build/material used quality yet it is still very affordable for most people. It is a driver's car for the masses. Let's hope the new car is as good or better than this current one.

- image via totalcar.hu