U.S. market Suzuki Swift reportedly still on track for 2011, next Grand Vitara coming in 2013
Suzuki Swift Sport - Click above for high-res gallery
Generally regarded as one of the top motorcycle brands all around the world and a major producer of Kei cars in Japan, Suzuki has never quite lived up to its promise as a sporty alternative to more mainstream offerings in America's small car and SUV arenas. Still, we're pulling for the brand to make an impact in our neck of the woods, and according to a report on Automotive News, that could possibly (finally) come in 2011 with the introduction of the Swift.
We've been hearing from Suzuki for years that the Swift would in fact make it to U.S. shores in due time, and we're hopeful that the next-gen model is as competent and fun to drive as we hear the current model is from our European friends. One new vehicle does not a successful brand make, however, so Suzuki is also said to be working on the next installment of its Grand Vitara line for 2013.
Additionally, a new crossover is reportedly on the drawing board to replace the XL7 that was killed back in May when Suzuki halted production at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The new CUV would show up in 2011 or '12 and be based on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the recently-unveiled Kizashi midsize sedan, which is expected to hit showrooms for the 2010 model year.
Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kev 9:40AM (8/26/2009)
About damn time.
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akboss302 10:48AM (8/26/2009)
Absolutely! I love the look of this little car, and from what I hear they have done a good job of building above average quality into the European models. It looks like a Mini but would cost half the price.
crosbyrr 11:06AM (8/26/2009)
Past time.
The Geo Metro was re-badged Suzuki Swift.
Arguably the best car GM ever sold
James 12:56PM (8/26/2009)
I'd prefer the New Swift Sport
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Suzuki/Splash/swift_sport_2.jpg
Tourian 9:45AM (8/26/2009)
Looks like they're not wanting to give up.
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Craig 9:52AM (8/26/2009)
What's scary though is that Suzuki markets a Swift in Canada already. But unfortunetly it's an Aveo clone. It was just facelifted this year, gaining the look of the G3 with a different grille. I hope to God they don't just shift the G3 production to make Suzukis and sell them in the States.
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Praeliber 2:04PM (8/26/2009)
They effectively sell a rebranded Aveo here, in Canada. It is called Swift+... So we have Aveo, G3, Swift+, you can never get enough of the good things right? Yeah, I'm kidding and hopefully suzuki isn't when they say they'll bring the swift to North-America. It would be nice having a bunch of little fun hatch (fiesta, Mazda2, Swift, Fit, Fiat500).
Craig 9:53AM (8/26/2009)
Thar - she blows!
http://www.suzuki.ca/automotive?province=NS&culture=en-CA#
http://d.yimg.com/ca.yimg.com/autos/SUZUKI-SWIFT+-2009-5HA.jpg
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gerrrg 10:00AM (8/26/2009)
Too bad they got so far away from the original Concept S design, and turned it soft around the hard edges.
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Big Mola 10:12AM (8/26/2009)
Vaguely reminds me of the Mini Cooper . . . anyone else?
letstakeawalk 11:08AM (8/26/2009)
I wish we could get the GitS version:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/04/nissan-infiniti-concepts-star-in-new-anime-feature/
http://jeansnow.net/2007/03/25/solid-state-society-and-nissan/
P.V. 10:21AM (8/26/2009)
Good. I'm glad Suzuki is finally bringing back a lineup full of products worth buying. The SX4 is great, but a single great product isn't enough.
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SmallCarsRock 10:22AM (8/26/2009)
We will be getting the next gen car. This car has won multiple awards and has a very good driving dynamic. So yes, it could be considered the "poor man's MINI".
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Wobbly_ears 10:42AM (8/26/2009)
Where will these be built? Suzuki makes them at their facilities in India.
Would the Swift be the first Indian manufactured cars to arrive in US? (Considering how Mahindra keeps delaying their debut).
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:06AM (8/26/2009)
Apparently they're built in Japan, Hungary and China too.
Rodrigo 2:06PM (8/26/2009)
"...we're hopeful that the next-gen model is as competent and fun to drive as we hear the current model is from our European friends."
Suzuki sells it en Mexico, in fact, that's my car and it's great !!!!!
It's a shame they haven´t brought the Sport version...
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geoff 2:11PM (8/26/2009)
It's great to see Suzuki on the right track. Their cars are fantastic, but I'm still hoping and praying for the U.S. return of the Jimny/Samurai. The platform-sharing X-Head Concept would also be perfect for the U.S. market's newfound focus on fuel efficiency and an appreciation for a back-to-basics, durable, and inexpensive trucks that more closely suit most people's needs than the behemoths that became so popular in the late 90's and early 00's. This is a huge niche (compact pickups and SUVs) that has been completely abandoned by other manufacturers. Suzuki could absolutely OWN this market again, as long as they don't screw it up by ditching the preferred (for strength, durability, and lower cost) solid front and rear axles for a cheesy independent suspension.
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click.kas 2:19PM (8/26/2009)
one of the best selling sportier cars in India.
www.indianautotalk.com
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john gonzalez 3:23PM (8/26/2009)
We have this car in Mexico since '07 , Is a really good looking car and from what I've heard very good quality built , I've seen tons of them out on the streets , if you wanna check it out go www.suzuki.com.mx
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Noah 3:38PM (8/26/2009)
Suzuki is like Subaru. A small, very independent and quirky car company. Gotta love it.
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