Latest news with #SwiftSport
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Suzuki Australia wants more diverse models, including sportier Swift
Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota says he wants to fill the Swift Sport -shaped hole in the brand's local lineup, as well as bolster the wider range with different body styles and powertrains. The Swift Sport, based on the previous-generation hatch, has been out of production for Australia since revised safety regulations regarding autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect earlier this year. There has been no word from Suzuki globally on on a new Swift Sport based on the new-generation mild-hybrid hatch, and Suzuki's local division says it's in the dark as well. 'We haven't been told anything at all. We get surprised from time to time by Suzuki Japan,' Mr Pachota told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Suzuki Swift Sport generations (L-R): First, second, third, and 2025 Swift Champions concept 'They're very confidential when it comes to their development, and we only get certain visions based on, for example, evolutions of product sometimes, other bits and pieces. Swift Sport is possibly a hot topic globally, I just await any news on it.' The Swift Sport is a simple vehicle in principle. Take an otherwise affordable, economical hatch, make it look a little tougher, fit a more potent engine, and keep prices attainable while you're at it. This was certainly the case for the outgoing third-generation Swift Sport. It featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the option of a six-speed manual or automatic, and started at $29,990 before on-roads. This was only $200 pricier than the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder found in the Swift GLX Turbo, which had just 82kW and 160Nm. At the bottom of the range was a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 66kW and 120Nm, priced from $23,490 before on-roads. Above: Current-generation Suzuki Swift Hybrid The current Swift Hybrid, meanwhile, features a 12V mild-hybrid system and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 61kW and 112Nm. It's not clear what could power a potential new Swift Sport, but Suzuki still offers small-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines available in other Suzukis such as the S-Cross, which can still be had with the warm hatch's 103kW/130Nm Boosterjet turbo-four. 'Just like you, we're sitting here waiting and hoping that there might be something there. But if there isn't, to be fair, the current product line is selling quite well, so I'm happy with it,' Mr Pachota told CarExpert. Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, did reveal the hotter-looking Swift Champions model earlier this year, but that wasn't much more than a concept. The Swift is Suzuki's second-best-selling model in Australia with 1935 delivered in the first half of 2025, while the Jimny is well ahead with 4365. Above: Suzuki Swift Champions concept Mr Pachota said he's keen for more than just a new Swift Sport though, telling CarExpert he'd be open to anything and everything from commercial vehicles and utes to different types of electric vehicle (EV). 'I have an appetite for anything else outside of my product portfolio. So anything that I can get to add to the Australian product lineup, both hands are up,' he said. 'Different segments, different opportunities, you know. And we're the small car specialists, so we kind of play in the same kind of area. But if there's growth as an opportunity, I'm all for it. 'The market globally is evolving all the time, so we're gonna evolve with it.'
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Suzuki Australia wants more diverse models, including sportier Swift
Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota says he wants to fill the Swift Sport-shaped hole in the brand's local lineup, as well as bolster the wider range with different body styles and powertrains. The Swift Sport, based on the previous-generation hatch, has been out of production for Australia since revised safety regulations regarding autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect earlier this year. There has been no word from Suzuki globally on on a new Swift Sport based on the new-generation mild-hybrid hatch, and Suzuki's local division says it's in the dark as well. 'We haven't been told anything at all. We get surprised from time to time by Suzuki Japan,' Mr Pachota told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Suzuki Swift Sport generations (L-R): First, second, third, and 2025 Swift Champions concept 'They're very confidential when it comes to their development, and we only get certain visions based on, for example, evolutions of product sometimes, other bits and pieces. Swift Sport is possibly a hot topic globally, I just await any news on it.' The Swift Sport is a simple vehicle in principle. Take an otherwise affordable, economical hatch, make it look a little tougher, fit a more potent engine, and keep prices attainable while you're at it. This was certainly the case for the outgoing third-generation Swift Sport. It featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the option of a six-speed manual or automatic, and started at $29,990 before on-roads. This was only $200 pricier than the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder found in the Swift GLX Turbo, which had just 82kW and 160Nm. At the bottom of the range was a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 66kW and 120Nm, priced from $23,490 before on-roads. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Current-generation Suzuki Swift Hybrid The current Swift Hybrid, meanwhile, features a 12V mild-hybrid system and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 61kW and 112Nm. It's not clear what could power a potential new Swift Sport, but Suzuki still offers small-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines available in other Suzukis such as the S-Cross, which can still be had with the warm hatch's 103kW/130Nm Boosterjet turbo-four. 'Just like you, we're sitting here waiting and hoping that there might be something there. But if there isn't, to be fair, the current product line is selling quite well, so I'm happy with it,' Mr Pachota told CarExpert. Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, did reveal the hotter-looking Swift Champions model earlier this year, but that wasn't much more than a concept. The Swift is Suzuki's second-best-selling model in Australia with 1935 delivered in the first half of 2025, while the Jimny is well ahead with 4365. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Suzuki Swift Champions concept Mr Pachota said he's keen for more than just a new Swift Sport though, telling CarExpert he'd be open to anything and everything from commercial vehicles and utes to different types of electric vehicle (EV). 'I have an appetite for anything else outside of my product portfolio. So anything that I can get to add to the Australian product lineup, both hands are up,' he said. 'Different segments, different opportunities, you know. And we're the small car specialists, so we kind of play in the same kind of area. But if there's growth as an opportunity, I'm all for it. 'The market globally is evolving all the time, so we're gonna evolve with it.' MORE: Suzuki Jimny gets tough makeover, Swift gets sporty new look MORE: A Suzuki Jimny ute 'would be awesome', says small-car brand's local chief MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Suzuki Australia wants more diverse models, including sportier Swift
Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota says he wants to fill the Swift Sport-shaped hole in the brand's local lineup, as well as bolster the wider range with different body styles and powertrains. The Swift Sport, based on the previous-generation hatch, has been out of production for Australia since revised safety regulations regarding autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect earlier this year. There has been no word from Suzuki globally on on a new Swift Sport based on the new-generation mild-hybrid hatch, and Suzuki's local division says it's in the dark as well. "We haven't been told anything at all. We get surprised from time to time by Suzuki Japan," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Suzuki Swift Sport generations (L-R): First, second, third, and 2025 Swift Champions concept "They're very confidential when it comes to their development, and we only get certain visions based on, for example, evolutions of product sometimes, other bits and pieces. Swift Sport is possibly a hot topic globally, I just await any news on it." The Swift Sport is a simple vehicle in principle. Take an otherwise affordable, economical hatch, make it look a little tougher, fit a more potent engine, and keep prices attainable while you're at it. This was certainly the case for the outgoing third-generation Swift Sport. It featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the option of a six-speed manual or automatic, and started at $29,990 before on-roads. This was only $200 pricier than the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder found in the Swift GLX Turbo, which had just 82kW and 160Nm. At the bottom of the range was a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 66kW and 120Nm, priced from $23,490 before on-roads. Above: Current-generation Suzuki Swift Hybrid The current Swift Hybrid, meanwhile, features a 12V mild-hybrid system and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 61kW and 112Nm. It's not clear what could power a potential new Swift Sport, but Suzuki still offers small-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines available in other Suzukis such as the S-Cross, which can still be had with the warm hatch's 103kW/130Nm Boosterjet turbo-four. "Just like you, we're sitting here waiting and hoping that there might be something there. But if there isn't, to be fair, the current product line is selling quite well, so I'm happy with it," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, did reveal the hotter-looking Swift Champions model earlier this year, but that wasn't much more than a concept. The Swift is Suzuki's second-best-selling model in Australia with 1935 delivered in the first half of 2025, while the Jimny is well ahead with 4365. Above: Suzuki Swift Champions concept Mr Pachota said he's keen for more than just a new Swift Sport though, telling CarExpert he'd be open to anything and everything from commercial vehicles and utes to different types of electric vehicle (EV). "I have an appetite for anything else outside of my product portfolio. So anything that I can get to add to the Australian product lineup, both hands are up," he said. "Different segments, different opportunities, you know. And we're the small car specialists, so we kind of play in the same kind of area. But if there's growth as an opportunity, I'm all for it. "The market globally is evolving all the time, so we're gonna evolve with it." MORE: Suzuki Jimny gets tough makeover, Swift gets sporty new look MORE: A Suzuki Jimny ute "would be awesome", says small-car brand's local chief MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Content originally sourced from: Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota says he wants to fill the Swift Sport-shaped hole in the brand's local lineup, as well as bolster the wider range with different body styles and powertrains. The Swift Sport, based on the previous-generation hatch, has been out of production for Australia since revised safety regulations regarding autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect earlier this year. There has been no word from Suzuki globally on on a new Swift Sport based on the new-generation mild-hybrid hatch, and Suzuki's local division says it's in the dark as well. "We haven't been told anything at all. We get surprised from time to time by Suzuki Japan," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Suzuki Swift Sport generations (L-R): First, second, third, and 2025 Swift Champions concept "They're very confidential when it comes to their development, and we only get certain visions based on, for example, evolutions of product sometimes, other bits and pieces. Swift Sport is possibly a hot topic globally, I just await any news on it." The Swift Sport is a simple vehicle in principle. Take an otherwise affordable, economical hatch, make it look a little tougher, fit a more potent engine, and keep prices attainable while you're at it. This was certainly the case for the outgoing third-generation Swift Sport. It featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the option of a six-speed manual or automatic, and started at $29,990 before on-roads. This was only $200 pricier than the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder found in the Swift GLX Turbo, which had just 82kW and 160Nm. At the bottom of the range was a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 66kW and 120Nm, priced from $23,490 before on-roads. Above: Current-generation Suzuki Swift Hybrid The current Swift Hybrid, meanwhile, features a 12V mild-hybrid system and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 61kW and 112Nm. It's not clear what could power a potential new Swift Sport, but Suzuki still offers small-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines available in other Suzukis such as the S-Cross, which can still be had with the warm hatch's 103kW/130Nm Boosterjet turbo-four. "Just like you, we're sitting here waiting and hoping that there might be something there. But if there isn't, to be fair, the current product line is selling quite well, so I'm happy with it," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, did reveal the hotter-looking Swift Champions model earlier this year, but that wasn't much more than a concept. The Swift is Suzuki's second-best-selling model in Australia with 1935 delivered in the first half of 2025, while the Jimny is well ahead with 4365. Above: Suzuki Swift Champions concept Mr Pachota said he's keen for more than just a new Swift Sport though, telling CarExpert he'd be open to anything and everything from commercial vehicles and utes to different types of electric vehicle (EV). "I have an appetite for anything else outside of my product portfolio. So anything that I can get to add to the Australian product lineup, both hands are up," he said. "Different segments, different opportunities, you know. And we're the small car specialists, so we kind of play in the same kind of area. But if there's growth as an opportunity, I'm all for it. "The market globally is evolving all the time, so we're gonna evolve with it." MORE: Suzuki Jimny gets tough makeover, Swift gets sporty new look MORE: A Suzuki Jimny ute "would be awesome", says small-car brand's local chief MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Content originally sourced from: Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota says he wants to fill the Swift Sport-shaped hole in the brand's local lineup, as well as bolster the wider range with different body styles and powertrains. The Swift Sport, based on the previous-generation hatch, has been out of production for Australia since revised safety regulations regarding autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect earlier this year. There has been no word from Suzuki globally on on a new Swift Sport based on the new-generation mild-hybrid hatch, and Suzuki's local division says it's in the dark as well. "We haven't been told anything at all. We get surprised from time to time by Suzuki Japan," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Suzuki Swift Sport generations (L-R): First, second, third, and 2025 Swift Champions concept "They're very confidential when it comes to their development, and we only get certain visions based on, for example, evolutions of product sometimes, other bits and pieces. Swift Sport is possibly a hot topic globally, I just await any news on it." The Swift Sport is a simple vehicle in principle. Take an otherwise affordable, economical hatch, make it look a little tougher, fit a more potent engine, and keep prices attainable while you're at it. This was certainly the case for the outgoing third-generation Swift Sport. It featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the option of a six-speed manual or automatic, and started at $29,990 before on-roads. This was only $200 pricier than the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder found in the Swift GLX Turbo, which had just 82kW and 160Nm. At the bottom of the range was a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 66kW and 120Nm, priced from $23,490 before on-roads. Above: Current-generation Suzuki Swift Hybrid The current Swift Hybrid, meanwhile, features a 12V mild-hybrid system and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 61kW and 112Nm. It's not clear what could power a potential new Swift Sport, but Suzuki still offers small-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines available in other Suzukis such as the S-Cross, which can still be had with the warm hatch's 103kW/130Nm Boosterjet turbo-four. "Just like you, we're sitting here waiting and hoping that there might be something there. But if there isn't, to be fair, the current product line is selling quite well, so I'm happy with it," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, did reveal the hotter-looking Swift Champions model earlier this year, but that wasn't much more than a concept. The Swift is Suzuki's second-best-selling model in Australia with 1935 delivered in the first half of 2025, while the Jimny is well ahead with 4365. Above: Suzuki Swift Champions concept Mr Pachota said he's keen for more than just a new Swift Sport though, telling CarExpert he'd be open to anything and everything from commercial vehicles and utes to different types of electric vehicle (EV). "I have an appetite for anything else outside of my product portfolio. So anything that I can get to add to the Australian product lineup, both hands are up," he said. "Different segments, different opportunities, you know. And we're the small car specialists, so we kind of play in the same kind of area. But if there's growth as an opportunity, I'm all for it. "The market globally is evolving all the time, so we're gonna evolve with it." MORE: Suzuki Jimny gets tough makeover, Swift gets sporty new look MORE: A Suzuki Jimny ute "would be awesome", says small-car brand's local chief MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Content originally sourced from: Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota says he wants to fill the Swift Sport-shaped hole in the brand's local lineup, as well as bolster the wider range with different body styles and powertrains. The Swift Sport, based on the previous-generation hatch, has been out of production for Australia since revised safety regulations regarding autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect earlier this year. There has been no word from Suzuki globally on on a new Swift Sport based on the new-generation mild-hybrid hatch, and Suzuki's local division says it's in the dark as well. "We haven't been told anything at all. We get surprised from time to time by Suzuki Japan," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Suzuki Swift Sport generations (L-R): First, second, third, and 2025 Swift Champions concept "They're very confidential when it comes to their development, and we only get certain visions based on, for example, evolutions of product sometimes, other bits and pieces. Swift Sport is possibly a hot topic globally, I just await any news on it." The Swift Sport is a simple vehicle in principle. Take an otherwise affordable, economical hatch, make it look a little tougher, fit a more potent engine, and keep prices attainable while you're at it. This was certainly the case for the outgoing third-generation Swift Sport. It featured a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 230Nm of torque, the option of a six-speed manual or automatic, and started at $29,990 before on-roads. This was only $200 pricier than the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder found in the Swift GLX Turbo, which had just 82kW and 160Nm. At the bottom of the range was a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 66kW and 120Nm, priced from $23,490 before on-roads. Above: Current-generation Suzuki Swift Hybrid The current Swift Hybrid, meanwhile, features a 12V mild-hybrid system and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 61kW and 112Nm. It's not clear what could power a potential new Swift Sport, but Suzuki still offers small-displacement four-cylinder turbo engines available in other Suzukis such as the S-Cross, which can still be had with the warm hatch's 103kW/130Nm Boosterjet turbo-four. "Just like you, we're sitting here waiting and hoping that there might be something there. But if there isn't, to be fair, the current product line is selling quite well, so I'm happy with it," Mr Pachota told CarExpert. Suzuki's Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, did reveal the hotter-looking Swift Champions model earlier this year, but that wasn't much more than a concept. The Swift is Suzuki's second-best-selling model in Australia with 1935 delivered in the first half of 2025, while the Jimny is well ahead with 4365. Above: Suzuki Swift Champions concept Mr Pachota said he's keen for more than just a new Swift Sport though, telling CarExpert he'd be open to anything and everything from commercial vehicles and utes to different types of electric vehicle (EV). "I have an appetite for anything else outside of my product portfolio. So anything that I can get to add to the Australian product lineup, both hands are up," he said. "Different segments, different opportunities, you know. And we're the small car specialists, so we kind of play in the same kind of area. But if there's growth as an opportunity, I'm all for it. "The market globally is evolving all the time, so we're gonna evolve with it." MORE: Suzuki Jimny gets tough makeover, Swift gets sporty new look MORE: A Suzuki Jimny ute "would be awesome", says small-car brand's local chief MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Content originally sourced from:
News18
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Suzuki Halts Swift Production Amid China's Rare Earth Export Curbs: Report
Last Updated: Suzuki Motor has halted production of its Swift and the consequences are particularly stark for India, where Swift has been one of the best-selling cars for years In a major jolt to the global automobile industry, Suzuki Motor has temporarily halted production of its widely popular Swift hatchback, a flagship model in India, Japan, and several other global markets. The reason? A tightening grip from China on the supply of critical rare earth elements, which has begun disrupting key industrial sectors across the world. This marks the first time a Japanese automaker has been forced to suspend vehicle production as a direct consequence of China's rare earth export restrictions, industry sources told Reuters. Production of all Swift subcompact variants, except the Swift Sport, has been on hold since May 26. While Suzuki had initially hoped to resume assembly by June 6, supply issues persisted, delaying production restart plans. The company has now announced a tentative partial resumption from June 13, with full-scale operations expected to restart after June 16. Although Suzuki has officially cited 'component shortages" without elaborating, two insiders familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that the root cause lies in China's decision to curb exports of rare earths and related magnets that are critical materials used in electric motors, batteries, and automotive components. Rare earth materials such as neodymium and dysprosium are essential in manufacturing magnets for electric motors and various car components. China dominates the global supply, accounting for more than 70% of rare earth production. When China announced in April that it would suspend exports of several categories of rare earths and associated magnets, alarm bells rang across sectors, from automobiles to aerospace and semiconductors to military hardware. This rare earth chokehold is not just a threat on paper. Several European auto parts plants have already paused operations. Mercedes-Benz is reportedly exploring strategies to shield itself from the looming shortfall. The disruption is also expected to impact the electric vehicle (EV) market, as lithium-ion battery production is heavily dependent on these elements. The ripple effect may slow down EV rollouts and affect pricing globally, including in India, where the EV market is still emerging and vulnerable to global supply tremors. The consequences are particularly stark for India, where the Swift has been one of the best-selling compact cars for over a decade. Suzuki's decision could cause supply gaps in India's market as well, especially if disruptions continue longer than expected. Meanwhile, auto manufacturers in India are reportedly scouting for alternatives to lithium-ion batteries and rare earth-dependent components. Japan, already reeling under the pressure, is now reportedly planning to propose stronger cooperation with the United States on building a secure rare earth supply chain. According to Nikkei Business Daily, these proposals are expected to feature prominently in upcoming trade talks between the two allies. While Suzuki's temporary suspension may appear limited in scope, analysts say it underscores a far more worrying trend; China's dominance over rare earth supplies is becoming a geopolitical lever capable of stalling industries across continents.
Yomiuri Shimbun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Suzuki Motor Halted Swift Production Due to China's Rare Earth Curbs, Sources Say
Reuters Suzuki Swift is seen during the media day of the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok on July 14, 2020. TOKYO (Reuters) — Suzuki Motor's suspension of production of its flagship Swift subcompact is due to China's rare earth restrictions, two people familiar with the matter said, becoming the first Japanese automaker to be affected by the export curbs. The small car maker halted production of the Swift, excluding the Swift Sport version, from May 26 citing a shortage of components. Plans to resume output have been pushed back several times. Suzuki now expects a partial restart of production on June 13 with full resumption after June 16, as the 'prospect of parts supply is clearer' now, it said in a statement. The company declined to comment on the reason for the suspension. The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak on the matter.
