Suzuki Australia just wrapped up 2023 with the launch of its eagerly awaited five-door Jimny XL off-roader, but some other new models are still a while away.
The launch of its first hybrid in Australia has been pushed back, while timing for a new model to replace the defunct Baleno remains unconfirmed.
Suzuki Australia previously indicated it would launch a hybrid version of the S-Cross in early 2024 as part of a broader plan to offer hybrids across most of its range, though this has now been pushed back.
A Suzuki Australia spokesperson has confirmed the S-Cross hybrid, along with the Vitara hybrid, are now due to launch locally in late 2024
Both of these models have been on sale in other markets for a few years now and are referred to as ‘Full Hybrid’. Suzuki also sells mild-hybrid versions of both SUVs in other markets.
The Suzuki S-Cross hybrid and Vitara hybrid are powered by the same hybrid powertrain which features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, motor generator unit, and 12V lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Suzuki lists system outputs of 85kW of power and 138Nm of torque.
-
Vitara Full Hybrid
This is mated to what Suzuki calls an Auto Gear Shift, which is a six-speed automated manual transmission.
The company’s local division previously confirmed in early 2023 the new Fronx small crossover would fill the Baleno-shaped void in the company’s Australian line-up, but stopped short of providing an official timeframe.
It was previously speculated the Fronx could arrive locally in early 2024, though a Suzuki Australia spokesperson has confirmed no official launch timing has been set.
The Suzuki Fronx was designed, developed and is built in India by its Maruti Suzuki division with exports to markets like Australia in mind.
The crossover is based on the same platform as the updated Baleno hatchback revealed in 2022, which isn’t coming to Australia due to not meeting ADR 85/00 side impact standards.
-
Fronx
Two engines are available in India – a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 66kW and 113Nm, and a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol producing 74kW and 148Nm.
At 3995mm long, the Fronx slots between an Ignis and Vitara, and will compete with other crossovers including the Hyundai Venue, Kia Stonic, Toyota Yaris Cross, and the larger MG ZS.
While it hasn’t clarified when the Fronx is coming, Suzuki has now provided more specific launch timing for the new Swift, revealed last year.
A Suzuki Australia spokesperson has confirmed the new Swift is due to launch locally in the third quarter of 2024. Pricing, features and specifications will be announced at a later date.
-
Swift
For now Suzuki has confirmed the Swift will offer a new engine, “evolved driving performance and ride”, and the brand’s latest safety technology.
The company has only confirmed one powertrain thus far: a 1.2-litre three-cylinder, mated with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission, and available with a mild-hybrid system.
The new engine producing 60kW and 108Nm, down 6kW and 12Nm on the 1.2-litre four-cylidner in the current Australian-market Swift.
Both front- and all-wheel drive configurations will be available in Japan, but as with a great many all-wheel drive Japanese cars we don’t expect to see an all-paw Swift here.
The current Swift is offered here with a 1.2-litre four, a 1.0-litre turbo three-pot, plus a 1.4-litre turbo four in the flagship Sport. It’s unclear if the latter two engines will still be available in the new generation.
The new Swift measures 3860mm long, 1695mm wide, and 1500mm tall on a 2450mm wheelbase.
These measurements make it 15mm longer, 40mm narrower and 5mm taller on an identical wheelbase to the outgoing model.
MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift
MORE: Everything Suzuki S-Cross
MORE: Everything Suzuki Vitara
