New Suzuki Swift revealed

No, it's not Jaguar's long-awaited small car.

But the Leaping Cat brand may have something to say to Suzuki after it released official images of its latest-generation Swift hatchback.

The Japanese car maker has clearly taken inspiration from Jaguar's design with the new Swift's most prominent feature being its sleek new front-end with feline headlights and a split, ovoid grille.

In every other aspect, the 2017 Swift, which goes on-sale in Japan next month before arriving here late in 2017, evolves the overall theme of the previous two generations, maintaining a wheel-at-each-corner stance and floating roof look, while adding a prominent low-set grille, masked C-pillar and concealed rear door handles.

Beneath the skin, the new Swift sits atop a new "light and rigid" platform, dubbed Heartect, while Japan's four-model range is offered with a choice of three powertrains, front- or all-wheel drive, and CVT, manual or automatic transmissions.

The range opens with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre DualJet four-cylinder engine available with front- or all-wheel drive paired with a five-speed manual or CVT automatic on the entry-level and mid-spec XG and XL trims and front-driven manual only for the sporty-styled RS. No power or torque figures have been given for this engine

That same 1.2 litre engine also pairs with a mild hybrid system for mid-grade Hybrid ML and top-spec Hybrid RS models, producing 67kW and 118Nm and capable of official fuel figures as low as 3.65l/100km, all tied to a CVT auto with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

At the top of the range the Swift RSt utilises a 75Kw/150Nm 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbo, offered in a single configuration with front wheel drive and a six-speed automatic.

In its home market the Swift will offer an optional safety pack that includes collision-mitigating brake support - triggered by a monocular camera and laser sensor - auto-dimming high beam headlights, a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control.

International markets will get their first glimpse at the global Swift in March at the Geneva Motor Show, including the powertrains and equipment that Australian Swift models will likely feature when the new model arrives here later in 2017.

• For more information visit our Suzuki showroom page