2017 Suzuki Swift Cross (Maruti Swift Cross) - Rendering

Could be considered for emerging markets like Brazil and India.

Pseudo-crossover variants of hatchbacks are growing in popularity in emerging markets like Brazil and India due to their rugged looks and higher ground clearance, which makes them more tractable over poor road surfaces. They also are less expensive and can be the alternative to graduating customers who have a smaller budget.

Shoeb R Kalania has created a rendering of the 2017 Suzuki Swift Cross (Maruti Swift Cross), based on the international spec Suzuki Swift. The souped-up and toughened Swift features black plastic cladding across the front bumper, wheel arches and side sill, roof rails, larger wheels with distinct alloy wheel designs and silver bumper garnish on the bumper and side skirts. The rendered model also has a dual tone black and orange exterior.

The new Suzuki Swift is underpinned by the lightweight 5th gen HEARTECT platform derived from the Suzuki Baleno. The Euro-spec Swift measures 3,840 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width and 1,495 mm/1,520 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. The crossover version could have a raised ground clearance of, say, over 170 mm.

For the Indian market, the new Maruti Swift, production of which begins in October, is likely to source the engine lineup from the 2017 Maruti Dzire, which includes the 1.3L DDiS 190 4-cyl diesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AGS (AMT), as well as a 1.2L 4-cyl K12B petrol engine also paired with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AGS (AMT). Expect fuel mileage to outpace the current version's figures of 20.4 km/L (petrol) and 25.2 km/L (diesel).

Also Read: Maruti Vitara Brezza Coupe Crossover – IAB Rendering

The next gen Maruti Swift is expected to launch in early 2018, specifically in February at the Auto Expo 2018, according to reports. Prices could reach slightly above the current Swift's INR 5.99 Lakh - INR 7.47 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).