ONE of the most significant Suzuki vehicles to emerge from the company in recent years enters dealer showrooms from today. The all-new Swift brings to the compact car segment a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics, and with prices starting at £7,499, excellent handling and 40mpg-plus fuel economy, has the individuality to attract the most discerning of supermini customers.

Suzuki has deliberately kept the line-up simple, and available immediately are five-speed manual, five-door 1.3 GL and 1.5 GLX models at £7,799 and £8,999 respectively, and a four-speed automatic 1.5 GLX priced at £9,824. They're joined in June by the entry level three-door 1.3GL manual at £7,499.

The cheeky and distinctive styling and a spacious interior are complemented by a very comprehensive specification. All models feature front, side and curtain airbags, radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and tinted glass, while the GLX gains keyless entry and start, air conditioning, alloy wheels, and front fog lamps. These petrol-engined Swifts are just the start: September sees the arrival of a 1.3-litre DDi diesel model, while next year the range is to be expanded with a cabriolet variant with folding metal roof and, exploiting the full potential of the Swift's capable chassis, a hot 1.6-litre GTi derivative.

And the Swift will also form the basis of Suzuki's new Junior World Rally Championship title contender later in the year, replacing the all-conquering, championship-winning Ignis. With the Swift likely to spend much of its time in urban environments or on twisting country roads, its two petrol engines, a 92 PS 1.3-litre and a 102 PS 1.5-litre, have been selected for their strong performance at low and mid-range engine speeds.

The 1.5-litre also features advanced variable valve timing to maximise torque and power throughout the rev range. Peak torque figures are 114 Nm at 4200rpm and 133 Nm at 4100rpm, respectively. The five-speed manual transmission features satisfyingly firm and quick gear shifting thanks to an enhanced linkage arrangement. Unusually for this category, the four-speed automatic has a gated shift lever allowing the driver to enjoy gear shifting for added exhilaration.

The Swift is the first product of Suzuki's radical programme of innovation aimed at strengthening its position as both a leading compact car manufacturer and one of the world's leading motorcycle brands. The Swift provides the first glimpse of the new ideas and design approaches that will shape many new Suzuki models in years to come. The result is an innovative, sporty and elegant design with genuine international appeal. A whole new departure in Suzuki design, the Swift develops styling themes first seen in the Concept-S and Concept-S2 show cars, and demonstrates the company's desire to develop original interpretations of established market segments.