Suzuki Swift celebrates 40 years

SUZUKI’S beloved Swift hatch has celebrated its fortieth year on the Australian market at the same time it surpassed its 10 millionth production milestone.

Cementing its place in the annals of automotive history, the Suzuki Swift’s record-setting production run dates back to 1983 in the Japanese market when it entered as the Cultus hatch.

Two years later it arrived in Australia as the Suzuki Swift (and badge-engineered Holden Barina), before entering legend status four years later when the Swift GTi took budget performance motoring to a whole new level.

The modern Swift arrived in 2005, redefining the small-car segment in over 170 countries – and notching up more than 150,000 Australian sales.

The latest fifth-generation Swift arrived in 2024, with a bold makeover inside and out, and hybrid power under the bonnet for the first time.

Suzuki Australia general manager of automobiles Michael Pachota says the Swift’s strong sales numbers are a true testament to dynamic design, benchmark technology, and evolving safety specifications.

“Reaching 10 million sales worldwide is not just a milestone, it’s a testament to the Swift’s place in automotive history as one of the most successful and enduring small cars ever built,” he said.

“In Australia alone, more than 150,000 drivers have made the Swift part of their lives.

“From first keys to family memories, from trusted daily drives to the joy of rediscovering what makes driving fun, the Swift is more than a car. It’s a companion woven into people’s lives, and that’s what makes this achievement truly extraordinary.”

Mr Pachota noted the accolades bestowed upon the Swift during its time in market, including CarsGuide Car of the Year in its debut year, the prestigious RJC Car of the Year title, and Japan’s coveted Most Fun to Drive award.

The second-generation Swift, unveiled globally in 2010 and introduced to Australia in 2011, built on this momentum, accelerating demand worldwide and once again earning the RJC Car of the Year honour.

By 2014, global sales had already exceeded four million units, supported by accolades such as the Wheels Australia Goldstar Award, BBC Top Gear India Small Car of the Year, and AMI Insurance Autocar New Zealand Small Car of the Year.

In 2020, Canstar Blue named the Swift both Most Satisfied Customer – Small Cars and Best Value New Car.

Most recently, the sixth-generation Swift Hybrid has continued its winning streak, taking out Money Magazine’s Best Value Small Car in Australia, the 2025 UK Car of the Year (Small Car category), and another RJC Car of the Year title in Japan.

Suzuki says the Swift’s enduring popularity highlights its exceptional value in the Australian market, and says the model is widely recognised as the country’s best-value hybrid.