Less than four years after its international launch, worldwide production of Suzuki's Swift compact hatchback have already exceeded one million units.

The hatchback has been in production in Japan since September 2004. It is also built in Hungary, India and China, as well as in Indonesia and Malaysia, and is sold in 115 countries around the world. One of those is South Africa, where the Swift was launched at the beginning of June.

Aggregate Swift production passed the one million unit mark exactly three years and eight months after the first example was completed in Japan — a new record for a Suzuki compact car. Production statistics released by Suzuki Motor Corporation show that Japanese production of the Swift topped 360 000 units, followed by Hungary on 306 000 units and India’s 241 000 cars. Production of the Swift in China and other markets amounted to almost 93 000 units.

While the Swift was conceived as a global car from the word go, it was designed for the demands and tastes of European buyers. Suzuki achieved this by establishing a design base in Europe, where the car was also extensively tested before launch.

The Swift was also the first result of Suzuki's innovation programme. Subsequent models benefiting from this philosophy include the trend-setting SX4 lifestyle hatchback, also now on sale in SA.

The locally available Swift range consists of three models, all offering 1.5-litre DOHC engines. Prices start at only R116 900 for the Swift 1.5 GL.