Suzuki Swift returning to US in 2010

Suzuki is set to expand its lineup in the US with the reintroduction of its Swift small hatch that’s scheduled to hit showrooms sometime in 2010. The current model pictured above has reignited interest in the brand with its extensive standard features, distinctive styling and resurgence in quality. After meeting with officials from Suzuki at the recent New York Auto Show, Automotive News reports that the US is expected to receive the next generation model due in Japan by 2009.

The last Swift model to be sold in the US was an economical three-cylinder budget-box, but the latest model is promoted in Europe and Japan as a high-performance hatch that’s similar in size to BMW’s MINI and is popular with the style-conscious. "The Swift is known as a pocket rocket internationally, and that is the type of product we want here," said Suzuki’s marketing director of North America, Gene Brown.

Before the launch of the new Swift, Suzuki will introduce its 2008 SX4 sedan and a pickup truck based on Nissan’s Frontier. According to Brown, there’ll be two other vehicles launched, and the Aerio wagon will be discontinued from next year onwards.