Suzuki introduced a facelifted version for the Swift range in 1996, and the five-door hatchback was adapted to the European regulations.
With an increasing demand on the European market, Suzuki worked on the 1991 model to make it better for its new customers, especially since it built it in its Hungary factory. The small-segment vehicle was still one of the most affordable vehicles in its segment, and despite its price, it offered good comfort features.

The base trim levels still kept the black, unpainted, plastic bumpers, and the Japanese carmaker improved them for the upper versions. They sported a new grille at the bottom, which looked like an air-intake for a sports car, for the full-options version. Starting with the middle trim level, the Swift sported body-colored bumpers, and that led to a better image for the little Japanese car.

Inside, most of the parts were carried over from the 1991 model-year. Since it started to use more European suppliers, the materials fulfilled their new customers’ tastes. The dashboard was slightly upgraded and included new materials. To provide better comfort, Suzuki offered air-conditioning on the options list plus four power-windows.

Under the hood, Suzuki kept the same engines as before but upgraded to Euro 2 emission standards, which were mandatory starting with January 1997. Also, the 1996 Swift received an option for ABS and even an automatic transmission.