Toyota GR Starlet and Swift Sport will be launched in 2026
With a possible comeback of the performance hatchback class, both Suzuki and Toyota are preparing two highly anticipated lower-end hot hatches in 2026, the next generation of the Suzuki Swift Sport and the Toyota GR Starlet.
Though no official confirmation as yet, various sources and industry leaks indicate that both vehicles are in their advanced stages of development and each may be fixed as a rival and with their own character of mechanical identity.
The expected Toyota GR Starlet will revive the commonly known "Starlet nameplate that was ended in 1999. Contrast of the South African Starlet, which was a rebadged Suzuki Baleno, the GR Starlet is anticipated to be a separate model built in the Gazoo Racing (GR) brand.”
It might be performance-wise equipped with a 1.3-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol to about 150hp, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. Suspension, steering and aesthetics such as brawny bumpers, wheels and body livery specific to GR will provide it with the authentic hot hatch appearance.
The GR Starlet has a chance to become the gateway into the Toyota GR range, under the pricier GR Yaris AWD. A rally specification of the Rally 4 category of WRC is also said to be underway.
At the same time, Suzuki will probably seek a replacement for the departing third-gen Swift Sport (ZC33S) with a new one coming in 2026. It can first be displayed at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2025.
The new Swift Sport is likely to be powered by an upgraded 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, and the engine is expected to put out around 127-138hp, depending on the market.
The new Swift Sport will also get a racer-inspired exterior design, coming with more sporty bumpers, alloy wheels, and aerodynamic changes to make it look like a hot hatch.
Europe and Japan markets are the ones most likely to launch it first; however, India may launch it as well, but its chances are unclear as yet.
Out of the two models, both create excitement worldwide, but we are yet to see whether Toyota and Suzuki will replicate it in our country. We may, however, have some hope concerning the Indian buyers, about a future introduction of these cars, which may be with a slight localisation so as to achieve competitive prices.
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