Suzuki’s all-new Swift, replacing the model upgraded several times since its 1984 launch, will cost from just under £8,000 for the 3dr when sales start in May.

A 5dr and Suzuki’s first road-car diesel follow and the target for annual sales is 10,000.

The old Swift, dropped in the UK in mid-2003, peaked at 6,500 sales in 2001. Suzuki’s 150 UK dealers drive the car next month and regional product training days will focus on getting the message across about it being radically different.

TV commercials featuring Manchester Utd’s Cristiano Ronaldo will highlight the larger Swift’s dynamic qualities. The car comes off a new platform developed solely by Suzuki and the suspension was developed for Europe.

David Seward, Suzuki GB sales and marketing director, says: “Suzuki considered a new name because of the old car’s negative overlay but research shows Swift remained the best option.

It is Suzuki’s first model designed with Europe in mind, as will other models coming over the next three years.”

Suzuki GB is gunning for 45,000 total sales in the UK. Last year it sold 33,656 (1.31%).