Suzuki is bringing its iconic sports hatch Swift S Concept to Melbourne this month for the annual Australian International Motor Show (AIMS).

The concept car was first seen in Geneva earlier this year and Melbourne will be just the second outing for the stunning near-production model.

“Suzuki has an outstanding record of producing quality light cars,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“The Swift S Concept draws on a performance heritage unrivalled in the Junior World Rally Championship, with three manufacturer’s and driver’s titles.”

The Swift S Concept is the embodiment of a premium, light sports car with no compromise on performance.

Based on the eye-catching design of the all new model Swift – but with a more sporty twist – the concept is powered by a 1.6 litre VVT engine and sits lower and wider than its standard sibling.

The aggressive look is enhanced by dynamic front and rear bumpers, flared wheel arches, 18-inch wheels and a rally-inspired rear spoiler.

Inside adds black and yellow leather Recaro sports bucket seats, a specially-designed carbon-fibre centre console, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, alloy sports pedals and premium chrome highlights on the instrument cluster.

AIMS event director Russ Tyrie said the Suzuki concept was likely to be well-received in Melbourne.

“Everyone loves going to motor shows to see the supercars and the latest technology. However, hot hatches are often a person’s first taste of a performance car – perhaps their first step on the path to a supercar later in life.

“Certainly, many people will have fond memories of their younger years at the wheel of cars like the original Suzuki Swift GTi – they have a joyous and youthful spirit to them.

“Cars like the Swift S Concept will always be popular with showgoers – especially given this little Suzuki genuinely looks like a rally car for the road.”

The Australian International Motor Show opens to the public at 6pm on Friday 1 July and runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.