When you think of a quick, fun-to-drive compact car, the odds are you’re not thinking of a Suzuki. That might soon change though, if recent reports about the Suzuki Swift’s imminent stateside launch are true.

A staple of fun and economical transportation in Japan and other parts of the world, the Swift has been missing from Suzuki’s North American model lineup for 15 years now. In its absence, the larger (but still tiny by U.S. standards) Suzuki SX4 was left to carry the torch as the company’s entry level model.

While the SX4 is a great car in its own right, it’s not nearly as nimble as the Swift. With the same amount of power as the SX4, but weighing considerably less thanks to a front-wheel-drive-only layout, the Swift is eager to conquer twisty back roads with fuel-saving gusto.

The current generation 2010 Swift is not available here due to stringent U.S. safety and emissions standards.   However, the next-generation 2011 Swift will bear these requirements in mind.  That being said, the next-gen Swift will show up in American showrooms some time around, you guessed it—2011.

As far as pricing goes, you can expect the Swift to be an absolute segment buster—think MINI Cooper for nearly half the price.

What’s in a model year? Would you feel cheated by buying a 2008 model even though it’s now 2009? You shouldn’t because the fact remains: it has never been owned by anyone else, it’s new! Moreover, dealers are scrambling to move remaining 2008 models off their lots by offering incredible deals that simply cannot be passed up.  Take for instance the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara: it’s every bit as good as the 2009 model, but you can get one at 0% APR financing for 60 months or with a substantial rebate attached.   To see how big the rebate is, click here and type in your zip code.

With all the money you’ll be saving, you can enjoy your Grand Vitara’s optional 4-wheel drive by navigating it through scenic off-road destinations or make use of its 5-passenger seating capacity and take that long overdue family vacation. After all, you’ll also be saving a fair amount in gas expenses with this small but capable SUV. Rated at 19/26 mpg (city/highway) for the 166-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and 17/23 mpg (city/highway) for the 230-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6, the Grand Vitara leaves little room for excuses when it comes to pursuing driving pleasure.

There’s still time to get your hands on a 2008 Grand Vitara, and you can drive one home at an absurdly low price. This offer expires February 2, 2009, so you’d better hurry. Click the links below and type in your zip code to find the lowest prices in your area.