Suzuki Swift

The Swift is one of the most important vehicles ever produced by Suzuki. While the Japanese manufacturer had plenty of success with the Vitara, breaking into the competitive super mini market proved a more elusive goal. But the new Swift, launched two years ago, changed all that and proved the firm was capable of building quality cars.

With modern and cheeky looks, it’s clear the Swift was styled for the European market, evident in the smooth lines and high waistline. It’s ideal for town driving thanks to its small dimensions – it’s only 75mm longer than the Ka. In our opinion, it’s the best looking in it’s class and certainly the neatest design, making its rivals appear dated.

The tall cabin means that rear passengers get plenty of headroom, while leg space is also good. The seats are very comfortable and the Swift would be a good choice for a longer journey.

The compact dimensions are a little more noticeable in the front. An upright windscreen and A-pillars give you the sense that everything is much closer to you. Visibility is a strong point, and ergonomically the Swift is very good.

The Swift has an excellent driving position and a multifunction wheel, integrated stereo and quality switch gear belie the Swift’s budget price! The keyless entry and start system is another high-end feature that is unusual in this sector on the GLX versions along with alloy wheels and air conditioning.

This quality feel extends to the excellent 1.5-litre engine. The 100bhp power unit feels strong, while the precise gear change is a joy to use. We were very impressed with the Swift’s pace – it was one of the quickest cars in it’s class, completing the 0-60mph sprint in 9.9 seconds. In-gear acceleration was equally good – from 30-70mph through the gears it was peerless, taking 9.6 seconds. The brakes were also positive; a stopping distance of 40.1 metres from 60mph.

Out on the road, it’s most enjoyable to drive, as the smooth, free-revving engine picks up happily from 2,500rpm. At cruising speeds, the Suzuki is one of the quietest cars in it’s class.

The other highlight of the Swift is the handling. The suspension easily copes with different road surfaces and shrugs off potholes and bumps.

A short wheelbase helps agility, and body roll is well controlled, the steering is responsive and nicely weighted. It feels sophisticated and most composed through corners. It’s easily manoeuvrable around town, too, and has the smallest turning circle at only 9.4 metres.

The Swift also represents excellent value. At £8,499 for the 1.3 GL, it’s Six airbags and a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating make it one of the safest cars in it’s class.

 

Suzuki Swift production hits a million

19 June 2008 by Adrian Hearn

The one millionth Suzuki Swift has rolled of the car maker’s production line in just four years. Launched in 2004, the Suzuki Swift supermini has been a massive success thanks to its cute looks, low running costs and, with the 1.6-litre Sport model, hot performance.

A lot of the success of the Suzuki Swift has been thanks to its popularity in Europe with more than 300,000 being sold across on the continent with ten per cent of these finding homes in the UK. The Suzuki Swift is available with the choice of a 1.3-, 1.5- or 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 1.3-litre diesel which will average 61.4mpg which is in the £35 per year road tax bracket. All models feature front, side and curtain airbags, CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted controls and tinted glass. Upgrade to the GLX model on the 1.5 and the Suzuki Swift gains air-conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lights and a keyless entry and start.

The top-spec 1.6-litre Suzuki Swift Sport, which will accelerate from 0-62mph (100kph) in 9.4 seconds and have a top speed of 115mph, features a sports suspension and funky 17-inch alloy wheels. Prices for the Suzuki Swift – which is available in three or five door – start from £8,260 for the entry level 1.3 model and rise to £11,990 for the Sport.

 

 

New Suzuki Swift Specification

• 1.3 petrol or 1.3 diesel engines
• 1.5 on the Automatic SZ4
• 15” alloy wheels (SZ4 model)
• Leather covered steering wheel (SZ4 model)
• Keyless start (SZ4 model)
• Air conditioning (SZ3 model)
• Climate control (SZ4 model)
• Power assisted steering
• Remote central door locking
• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Front, side and curtain airbags
• Heated electric door mirrors (SZ3 & SZ4 models)
• ABS with EBD
• Front electric windows
• Radio/CD + 6 speakers
• Audio controls on steering wheel
• Cup holders
• Side impact protection beams
• Immobiliser

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