Suzuki Swift

NarendZORCE · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:21 pm Post subject: Suzuki Swift

One of the most significant Suzuki vehicles to emerge from the company in recent years enters dealer showrooms from 15 April. The new Swift brings to the compact car segment a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics, excellent handling and 40 mpg fuel economy, has the individuality to attract the most discerning of supermini customers.

Suzuki has deliberately kept the line-up simple, and available immediately are five-speed manual five door 1.3 GL and 1.5 GLX models at �7,799 and �8,999 respectively, and a four-speed automatic 1.5 GLX priced at �9,824. They're joined in June by the entry level three door 1.3 GL manual at �7,499.

The cheeky and distinctive styling and a spacious interior are complemented by a very comprehensive specification. All models feature front, side and curtain airbags, radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and tinted glass, while the GLX gains keyless entry and start, air conditioning, alloy wheels, and front fog lamps.

These petrol-engined Swifts are just the start: September sees the arrival of a 1.3 litre DDi diesel model, while next year the range is to be expanded with a cabriolet variant with folding metal roof and, exploiting the full potential of the Swift's capable chassis, a high performance 1.6-litre derivative.

Enjoyable performance
With the Swift likely to spend much of its time in urban environments or on twisting country roads, its two petrol engines, a 92 PS 1.3 litre and a 102 PS 1.5 litre, have been selected for their strong performance at low and mid-range engine speeds. The 1.5 litre also features advanced variable valve timing to maximise torque and power throughout the rev range. Peak torque figures are 114 Nm at 4200 rpm and 133 Nm at 4100 rpm, respectively.

Both engines deliver enjoyable driving characteristics, with the Swift 1.3 litre dispatching 0-62 mph in 11 seconds, the manual 1.5 litre model taking a second less, and reaching top speeds of 109 mph and 115 mph, respectively. Those figures are complemented by strong fuel economy with all models exceeding 40 mpg on the Combined cycle, including the automatic at 40.9 mpg. That rises to 43.5 mpg for the 1.5 manual and to 45.6 mpg for the 1.3 litre.

The five-speed manual transmission features satisfyingly firm and quick gear shifting thanks to an enhanced linkage arrangement. Unusually for this category, the four-speed automatic has a gated shift lever allowing the driver to enjoy gear shifting for added exhilaration.

Easy entry
GLX models feature keyless entry for simple door unlocking, engine start-up and locking. With this system, there's no fumbling, and no need to insert a key or press a remote. Instead, as long as you're carrying the key, or it's in a pocket or bag, the system detects its presence and unlocks the car. The doors are opened simply by pressing a button on either front door handle, while the engine is started by twisting the ignition key housing. As soon as you walk away from the car, the system detects the key's absence and the car is locked and immobilised.

Room to breathe
At 1690 mm, the Swift has one of the widest bodies in its class and together with a long wheelbase, permits a spacious cabin that realises exceptional people and luggage carrying flexibility.

The design team set out to create a chic yet functional interior which uses aluminium trim highlights to add an air of understated sophistication. Tight fit and finish of trim items together with high grade plastics contribute to an overall sense of refinement and quality.

With front seats that offer superior support and hold and class-leading fore and aft adjustment of 240 mm, driver's seat height adjustment and tilt-adjustable steering column, even drivers of smaller stature can find the optimal seating position for confident driving and easy pedal operation.

The instrument binnacle is set relatively low to ensure good forward visibility and reinforce the sense of openess. A triple gauge instrument cluster features a tachometer with a needle that rests in the six o'clock position, reflecting sports bike convention. Centrally mounted at the leading edge of the fascia is a digital information display that shows time, fuel consumption and outside temperature.

The standard radio/CD player is neatly and seamlessly integrated into the central fascia which can be operated using either the simple, one touch push button controls, or those conveniently mounted on the sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Located beneath the radio/CD are large, dial-type controls for the heating and ventilation system or, on the 1.5 GLX, the standard air conditioning.

The tailgate opens up to reveal a 213 litre capacity boot with a flat, practical floor thanks in part to the choice of a torsion beam suspension arrangement. Collapse the 60:40 split, tumble-folding rear seat, and the load area is expanded to a useful 562 litres.