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Suzuki Swift

All-new Japanese supermini gets more efficient engines and a fresh look

Suzuki Swift

By Luke Madden

June 2010

It's Swift by name, but is it Swift by nature? Suzuki is preparing to release an all-new version of its top-selling supermini and we got behind the wheel to find out.

Set eyes on the the newcomer for the first time and you'll find yourself scanning it for differences from the current generation model. Look closely though and you'll notice the front lights are redesigned, the grille more upright and the tail-lights have a fresh new design. The most obvious update though is a change in proportions, with the new model measuring in at 5mm wider and 90mm longer.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Suzuki Swift

 

The larger body frees up more space in the cabin too, but it's a squeeze to fit adults in the back seats. There's no official word on boot capacity, but the deep storage area looks noticeably bigger than the current generation.

Up front, higher quality materials and a new dashboard design with aluminium accents creates a stylish atmosphere in the cabin. There is still a slightly cheap feel left-over though with scratchy, hard plastics making up the majority of materials.

At launch in September the new 93bhp, 1.2-litre petrol engine fitted to our model will be the only available unit and it can be mated to either an automatic or manual gearbox. Later, in January an efficient 1.3-litre diesel will join the line-up, available only with a five-speed manual gearbox.

On the road the petrol unit can feel a little underpowered, especially with the automatic gearbox. The manual version is an improvement but the Swift has to be worked hard to keep up at motorway speeds. That shows in the official figures too, with the Swift recording 12.7 seconds to 62mph in the manual and 13.5 seconds for the automatic.

The trade-off though is low running costs, with Suzuki claiming 56.5mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 116g/km.

An all-new steering system is well-weighted and responds to even the slightest turn of the wheel. Corner too quickly though and the body rolls slightly, but the soft-suspension set-up means the newcomer rides well.

Unfortunately, Suzuki haven't yet announced pricing for the all-new Swift but at around ￡10,000 it's likely to prove to be good value for money despite its shortcomings.

For an alternative review of the latest Suzuki Swift visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

Super Styling


With the extra room in the boot this should be a success ... IF , its as good as the 'old' model ( wonder where its made ) .. But I think I will wait for a bigger petrol engine like the one I drive . Its a 1.5.GLX and its great so I would be reluctant to change .
JB

By bjbchelsea on 25 June, 2010, 9:28am

defo continued with very good styling - thank you Suzuki for not changing it too much.

BUT.. whta about some more punchy engine?? I don't know really what they are think about. I have a picture of Suzuki only thru success of motorbike (even I m not bike person) so I would honestly consider this with some 200hp or so, otherwise there is many better cars with those little engines.

By hubabuba on 1 July, 2010, 8:30pm

I like!

I saw this on a dealer forcourt in white and thought it looked the business-definately one of the smartest small cars around. This deserves to do well.

By cousins11 on 2 September, 2010, 8:19pm

Disaster!

25,000kms, on the clock. The engine started to run very rough, sometimes stalling at lites. Amber engine light stayed ON. The car limped home. Into the agent, where the analyzer detected that 2 crankshaft sensors had failed, so the onboard computor could not calculate the correct fuel and ignition.

Driving it more would have resulted in serious engine damage, maybe a new engine.

The cost for 2 new sensors 300 €uro. Out of guarantee!

Why did the sensors fail. They dunno.

Where were the sensors made, and by whom? Dunno.

Would I buy another Suzy Swift. Silly question, but, NO never. How do you think I now feel driving longer distances? Scary!!
Recommend a Suzy Swift? Never.

Conclusion. An unnecessarily over-engineered, highly computerized, unreliable, plasticky junk transporter, with crap parts.

By ThomasT on 14 December, 2010, 8:07am

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FIRST OPINION

    Considering the likely price, the Swift represents good value for money. The combination of driving dynamics and modern styling means the Suzuki should keep up the impressive sales record of the current Swift. Our only advice would be to wait for the diesel which arrive in January. Not only does it feel much quicker but it's far more efficient too.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £10,000 (est)
    Engine: 1.2-litre/ six-speed manual
    Power: 93bhp
    0-62mph: N/A
    Top speed: N/A
    Econ/CO2: 56.5mpg/ 116g/km
    On Sale: September  
     
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