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Suzuki Swift

Haven’t we met before? Latest version of city car looks pretty familiar to our man!

Suzuki Swift

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Otis Clay

November 2010

The newest addition to our fleet has got me seeing double! Although the Suzuki Swift is an all-new car, I can’t help thinking it’s the spitting image of a previous long- termer – the last-generation Swift we ran in 2008.

Although the overall shape is strikingly similar, there are, in fact, a number of crucial changes to the latest model. The front lights are much bigger in proportion to the rest of the car, its grille is more upright and the tail-lights have been given a makeover. Under the skin, the Swift uses an all-new platform and has grown by 90mm in length. It’s 5mm wider, too.

The cabin has also been refreshed, with a simple-to-use layout and higher-quality materials including aluminium accents. It’s not exactly luxurious, but a marked improvement over the last model. However, while the front passengers benefit from the boost in dimensions, the rear is still cramped for adults.

A 1.3 diesel version goes on sale in January, but our car is fitted with the perky new 1.2-litre petrol engine. And the smooth but revvy unit is perfect for the city. On the motorway, the Swift occasionally feels out of its depth, but when it comes to the short bursts of acceleration needed around town, it’s never left behind at the lights. New suspension architecture makes it supremely comfortable on potholed roads, too. And while the soft ride means there’s a bit of body roll in corners, there’s no more than you’d expect from an urban runabout.

Improved noise insulation and a quieter engine mean that despite its squat dimensions, the Swift has more of a grown-up feel. And our top-spec SZ4 car comes with tons of big car kit, too. A multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth and automatic headlights are all fitted. For £12,000, you couldn’t expect any more, although less familiar styling would have been good!

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

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4 Comments

Lets hope this time round Suzuki manufactures a reliable car, because the one they did before was very hit and miss.

By ganthopoulos on 16 November, 2010, 10:47am

its more reliable than most, and at least the cars were recalled for all the faults to be rectified not all manufacturers do that!

By ignissport05 on 16 November, 2010, 1:52pm

all new platform

wow amazing they made a car on a brand new platform that looks exactly the same as the previous version.The swift is a cute little car thats great fun if underpowered,i so nearly bought a swift sport 3yrs ago but bought a mitsubishi instead.Be nice if Suzuki can get this car as reliable as say a Jazz and would be good if they can get a real hotch hatch version out as well .

By nickbsmooth on 25 November, 2010, 4:07pm

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, 8:08am

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Second Opinion

“It has only been with us for a few weeks, but I’ve already fallen head over heels for our Suzuki’s charms. The combination of beautifully balanced handling, a supple ride and keen 1.2-litre engine make it huge fun on twisting back roads.”

James Disdale
Deputy Road Test Editor 

Other Reports

REPORT

[+]
IT’S common for car makers to put too much emphasis on cornering ability, which comes to the detriment of a car’s ride quality. Suzuki hasn’t fallen into this trap, as the Swift’s soft suspension means it deals with speed bumps and potholes brilliantly – crucial around town. And although there’s body roll in bends, it retains the old Swift’s sense of fun from behind the wheel.
[-]
THE Swift’s trademark short-but-wide stance aids stability in bends, but it’s not good news for rear passengers. The new model is 90mm longer than the one it replaces, but space in the back is undeniably cramped – and the boot isn’t exactly generous either. At least access to the rear cabin is excellent, thanks to our long-termer’s practical five-door body.
On fleet since:October 2010
Price when new:£12,245
Engine / Power:1.2-litre 4cyl/93bhp
Options Fitted:Metallic paint (£390)
Trade-in Value Now:N/A
Insurance Group / Quote:9/ £348.41
Costs:None so far
Any Problems?:None so far
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