Suzuki Swift 2017 Review

Suzuki's new Swift has arrived in Australia, just a few months after its global unveiling in Geneva, and the news is all good.

This third generation of Swift has moved the game on from its predecessor. Two new drivetrains deliver power and drivability gains. Now that the base model's engine is coupled to a CVT, there are none of the giant steps that detracted from smooth acceleration in the old model with its four-speed automatic.

The same is true of the flagship model with its turbocharged three-cylinder and six-speed auto. And for those who want it, there's still a manual box offered in the entry-level Swift GL, albeit with just five cogs.

The new model is lighter than before, to boost fuel efficiency, and it's shorter externally but larger inside. Then there's the refinement of the new model, now quieter than its predecessor. Added equipment in this new generation includes radar-based active cruise control as an option for the mid-range model and is standard on the turbo flagship.

Refined engines
Two cars were tested for the local launch of the Swift, the range-topping Swift GLX Turbo and the mid-range Swift GL Navigator with optional safety pack fitted.

Frankly, I expected to be disappointed by the Swift GL's four-cylinder atmo engine after driving the turbocharged three-cylinder, an engine we've applauded in the slightly larger Baleno. Yet the four-cylinder Swift also produced impressive performance and was similarly economical. The GL felt as brisk in a straight line as the GLX, and under load the four-cylinder engine was a little less growly than the three-cylinder – which is pretty refined nonetheless.

Fuel consumption figures, according to each car's respective trip computer, were 5.3L/100km for the GLX Turbo and 5.7L/100km for the GL Navigator. That was based on an undemanding drive through the Yarra Ranges’ (Vic) Black Spur, between Healesville and Narbethong.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the lower-priced four-pot Swift went about its business with little of the droning that is often a hallmark of this type of transmission. There's a ‘Low’ setting, and no shift paddles or sequential shifting of any kind -- unlike the GLX Turbo's conventional automatic, which was smooth and unfussed over the course of the brief drive program.

On the open road, both Swifts were quiet and composed, with very little tyre noise present over the coarse-chip country roads. The engines were quiet and vibration free until they were being driven in earnest.

Composed ride
During full-throttle acceleration there was a hint of torque-steer tug in evidence through the wheel. It was more apparent in the GL Navigator variant. The GLX Turbo’s traction control was on the mark holding power in check mid-corner.

Although both cars were fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, the ride comfort of the GLX Turbo (on lower-profile 55-series tyres) was just slightly sharper at lower speeds, but both cars rode well at open-road speeds – very well, indeed. They shrugged of some surprisingly abrupt bumps on a stretch of country road beyond the scope of the drive program route.

Overall, the mix of ride and handling was finely balanced and few buyers would find fault with the Swift in either grade.

Turn-in was slightly slower than the Mazda2 I recently reviewed and the steering was light and lacked the same level of feel as the Mazda. In the GLX Turbo it felt a little nervous on centre, and the roadholding in both cars was less secure than the Mazda’s, which is aided by the company’s torque vectoring system.

Tipped into a corner, the Swift’s body control isn’t in quite the same league as the Mazda’s, with minor pitching prevalent and a distinct tightening of the line when the driver lifts off the throttle. Nevertheless, it felt lively and fun.

The active cruise control, which is standard in the GLX Turbo or optional as part of the safety pack for the GL Navigator, works to specification and is easily adjusted for braking distance. It is not, however, a ‘Stop&Go Pilot’-type system – that is, it won’t bring the Swift to a full halt behind a car in front, but instead alerts the driver that it’s throwing in the towel at speeds below about 30km/h.

Traditionally Swift
The new Swift features a clean, flowing style that recalls cues from previous generations. The uncluttered look is carried over in the cabin as well.

The tidy, functional dash is dominated by an infotainment screen shared with Ignis and Vitara.

At a glance, all that separates the GL Navigator’s dash from that of the GLX is the manual air conditioning control panel in lieu of the higher-spec car’s climate control, although decorative trim distinguishes the two also. It’s easy to imagine the prospective buyer sitting behind the wheel of the GL Navigator, wondering whether to pay the extra for the GLX.

There’s no steering column rake adjustment in the Swift GL, but most people will find it easy to set up the driving position for an appropriate level of comfort and control. Only the GLX Turbo grade offers keyless start.

The instruments are easily legible and the control placement and operation won’t pose any kind of intellectual challenge for first-time drivers.

Suzuki has lowered the seat base in the rear, so entering and leaving the car (with its relatively high roof) requires little contortion. The doors are large enough and there’s enough legroom in the rear even for fairly lanky adults to squeeze in without much difficulty. That will suit a substantial number of target buyers for the Swift – empty nesters, for example.

There are no adjustable vents in the rear, which would be a nice-to-have, but few cars in this segment offer that sort of facility.

The boot measures 242 litres, which is knocking on the door of small-car capacity, and is a 30-litre increase from the previous model's. Suzuki equips the Swift with a space-saver spare to reach the destination, and the rear seats will fold down flat for further goods-carrying volume.

All up, the new Swift is a marked improvement on the old car in so many ways. It is truly an 'all-new' car. As well, it's fun to drive and represents good value.

Suzuki Swift GLX Turbo pricing and specifications:
Price: $22,990 (driveaway)
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 82kW/160Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.1L/100km (Combined)
CO2: 119g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star (Euro NCAP with safety pack)

Suzuki Swift GL Navigator pricing and specifications:
Price: $17,990 (driveaway)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 66kW/120Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 4.8L/100km (Combined)
CO2: 110g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star (Euro NCAP with safety pack)

Related reading:
>> New Suzuki Swift unveiled
>> Suzuki Swift 2017 Review