Suzuki Swift 2011 Review - International

Suzuki Swift

Suzuki has replaced its Swift with an all-new model... One that looks the same as the car it replaces and that only aficionados will pick at a glance

Already on sale in Europe and Japan but not due Down Under until early next year, the new Swift was launched to a small group of Australian media in Japan today.

Larger, heavier but more economical than the car it replaces, the Light Car champion is now powered by a smaller, 1.4-litre engine. Nonetheless it boasts significantly improved fuel economy, according to Suzuki, and is more refined and safer to boot.

The Swift's new K14B DOHC fuel-injected petrol four produces almost the same power and torque as the 1.5-litre engine it replaces (70kW versus 74; 130Nm versus 133). With a longer stroke than the 1.5, it has been optimised for efficiency. Internal changes include a number of tweaks to lower frictional losses.

Coupled with the Swift's carry over five-speed manual gearbox, the new engine returns 5.5L/100km in ADR testing -- an improvement of 0.8L/100km. In auto form the improvement is 0.4L/100km, from 6.6 to 6.2L/100km.

The Swift's new body is stronger than the series it replaces thanks to the more extensive use of high-strength steels. Though significant attention has been paid to weight reduction, the new car is around 25kg heavier depending on model. Much of the extra weight is accounted for in the five-door hatchback's all-new crash structure.

Around 50 per cent stiffer than the outgoing model, the new body in white allowed Suzuki's engineers to opt for suppler suspension settings without affecting the car's handling. Still one of the sportiest drives in the Light Car class if our first steer is anything to go by, the new Swift is unlikely to disappoint returning buyers and new prospects alike.

Indeed, keeping loyal buyers within the Suzuki fold is a key reason why the new Swift echoes its predecessor so closely in terms of styling, says Suzuki Australia boss, Tak Hayasaki.

"Since the current Swift was launched in 2004, we have never had a complaint regarding styling. In fact, some existing customers were concerned changes to the new generation could have been drastic. They are more confident [to buy] now, Hayasaki told the Carsales Network.

"The [closeness of the] styling from old Swift to new could be a challenge [for marketing] but more feedback has been positive than negative.

"We have more changes than, say, MINI, between the generations and that does not seem to be an issue [for them]. We have also made sure our current customers have good value to sell their [superseded] Swift," Hiyasaki stated.

Safety is another reason for buyers to opt for Swift, Hayasaki-san opines.

Crash safety is boosted with the new model. Already awarded a Euro NCAP five star rating in testing, the new Swift will feature seven airbags standard across its Australian model range. Also standard for Australia is stability control and antilock brakes with emergency assist and brakeforce distribution.

Although Suzuki will not confirm details or pricing yet, two model grades are expected to be offered Down Under. Alas there is no news on a replacement for the 1.6-litre Swift Sport and a new GTI has still not progressed beyond the drawing board, insiders lament.

Equipment levels on both grades are good -- at least going by the cars we experienced at the Ryuyo Test Centre launch. Both feature quality technical fabric finishes on seats and door coverings and the dash and instrument panel layout recalls Suzuki's Kizashi medium car stablemate.

While the fit and finish of the new interior is improved, the plastics perhaps aren't quite up to the standard set in Suzuki's latest medium car. However, gone at last is the H-shaped dimple in the passenger side of the dash pad that announced the presence of airbag to all and sundry.

The new entry-level Swift will roll on 15-inch steel wheels (up from 14) and gets manual air-conditioning, power windows, audio with USB connectivity and tilt adjustable wheel with remote audio controls.

Rear brakes are drums -- incongruously Suzuki only fits discs to the high-grade Swift.

As well as the discs, the upmarket version gets equipment boosts such as proximity key, push button start, climate control air, 16-inch alloys, reach and tilt adjustment to the multifunction steering wheel and an upgraded audio system.

The Aussie version is also likely to include Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard. This feature and other details of the lineup and pricing will be confirmed closer to the new Swift's local unveiling in February.

When pushed Suzuki sources say they will deliver "more value" with the new Swift. Though competition is tough in the Light Car segment, that sounds like we should expect a price rise -- albeit a small one.

In part justifying the potential price increase is the fact the new car is bigger overall. Importantly the increase also yields improved interior space.

At 3850mm the new generation Swift is 90mm longer than the outgoing car. Almost half the change (40mm) is within the axles with the wheelbase now 2430mm. Interior width is increased front and rear and there's an extra 20mm rear knee room. That's a valuable dollop of extra space in a compact car.

There are added touches of amenity within the cabin too (like a curry hook on the rear of the front passenger seat) and in the luggage compartment a false floor ensures a flat load space when the split-fold rear seats are dropped. When in position, the false floor gives an added level (pun intended) of security for items such as handbags, laptops and the like.

The Swift's grown in its new generation but it also seems to have grown up. Ryuyo's high-speed test track is not the normal environment in which to test a Light Car but it did show off the overall strength of the package Swift delivers.

The new engine is willing and has a sporty timbre to it. It's ready and willing by 2000rpm and well into its stride by 3000. In the manual version at least it was happy to spin to the 6000rpm power peak.  With just four speeds the auto version is not quite as willing.

Both variants have sharp predictable steering that weights up nicely at speed. Electrically assisted, the latest version features a variable ratio rack that ensures the car retains its wieldy feel without translating the nervousness at higher speeds. 

The suspension changes yield a better, less brittle ride than the previous generation, and body roll and pitch both still seem well contained. Brakes are good with predictable initial bite and plenty of power. There was negligible difference in the feel between four and front-wheel disc equipped variants though Ryuyo is not hard on brakes.

As noted above, overall the Swift is still among the pick of the Light Cars from a driving standpoint.

Refinement is improved and there's less road roar than most light cars. That said we'll have to wait to sample the car on home roads to be sure. Likewise the wind noise we noted around the A-pillars is likely to be less of an issue on Australian urban byways than Ryuyo's near-3km straight.

Accounting for more than half of its sales Down Under, Swift is the foundation of Suzuki's presence locally. Notwithstanding the uncertainty of the future of the larger-engined Sport model, Suzuki Australia is counting on the new generation to help it grow its sales volume and marketshare.

With the new car designed to retain Swift stalwarts, its ability to bring new buyers to the brand will be the measure of its success. If the added refinement hinted at during our very brief launch drive translates to local roads and pricing remains sharp, Suzuki can expect to be on more shopping lists than ever.

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