FiestaST
Honorary Master
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Question of the Day: Which compact crossover would you choose?
The Suzuki Swift & Dzire Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Next Suzuki Swift Sport: Fast & Fun
Suzuki is on a roll – it raked in the awards at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank, earlier this year and sales are growing nicely in a depressed market. What comes next? It may just redefine the modern-day compact hot hatch...
The Japanese firm's 4th-generation Swift (its top-seller locally) was revealed at the recent Geneva Motor Show and promises to be a very strong performer in the compact hatchback segment when it arrives in South Africa later this year.
But even better news for fans of fast and entertaining compact cars is that the Swift Sport (no pictures exist yet) is shaping up to be a real little firecracker. Now that hot hatches are out of the financial reach of most young car fanatics, a car such as the Swift Sport is potentially a realistic purchasing goal.
More power, less weight
The next-gen Swift Sport will be powered by Suzuki's new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque, most likely coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. Without context, those figures look relatively meagre for a modern-day performance car, but note that the current naturally aspirated model has 100 kW and 160 Nm, so the torque in particular, has dramatically been upped.
More importantly, the new Swift Sport could weigh as much as 150 kg less than its predecessor, resulting in an unmatched power-to-weight ratio at its price-point. The current model accelerates to 100 kph in 8.7 seconds – we would not be surprised to see its successor achieve the same in well below 8 seconds, closer to 7 sec in fact. The new HEARTECT platform, developed to be extremely light and rigid, promises to make a great base for a compact hot hach. This time round, it looks like the Swift Sport will be offered in 5-door form.
We foresee a great battle between the Suzuki Swift Sport and next-generation Ford Fiesta ST for supremacy in the Fun Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Stay tuned.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/next-suzuki-swift-sport-fast--fun/43225/
Suzuki is on a roll – it raked in the awards at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank, earlier this year and sales are growing nicely in a depressed market. What comes next? It may just redefine the modern-day compact hot hatch...
The Japanese firm's 4th-generation Swift (its top-seller locally) was revealed at the recent Geneva Motor Show and promises to be a very strong performer in the compact hatchback segment when it arrives in South Africa later this year.
But even better news for fans of fast and entertaining compact cars is that the Swift Sport (no pictures exist yet) is shaping up to be a real little firecracker. Now that hot hatches are out of the financial reach of most young car fanatics, a car such as the Swift Sport is potentially a realistic purchasing goal.
More power, less weight
The next-gen Swift Sport will be powered by Suzuki's new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque, most likely coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. Without context, those figures look relatively meagre for a modern-day performance car, but note that the current naturally aspirated model has 100 kW and 160 Nm, so the torque in particular, has dramatically been upped.
More importantly, the new Swift Sport could weigh as much as 150 kg less than its predecessor, resulting in an unmatched power-to-weight ratio at its price-point. The current model accelerates to 100 kph in 8.7 seconds – we would not be surprised to see its successor achieve the same in well below 8 seconds, closer to 7 sec in fact. The new HEARTECT platform, developed to be extremely light and rigid, promises to make a great base for a compact hot hach. This time round, it looks like the Swift Sport will be offered in 5-door form.
We foresee a great battle between the Suzuki Swift Sport and next-generation Ford Fiesta ST for supremacy in the Fun Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Stay tuned.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/next-suzuki-swift-sport-fast--fun/43225/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Suzuki shows new, more ‘Dzirable’ baby sedan
Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary has unveiled its all-new Dzire compact sedan and although it might still divide opinion, its design appears to be more resolved than that of the current model.
You might also notice that it no longer has ‘Swift’ in its name, but the stubby little sedan is very evidently based on the new-generation Suzuki Swift hatch that was revealed toward the end of last year.
Small sedans are big business in India, where a separate luggage compartment is regarded as a status symbol. It makes sense then that Maruti Suzuki would give the new version a more distinct identity.
The new four-door also has a different dashboard design to its hatch sibling, although it does share its new touch-screen infotainment system which will probably only be available on higher-end models, given the car’s budget status.
The new Dzire will reportedly be powered by the same normally aspirated 1.2-litre engine that serves in today’s car, and Indian customers will also have the option of a 1.3-litre turbodiesel.
The latter would certainly make a nice addition to the local range.
On that note, given that the new Swift hatch, which is also likely to be sourced from India, is only set to reach local shores in 2018, it’s unlikely that we’ll see this new sedan in showrooms any time before that
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/suzuki-shows-new-more-dzirable-baby-sedan-8825270
Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary has unveiled its all-new Dzire compact sedan and although it might still divide opinion, its design appears to be more resolved than that of the current model.
You might also notice that it no longer has ‘Swift’ in its name, but the stubby little sedan is very evidently based on the new-generation Suzuki Swift hatch that was revealed toward the end of last year.
Small sedans are big business in India, where a separate luggage compartment is regarded as a status symbol. It makes sense then that Maruti Suzuki would give the new version a more distinct identity.
The new four-door also has a different dashboard design to its hatch sibling, although it does share its new touch-screen infotainment system which will probably only be available on higher-end models, given the car’s budget status.
The new Dzire will reportedly be powered by the same normally aspirated 1.2-litre engine that serves in today’s car, and Indian customers will also have the option of a 1.3-litre turbodiesel.
The latter would certainly make a nice addition to the local range.
On that note, given that the new Swift hatch, which is also likely to be sourced from India, is only set to reach local shores in 2018, it’s unlikely that we’ll see this new sedan in showrooms any time before that
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/suzuki-shows-new-more-dzirable-baby-sedan-8825270
stroller
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The current Swift Sport has five doors.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The outgoing model has 3-door & 5-door options actually. In SA only the 5-door model was brought in. It was positioned more family friendly vs the 3-door only 1st Gen model that came before it.
https://www.netcarshow.com/suzuki/2007-swift_sport/
https://www.netcarshow.com/suzuki/2012-swift_sport/
https://www.netcarshow.com/suzuki/2013-swift_sport_5-door/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Suzuki unveils new DZire ... and discards Swift prefix
Maruti Suzuki in India has revealed the new DZire sedan, removing the Swift prefix from the vehicle’s official name.
The new-generation DZire, like its forebear, measures less than four metres in length, allowing it to take advantage of a lower excise duty in India.
Running on the Japanese brand’s new B-platform – which also underpins the Baleno, and brings about considerable weight savings – the new DZire again borrows much of its styling from the Swift hatchback, but adds a compact boot.
The new model’s height has been slashed by some 40 mm when compared to its predecessor (with a ground clearance 7 mm lower at 163 mm), while the wheelbase has grown by some 20 mm to 2 450 mm. Maruti Suzuki says the vehicle is wider than before, too, with a claimed increase in both passenger room and luggage space.
In India, the engine range will be unchanged, while the cabin has been upgraded and now features a flat-bottom steering wheel, a touchscreen system and even a splash of wood trim.
So, will we see the new DZire in South Africa? Well, Suzuki Auto SA told CARmag.co.za that “no decision” had yet been made on a possible introduction of the new DZire. However, we did learn that the Swift hatchback will likely arrive in local dealers in the second quarter of 2018.
In 2016, the Swift range (including the DZire sedan) accounted for nearly 40% of Suzuki Auto SA’s sales, with its tally of 2 004 units easily making it the brand’s most popular range locally.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/suzuki-unveils-new-dzire-and-discards-swift-prefix/
Maruti Suzuki in India has revealed the new DZire sedan, removing the Swift prefix from the vehicle’s official name.
The new-generation DZire, like its forebear, measures less than four metres in length, allowing it to take advantage of a lower excise duty in India.
Running on the Japanese brand’s new B-platform – which also underpins the Baleno, and brings about considerable weight savings – the new DZire again borrows much of its styling from the Swift hatchback, but adds a compact boot.
The new model’s height has been slashed by some 40 mm when compared to its predecessor (with a ground clearance 7 mm lower at 163 mm), while the wheelbase has grown by some 20 mm to 2 450 mm. Maruti Suzuki says the vehicle is wider than before, too, with a claimed increase in both passenger room and luggage space.
In India, the engine range will be unchanged, while the cabin has been upgraded and now features a flat-bottom steering wheel, a touchscreen system and even a splash of wood trim.
So, will we see the new DZire in South Africa? Well, Suzuki Auto SA told CARmag.co.za that “no decision” had yet been made on a possible introduction of the new DZire. However, we did learn that the Swift hatchback will likely arrive in local dealers in the second quarter of 2018.
In 2016, the Swift range (including the DZire sedan) accounted for nearly 40% of Suzuki Auto SA’s sales, with its tally of 2 004 units easily making it the brand’s most popular range locally.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/suzuki-unveils-new-dzire-and-discards-swift-prefix/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
2017 Suzuki Swift on sale in June priced from £10,999
Suzuki’s Ford Fiesta rival is larger and more practical than its predecessor; there's also a hybrid version
The new Suzuki Swift will go on sale on the 1 June priced from £10,999.
Suzuki's Ford Fiesta rival switches to the same platform as the larger Baleno, but it's actually marginally shorter than the car it replaces. It also has a slightly lower roofline but a longer wheelbase. Wider use of ultra-high-strength steels in its construction has contributed to a significant weight saving for the car, with entry-level 1.2-litre-engined versions weighing 890kg, some 120kg less than their predecessors.
Interior space is up by 25% and luggage storage space has grown from 200 to 254 litres. Access is also improved thanks to a body optimised for a five-door layout – the only format available with the new model – with rear door handles hidden ahead of the car’s C-pillars.
The car's base price is £2000 more than the old model but the new Swift gets a significantly longer technical features list.
In entry SZ3 guise it uses a Dualjet 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 89bhp and offers 65.7mpg while emitting 98g/km. Six airbags, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, digital radio with Bluetooth and front electric speakers come as standard inside, and the exterior gets LED day running lights and 15in alloy wheels.
Higher spec SZ-T cars cost from £12,999 and gain the option of a Boosterjet 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with 109bhp on offer. CO2 emissions for the turbocharged unit are 104g/km and combined fuel economy is 61.1mpg. A rear-view camera, 7in touchscreen with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, 16in alloys and fog lamps are added to this trim.
Top of the range is the SZ5, which is priced from £14,499 and gets an extra mild-hybrid powertrain option. Using the Boosterjet unit and an integrated starter motor, it can generate electricity through regenerative braking and trims CO2 emissions to 97g/km. Due to its compact nature, the hybrid system adds just 6.2kg to the powertrain’s weight. An optional four-wheel drive system, Allgrip, can be fitted to SZ5 models with the 1.2-litre engine.
A five-speed manual is standard but Suzuki also offers a six-speed automatic with the 1.0-litre engine.
The Swift SZ5 also gets a 4.2in LCD display in place of instrument dials. It comes with new driver assist technology including a forward detection system that uses a monocolour camera and laser sensor that can see in the dark. They first provide the driver with a visual and audio warning when an impact is likely, before triggering autonomous emergency braking that can maximise brake pressure to avoid an impact. The technology offers lane departure warning and high beam assist, and an additional radar device enables adaptive cruise control.
Suzuki is hoping that a focus on core strengths, together with a reappraisal of some long-standing weaknesses, will carry the new third-generation supermini to a 40% sales volume improvement in the UK, which is already the car’s biggest single European market.
Suzuki chief engineer Masao Kobori told Autocar that chassis development on the Swift has been done extensively on UK roads as well as in Spain and Germany, and that the Fiesta had been Suzuki’s key benchmark for the Swift’s handling.
“We believe we have matched the Fiesta’s handling, but the Swift does not have the same handling feel as the Ford because it is a much lighter car,” Kobori said. “We have expended every possible effort, in every area, to save weight, which also sharpens the car’s handling, and we have wider axle tracks, a lower driver’s hip point and a lower centre of gravity.”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2017-suzuki-swift-sale-june-priced-£10999
Suzuki’s Ford Fiesta rival is larger and more practical than its predecessor; there's also a hybrid version
The new Suzuki Swift will go on sale on the 1 June priced from £10,999.
Suzuki's Ford Fiesta rival switches to the same platform as the larger Baleno, but it's actually marginally shorter than the car it replaces. It also has a slightly lower roofline but a longer wheelbase. Wider use of ultra-high-strength steels in its construction has contributed to a significant weight saving for the car, with entry-level 1.2-litre-engined versions weighing 890kg, some 120kg less than their predecessors.
Interior space is up by 25% and luggage storage space has grown from 200 to 254 litres. Access is also improved thanks to a body optimised for a five-door layout – the only format available with the new model – with rear door handles hidden ahead of the car’s C-pillars.
The car's base price is £2000 more than the old model but the new Swift gets a significantly longer technical features list.
In entry SZ3 guise it uses a Dualjet 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 89bhp and offers 65.7mpg while emitting 98g/km. Six airbags, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, digital radio with Bluetooth and front electric speakers come as standard inside, and the exterior gets LED day running lights and 15in alloy wheels.
Higher spec SZ-T cars cost from £12,999 and gain the option of a Boosterjet 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with 109bhp on offer. CO2 emissions for the turbocharged unit are 104g/km and combined fuel economy is 61.1mpg. A rear-view camera, 7in touchscreen with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, 16in alloys and fog lamps are added to this trim.
Top of the range is the SZ5, which is priced from £14,499 and gets an extra mild-hybrid powertrain option. Using the Boosterjet unit and an integrated starter motor, it can generate electricity through regenerative braking and trims CO2 emissions to 97g/km. Due to its compact nature, the hybrid system adds just 6.2kg to the powertrain’s weight. An optional four-wheel drive system, Allgrip, can be fitted to SZ5 models with the 1.2-litre engine.
A five-speed manual is standard but Suzuki also offers a six-speed automatic with the 1.0-litre engine.
The Swift SZ5 also gets a 4.2in LCD display in place of instrument dials. It comes with new driver assist technology including a forward detection system that uses a monocolour camera and laser sensor that can see in the dark. They first provide the driver with a visual and audio warning when an impact is likely, before triggering autonomous emergency braking that can maximise brake pressure to avoid an impact. The technology offers lane departure warning and high beam assist, and an additional radar device enables adaptive cruise control.
Suzuki is hoping that a focus on core strengths, together with a reappraisal of some long-standing weaknesses, will carry the new third-generation supermini to a 40% sales volume improvement in the UK, which is already the car’s biggest single European market.
Suzuki chief engineer Masao Kobori told Autocar that chassis development on the Swift has been done extensively on UK roads as well as in Spain and Germany, and that the Fiesta had been Suzuki’s key benchmark for the Swift’s handling.
“We believe we have matched the Fiesta’s handling, but the Swift does not have the same handling feel as the Ford because it is a much lighter car,” Kobori said. “We have expended every possible effort, in every area, to save weight, which also sharpens the car’s handling, and we have wider axle tracks, a lower driver’s hip point and a lower centre of gravity.”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2017-suzuki-swift-sale-june-priced-£10999
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Still a while to go. No development mules seen yet.
Hamster
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That's unfortunate. I really want it to be available next time round I go look at buying a car.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
semisane1987
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The Suzuki Swift sedan almost look like BMW 1 series the sedan one, when you look at it from the side view especially the boot.
Last edited:
HAL 9000
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Click on the link below to see the full preview report & pictures:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/186471-meeting-2017-maruti-dzire.html
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Suzuki Swift (2017) First Drive
Suzuki has finally built an all-new Swift, which is the successor to the Japanese brand's best-selling product in South Africa. We sent our UK correspondent Wayne Gorrett to the South of France to drive it before the newcomer arrives on the local market later this year.
Guided by the "Suzuki Next 100" plan announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, Suzuki – the 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Brand of the Year – is currently on an international product offensive developing an entirely new range of what it does best - small city cars.
Two years ago, with the demise of both the Alto and Splash models, the roomy and frugal Celerio made its appearance. It was followed last summer by the impressive Baleno and earlier this year, it was the return of the Ignis name in the form of a quirky but refreshingly different micro-SUV – pure character on wheels.
According to Suzuki SA, a little over 16 000 Swifts have found homes in South Africa since its introduction in 2008. Now, the all-new third (global) generation Swift is on its way and should reach our shores late this year.
The 2017 Swift rides on the recently developed "Heartect" lightweight platform first introduced under the Baleno and Ignis. This new platform is 30 kg lighter, which has contributed to the lightest Swift in the new line-up registering a kerb weight of just 890 kg, which is 104 kg lighter overall – impressive, considering no one realised the excess weight was there in the first place.
The engineers have also spun their magic on the new car’s dimensions. The Mk3 Swift is 10 mm shorter overall than the outgoing model, but its wheelbase is 20 mm longer. Tucking the wheels even further into each corner means that there is more interior room, including a 20% bigger boot (at a claimed 265 litres – 54 more than the outgoing Swift). The new car is also 15 mm lower and 40 mm wider, which accentuates its bullish stance.
In the current Suzuki model line-up, the new Swift will slot in between the funky Ignis and more sober Baleno.
The external package
With 5.4 million Swifts sold worldwide since 2005, Suzuki knows a winning formula when they create it. The 2017 Swift is a familiar shape and very much a smoothed-off, buffed evolution of what went before, with the wrap-around windscreen, similarly shaped light clusters and the sloping roofline
It certainly makes a statement with its aggressive grille, muscular arches and very distinctive shoulder line. The blacking-out of the entire A- and B-pillars along with the top half of the C-pillar, makes the roof appear to "float".
Suzuki has discontinued the 3-door Swift derivative in most markets because of low take-up and, while the Swift in the photos might at first appear to be a 3-door, the more eagle-eyed will have noticed that the rear door handles are concealed in the black plastic trim of the C-pillars.
In the UK, the new Swift offers 10 fashionable exterior colours and full personalisation options both inside and out and, in doing so, target a more youthful demographic.
The interior
The good work done by the exterior designers is mostly continued on the inside. The interior has been completely redesigned and features a new dashboard with a V-shaped layout and revised vents. The dash design is neat, but nothing like the effort given to the Ignis.
Below is a 7-inch touchscreen replacing the radio unit and numerous buttons and knobs found in the previous model. The manual HVAC controls just above the centre console are also new, now including modern buttons with new graphics.
The instrument cluster is an improvement and features separate covers for the speedo and rev counter and a new digital display in the centre. The steering wheel has a circular centre section (boss) with chrome detailing, controls on both spokes, sporty grip areas and a flat-bottom lower section.
There’s more interior room, comfortable front and rear furniture and a bigger boot to aid practicality. However, plastics deployed in critical touch zones look and feel a bit cheap.
Engines and transmissions
This far ahead of its South African launch, choices by Suzuki SA on engines and transmissions have yet to be announced. However, at its pan-European launch, a pair of petrol-fuelled engines were available to assess, coupled with 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes.
The first, a 1.2-litre four-cylinder 67 kW Dualjet engine offers CO2 emissions of 98g/km and combined fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km. This is the same engine as in the current Swift and will be in the new Ignis when it arrives soon. Deployed in the new Swift Lite, the engine offers noticeably more entertainment than before, which is good news. But wait, it gets better…
The real star of the show is the cracking 83 kW three-cylinder 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, which Suzuki claims sips an official 4.6 L/100 km. This engine is also available with Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), although the combined unit is unlikely to make it to local shores. It loves revving and proves willing throughout the gearbox.
Both engine options drive the front wheels through a 5-speed manual as standard, while the 6-speed automatic and Suzuki’s excellent ALLGRIP 4WD are options with the 4-cylinder 1.2-litre Dualjet.
Performance, ride and handling
The turbocharged Boosterjet engine, with its 83 kW output is 16 kW more than the larger capacity 1.2-litre Dualjet unit, making the smaller-engined car faster to 100 kph by 1.3 seconds, yet it returns 4.6L/100 km, just 0.3L/100 km behind the 1.2.
Best of all, it’s an engine that shows eagerness and willing–it pulls strongly from low down the rev range (like a petrol engine shouldn’t) which proved a boon around the mountainous roads and hairpin bends around Monaco and along the French Riviera.
The car rides well and smothers the worst bumps, though extended lengths of uneven surface can make it a little skittish. Its cornering performance is excellent – the Swift turns in exactly where aimed and maintains its poise with good feedback from the wheel and little discernible body roll.
You don’t spend your time thrashing the 3-pot Swift just to keep up with traffic. It’s decently quick through 2nd and 3rd gear of the excellent 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Swift Boosterjet also has a highly appealing audio performance, just enough to make it sound interesting, without ever becoming harsh or sounding like it is wheezing towards the red line. It piles on the revs quickly and sweetly, belying its turbocharged status, which all helps to make the car feel so lively.
Prices
Again, as you would expect this far in advance of its South African introduction, no prices are available for the new Swift, but in the UK, the five-model range starts from £11 000 (R190 000). Anything between R180 000 and R220 000 seems within range, but it's purely speculation at this time.
Summary
The Suzuki Swift has always been an easy car to like and this 2017 iteration continues that attraction. With its smart design that builds on the cute looks of its predecessors and some appealing efficiency figures.
The new Swift is a genuinely capable little car. Not only does it cover all the important city car bases – it’s efficient, comfortable, good looking and well equipped–but it’s just as fun to drive as the class-leading Ford Fiesta. But critical parts of its interior finish are no better than the class average.
Overall though, the new Swift is a good car and–depending on final trims, engines and prices for the local market–will continue to be competitive in a busy class where it’s notoriously difficult to stand out.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-suzuki-swift-2017-first-drive/43313/#
Suzuki has finally built an all-new Swift, which is the successor to the Japanese brand's best-selling product in South Africa. We sent our UK correspondent Wayne Gorrett to the South of France to drive it before the newcomer arrives on the local market later this year.
Guided by the "Suzuki Next 100" plan announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, Suzuki – the 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Brand of the Year – is currently on an international product offensive developing an entirely new range of what it does best - small city cars.
Two years ago, with the demise of both the Alto and Splash models, the roomy and frugal Celerio made its appearance. It was followed last summer by the impressive Baleno and earlier this year, it was the return of the Ignis name in the form of a quirky but refreshingly different micro-SUV – pure character on wheels.
According to Suzuki SA, a little over 16 000 Swifts have found homes in South Africa since its introduction in 2008. Now, the all-new third (global) generation Swift is on its way and should reach our shores late this year.
The 2017 Swift rides on the recently developed "Heartect" lightweight platform first introduced under the Baleno and Ignis. This new platform is 30 kg lighter, which has contributed to the lightest Swift in the new line-up registering a kerb weight of just 890 kg, which is 104 kg lighter overall – impressive, considering no one realised the excess weight was there in the first place.
The engineers have also spun their magic on the new car’s dimensions. The Mk3 Swift is 10 mm shorter overall than the outgoing model, but its wheelbase is 20 mm longer. Tucking the wheels even further into each corner means that there is more interior room, including a 20% bigger boot (at a claimed 265 litres – 54 more than the outgoing Swift). The new car is also 15 mm lower and 40 mm wider, which accentuates its bullish stance.
In the current Suzuki model line-up, the new Swift will slot in between the funky Ignis and more sober Baleno.
The external package
With 5.4 million Swifts sold worldwide since 2005, Suzuki knows a winning formula when they create it. The 2017 Swift is a familiar shape and very much a smoothed-off, buffed evolution of what went before, with the wrap-around windscreen, similarly shaped light clusters and the sloping roofline
It certainly makes a statement with its aggressive grille, muscular arches and very distinctive shoulder line. The blacking-out of the entire A- and B-pillars along with the top half of the C-pillar, makes the roof appear to "float".
Suzuki has discontinued the 3-door Swift derivative in most markets because of low take-up and, while the Swift in the photos might at first appear to be a 3-door, the more eagle-eyed will have noticed that the rear door handles are concealed in the black plastic trim of the C-pillars.
In the UK, the new Swift offers 10 fashionable exterior colours and full personalisation options both inside and out and, in doing so, target a more youthful demographic.
The interior
The good work done by the exterior designers is mostly continued on the inside. The interior has been completely redesigned and features a new dashboard with a V-shaped layout and revised vents. The dash design is neat, but nothing like the effort given to the Ignis.
Below is a 7-inch touchscreen replacing the radio unit and numerous buttons and knobs found in the previous model. The manual HVAC controls just above the centre console are also new, now including modern buttons with new graphics.
The instrument cluster is an improvement and features separate covers for the speedo and rev counter and a new digital display in the centre. The steering wheel has a circular centre section (boss) with chrome detailing, controls on both spokes, sporty grip areas and a flat-bottom lower section.
There’s more interior room, comfortable front and rear furniture and a bigger boot to aid practicality. However, plastics deployed in critical touch zones look and feel a bit cheap.
Engines and transmissions
This far ahead of its South African launch, choices by Suzuki SA on engines and transmissions have yet to be announced. However, at its pan-European launch, a pair of petrol-fuelled engines were available to assess, coupled with 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes.
The first, a 1.2-litre four-cylinder 67 kW Dualjet engine offers CO2 emissions of 98g/km and combined fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km. This is the same engine as in the current Swift and will be in the new Ignis when it arrives soon. Deployed in the new Swift Lite, the engine offers noticeably more entertainment than before, which is good news. But wait, it gets better…
The real star of the show is the cracking 83 kW three-cylinder 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, which Suzuki claims sips an official 4.6 L/100 km. This engine is also available with Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), although the combined unit is unlikely to make it to local shores. It loves revving and proves willing throughout the gearbox.
Both engine options drive the front wheels through a 5-speed manual as standard, while the 6-speed automatic and Suzuki’s excellent ALLGRIP 4WD are options with the 4-cylinder 1.2-litre Dualjet.
Performance, ride and handling
The turbocharged Boosterjet engine, with its 83 kW output is 16 kW more than the larger capacity 1.2-litre Dualjet unit, making the smaller-engined car faster to 100 kph by 1.3 seconds, yet it returns 4.6L/100 km, just 0.3L/100 km behind the 1.2.
Best of all, it’s an engine that shows eagerness and willing–it pulls strongly from low down the rev range (like a petrol engine shouldn’t) which proved a boon around the mountainous roads and hairpin bends around Monaco and along the French Riviera.
The car rides well and smothers the worst bumps, though extended lengths of uneven surface can make it a little skittish. Its cornering performance is excellent – the Swift turns in exactly where aimed and maintains its poise with good feedback from the wheel and little discernible body roll.
You don’t spend your time thrashing the 3-pot Swift just to keep up with traffic. It’s decently quick through 2nd and 3rd gear of the excellent 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Swift Boosterjet also has a highly appealing audio performance, just enough to make it sound interesting, without ever becoming harsh or sounding like it is wheezing towards the red line. It piles on the revs quickly and sweetly, belying its turbocharged status, which all helps to make the car feel so lively.
Prices
Again, as you would expect this far in advance of its South African introduction, no prices are available for the new Swift, but in the UK, the five-model range starts from £11 000 (R190 000). Anything between R180 000 and R220 000 seems within range, but it's purely speculation at this time.
Summary
The Suzuki Swift has always been an easy car to like and this 2017 iteration continues that attraction. With its smart design that builds on the cute looks of its predecessors and some appealing efficiency figures.
The new Swift is a genuinely capable little car. Not only does it cover all the important city car bases – it’s efficient, comfortable, good looking and well equipped–but it’s just as fun to drive as the class-leading Ford Fiesta. But critical parts of its interior finish are no better than the class average.
Overall though, the new Swift is a good car and–depending on final trims, engines and prices for the local market–will continue to be competitive in a busy class where it’s notoriously difficult to stand out.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-suzuki-swift-2017-first-drive/43313/#
FiestaST
Honorary Master
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
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Euro NCAP
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