The third-generation Suzuki Swift has continued to capitalise on the recognition of its predecessors, and supply a viable selection for first-time automotive patrons or these on the lookout for a super metropolis automotive that gives excessive ranges of security, respectable know-how and nice driving dynamics.

Suzuki has remained conservative in its design modifications concerning its very profitable Swift. Many keep in mind the first-generation Swift that got here out in 2004, however maybe received’t be the inform the second and third generations aside.

That is deliberate on Suzuki’s behalf, as the corporate has determined that the Swift is now an icon and preserving its enjoyable boxy form is a part of nameplate’s attraction. Automotive icons are onerous to construct, however when you may have one, automotive firms are sometimes reluctant to throw them away and begin from scratch.

Consider the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen or Porsche 911, the Swift is – in its personal means – simply as iconic to a era of patrons that noticed it as the right first or second automotive, with its trendy but playful styling. At one stage, the Swift was essentially the most modified automotive within the Australian market, and also you solely actually modify a automotive you like.

So there isn’t any lack of affection for the Swift, nonetheless the world has modified and what was as soon as one of many least expensive choices in market is in the present day a really mature, protected and interesting providing priced accordingly.

The Suzuki Swift measures 3845mm in size, 1735mm in width and sits 1495mm excessive on a 2450mm wheelbase.

The sunshine hatchback competes with not simply the likes of the Mazda 2 and soon-to-be-retired Kia Rio, but in addition the marginally bigger and cheaper MG 3. Nonetheless, it has persistently confirmed itself a powerful contender given its construct high quality, reliability and security credentials.

How a lot does the Suzuki Swift price?

The automotive we’re testing right here is the Suzuki Swift GL+, which is a QLD-only version – Suzuki has a protracted historical past of profitable distribution particularly in QLD, separate to the remainder of the nation – and is priced from $24,990 with the CVT computerized.

For a assessment of the Swift in different components of Australia, try our Swift showroom.

This places it inside just a few thousand of the MG 3 (which doesn’t have the protection credentials) in addition to the Kia Rio (or Picanto if you wish to go smaller) and Mazda 2.

Yow will discover the complete pricing for the Swift vary right here.

What’s the Suzuki Swift like on the within?

If you happen to’re anticipating an ultra-modern inside, look elsewhere.

For the asking worth the Swift hits a candy spot of usable know-how, construct high quality and refinement, nonetheless its inside design is conservative at greatest, with conventional switchgear, steering wheel and structure.

Every part is strictly the place you need it to be, and not one of the switchgear nor the steering wheel really feel low-cost to the touch or use, which is strictly what we’d count on from Suzuki.

We discovered the seats comfy to sit down in with no complaints even after a protracted drive. One of many issues that made the Swift so well-liked from day one has been the massive quantity of headroom, which stays true in the present day.

Taller occupants will discover themselves properly accommodated, as will these sitting within the again seats, given the beneficiant quantity of knee room.

There are two cup holders within the entrance between the 2 seats in entrance of the gear lever, with extra areas within the doorways for bigger bottles.

We discovered the practicality of the storage areas within the Swift to be greater than sufficient for regular use and the cup holders within the sprint ideally positioned low and in a straightforward to achieve location.

The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is again within the Swift GL+ due to the chip scarcity sorting itself out, and meaning native Apple CarPlay assist. It does have its personal built-in navigation, however you actually received’t use it if in case you have an iPhone.

The display screen is of respectable decision, and whereas we’d have appreciated wi-fi CarPlay or not less than USB-C ports for quicker charging, the present system works properly when plugged in.

If you’re already utilizing or upgrading to a brand new USB-C cellphone (such because the upcoming iPhone 15), you have to a USB A/B to USB-C cable (fairly than Lightning) to get it to work, however it should not have any points regardless.

We examined quite a few cellphone calls whereas driving and located the microphone high quality to be fairly good. The stereo was additionally cheap for the worth, however lacked slightly little bit of bass. Nothing an aftermarket improve received’t repair.

This writer measures 179cm tall, and will comfortably sit behind my most popular driving place, suggesting which you can simply match 4 massive adults on this automotive with out problem.

5 adults is feasible, in fact, however the width of the Swift is just not going to be that sort in case your passengers fancy KFC just a few instances per week.

Likewise, two child seats within the again are very doable, and with ISOFIX and top-tether latches it’s a easy course of. If you happen to do have only one baby, you’ll be able to match a large pram within the again as long as you’re prepared to fold down one aspect of the again seats, but when it’s good to use your entire again row, you’ll both want an everyday sized pram or an even bigger automotive.

There’s 242L of boot house with the rear seats in use, which extends to a considerable 556L when the rear seats are folded down, making the Swift a super Ikea automotive as properly.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

Regardless of many automotive firms seeking to simplify their line-ups to avoid wasting prices and enhance manufacturing efficiencies, the Swift is obtainable in three totally different engine selections – a really uncommon factor on this section nowadays.

The mannequin we’re testing right here, is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine which Suzuki refers to as K12C. It has 66kW of energy at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

If you happen to step as much as the GLX, you’ll get a smaller three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine, however it will get a turbocharger that sees energy leap to 82kW at 5500rpm and torque to 160Nm between 1500-4000rpm.

Those who actually will need to have the very best can go for the Suzuki Swift Sport, which comes with a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out a massively wholesome 103kW of energy and 230Nm of torque.

Other than the facility variations between the three choices, the opposite notable function change is that the bottom 1.2-litre engine is obtainable with both a five-speed handbook transmission or a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT). The turbocharged motors ditch the CVT in favour of a correct six-speed computerized with precise gears, which undoubtedly improves the driving expertise – the Swift Sport can also be obtainable with a six-speed handbook.

CVTs are a unique kind of computerized that to most will likely be indistinguishable from an everyday auto however are inherently not the identical factor, if you wish to learn extra on what totally different transmissions imply, click on right here.

How does the Suzuki Swift drive?

If you recognize slightly bit about automobiles and engines, you’ll have regarded on the energy figures above and questioned if the Swift is a little bit of sluggish factor? The reply is totally not.

The basic side of physics, relating to acceleration, is all about power-to-weight. And whereas the entry-level Swift engine solely has 66kW of energy and 120Nm of torque, it weighs simply 900kg (kerb), which suggests the power-to-weight ratio may be very cheap.

Don’t get us unsuitable, it’s not a sizzling hatch – you will get fairly heat when you step into the Swift Sport, which solely weighs 90kg extra however affords almost 50 per cent extra energy and nearly double the torque – however it’s completely enough for the typical particular person driving round city and infrequently taking a protracted drive from the town out to the countryside.

The little Swift will stand up to hurry and performs the common overtakes with out an excessive amount of problem, and as long as you will get used to the sound of the CVT, you received’t really feel such as you’re in a small, sluggish automotive. In comparison with the MG 3, it’s undoubtedly a extra refined driving expertise and a way more full of life automotive.

Whereas it will not be a sporty automotive, per se, even the bottom Swift does carry components of sporty enjoyable. Little question derived from the model’s wealthy historical past in rallying and motorsports, the front-wheel drive metropolis automotive is zippy, well-poised and at all times prepared to entice its driver to go slightly quicker across the subsequent nook.

We discovered our time behind the wheel to be each gratifying and rewarding given the automotive’s eagerness for slightly enjoyable. What we didn’t admire as a lot, had been the overly delicate lively security techniques that warned we had been about to have an accident or depart our lane slightly extra dramatically than we’d have appreciated.

We received used to it and really adjusted our driving to be rather less aggressive, however within the metropolis the ahead collision system might sit back a bit – however as they are saying, higher protected than sorry.

One other function we liked in regards to the Swift is the lively cruise management, which suggests you’ll be able to set your pace and distance to the automotive in entrance and let little Suzuki take over the acceleration and braking.

That is tremendous helpful on lengthy freeway drives and the Swift did an amazing job of sustaining a good way on the set pace. This can be a function you completely won’t discover within the MG 3.

The experience consolation and bump absorption capability of the Swift can also be excellent, with Brisbane’s horrible roads proving no problem to the well-engineered suspension system of the Japanese automotive.

General, the driving dynamics and dealing with of the Suzuki Swift is definitely certainly one of its largest highlights, and the arrogance it offers will make driving in any situation or highway a a lot safer expertise.

Suzuki’s claimed gasoline financial system determine for the GL+ is 4.8 litres of normal 91 RON gasoline per 100km, and whereas that could be achievable when you’re tremendous conservative along with your proper foot – we had a model new automotive with 12km on it, so it wanted to be damaged in and managed mid-7s – count on to be nearer to 6L/100km when you prefer to stand up and go.

What do you get?

Swift GL+ highlights:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Fog lights
• LED daytime working lights
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Energy home windows
• Distant keyless entry
• Air-conditioning
• Automated LED headlights
• Keyless entry and begin
• Local weather management air-conditioning
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise management
• Lane-departure warning
• Weaving alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors

Is the Suzuki Swift protected?

The Suzuki Swift scored the best five-star ANCAP security score again in 2017 and has not been examined since.

Fashions with out the autonomous braking (equivalent to the bottom GL) scored decrease, however the elementary passive security techniques of the airbags, crumple zones, and construct high quality is identical throughout all fashions.

Again beneath the 2017 rules, the Swift scored 35.13 out of a doable 37 factors in native security testing.

The Swift’s security credentials are certainly one of its major draw playing cards, given it competes with the MG 3 – which has by no means been examined by ANCAP and rated simply three stars by Euro NCAP.

How a lot does the Suzuki Swift price to run?

In Queensland, the Suzuki Swift is a reasonably low-cost automotive to run due to a fixed-price service program that can be sure to pays the identical worth irrespective of which authorised Suzuki QLD supplier you go to.

Suzuki says the 1.2-litre Swift wants a service each 12 months or 15,000km – whichever happens first.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 service pricing:

• 1st Service: $299
• 2nd Service: $329
• third Service: $429
• 4th Service: $329
• fifth Service: $299

Suzuki offers a nationwide five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Suzuki Swift

Whether or not you need to purchase your first automotive or eager to purchase a second small metropolis automotive for the household to get round in, the Suzuki Swift is a superb providing that won’t disappoint.

It’s a dependable, protected and enjoyable automotive to drive and personal. It proves that timeless design doesn’t want to vary for the sake of change itself.

There are issues we love about it; equivalent to its driving dynamics, inside packaging and house in addition to its experience high quality and luxury. However it could possibly additionally do with some minor enhancements, just like the addition of USB-C cost ports, wi-fi Apple CarPlay (although wired works nice), and a extra refined CVT expertise.

The excellent news is that there aren’t any asterisks relating to shopping for a Swift. It’s not making an attempt to cover a poor security score, unhealthy gasoline financial system, costly servicing prices or another catch.

It’s an amazing selection that ticks many packing containers, and that’s why it continues to stay a well-liked selection amongst patrons throughout Queensland and Australia as a complete.

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