Suzuki Swift put through its paces

1.682418-2825514488 — Image Credit: Supplied

Suzuki's new Swift looks familiar because that's what the customer wants. After all, it's hard to argue with the sales figures. Stylish, practical and good to drive, 1.65 million have found homes since its launch. With that in mind, it's hardly surprising that Suzuki chose to stick with a winning formula.

Granted, the new car is more of a twin to its elder relative than a straight copy. The car's looks have been sharpened up and the design incorporates a wider track and longer wheelbase — 50mm more in the case of the latter.

And although the Swift's looks might not have changed much despite the all-new sheetmetal, the way the car is constructed has. In line with an increasing number of manufacturers, Suzuki has done much to reduce the car's weight, boost strength and safety, plus further enhance the already engaging driving experience.

Factor in a new 1.2-litre petrol engine boasting more power and greater economy than the previous 1.3-litre unit, and it's clear that Suzuki has focused on the areas that matter. Although impressive enough on paper, the various improvements made to the Swift immediately make themselves known when you're behind the wheel. As before, the driving position offers plenty of adjustment options and there's no shortage of room for two adults up front.

On the go, the Swift's 94 horsepower engine is willing and refined in equal measure. It's also cleaner than the 1.3 unit, now outputting 116g/km of CO2. Fuel economy is also better at 56.5mpg. Add the car's slick five-speed manual gearbox and zipping around town is a very pleasant experience indeed.

Considering that the urban landscape will likely be the car's main habitat, it's reassuring to know that Suzuki's engineers have tweaked the Swift's steering to further improve its actions, while the car's suspension and brakes have also been revised to better cope with the demands of city driving.

The end result is a car that delivers a supple ride around town, plus a level of agility that should please keen drivers. The car's sharp responses aren't at the expense of comfort, however. Road, engine and wind noise have all been suppressed to a pleasing minimum. Thanks, in part, should go to the car's rigid body, reduced weight and, believe it or not, redesigned exterior mirrors.

The Swift is also a jolly car to drive away from the city limits. OK, so the 1.2-litre engine isn't hugely powerful, but what the car lacks in outright speed it adequately compensates for with a nimble, sure-footed performance on undulating and challenging roads.

Driver confidence is high thanks to accurate and weighty steering. The term ‘chuckable' might be an overused one in this business but when mentioned here it's perfectly justified.

Current Swift owners will tell you that there's more to the car than the driving experience. The same is true of this car, as its cabin is roomy and accommodating. The small wheelbase increase liberates more room for occupants in the back, and there are seven airbags — yes, seven — including a driver's knee airbag. ESP is also thrown in for good measure.

The Swift's ergonomic fascia and intuitive controls and displays reinforce the car's easy to live with appeal. Everything is straightforward in the cabin, and that includes the audio unit. The three trim levels (SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4) continue this trend.

Starting with an already generous list of standard kit — front passenger airbag deactivation, remote central locking, electric front windows and mirrors (the latter also heated), USB connection for the audio unit — the SZ3 specification adds AC and alloy wheels. Rear electric windows, keyless ignition, Bluetooth, cruise control and auto headlights make up the SZ4.

Along with the volume-selling 1.2 petrol engine complete with manual gearbox, there's the option of a four-speed auto transmission and, irrespective of engine, the choice is between three or five doors. The new Swift might look a lot like its predecessor but there's a reason for this: Suzuki understands that its customers are comfortable with the car's appearance, so why fiddle with a winning formula? Better still to improve the bits that will improve the driving and ownership experience. And on that front the Swift is a whole new — and better — car.

More or less

The new Swift range starts with this 1.2-litre on test here. It's a dual VVTI engine (Variable intake and exhaust Valve Timing) good for 56mpg, almost 8mpg improvement over the previous generation 1.3-litre. And there's a 17 per cent emissions improvement too.

Specs & ratings