Forward Fifty: September 28, 2017

moToring | 11
new-generation
OF Suzuki Swift
By Ross Kiddie
Bang on cue a new-generation Suzuki Swift has landed.
If my memory serves me well, the last time a complete
newcomer arrived here was mid-way through 2011. Sure,
there have been upgrades and enhancements along its lifecycle,
but a model with a completely new shape and new
engineering has been a while coming.
Yet, Suzuki know the value of Swift in the markets where
it is well-established, and the concept hasn’t been tinkered
with, it is still the cheeky, small liftback that will slot into its
market segment, easily filling the role of its predecessor.
The new model arrives in four variations with the option
of manual transmission in the entry-level car (GL). It lists at
$19,990; $2000 adds automatic transmission. An automaticonly
GLX lists at $24,500, while a sporty RS model, sits at
$25,990. The latter is a three-cylinder 1-litre model which
has a turbocharger to promote that sporty feel.
The test car was the latter and I’m not convinced it will
be the volume seller. The entry-level and mid-grade models
share a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine, and I’m picking the
GLX will be the car of choice.
I’m due to drive it soon but in the interim the wee turbo
three-potter is a great deal of fun and, once again, I must
relate to the honesty of Suzuki’s small engine. My old work
car was a Suzuki Alto and I just adored the sound and
harmonics of the engine. The new Swift’s unit is obviously
quite a lot more refined and quieter, but you can’t help but
notice that there is something out of the ordinary.
Suzuki rate it with 82kW and 160Nm. Peak power is
developed low in the rev band at 5500rpm, while maximum
torque is available all of the way from 1500rpm to 4000rpm,
which means a broad spread of power. These are healthy
figures that will promote a 9.5sec standstill to 100km/h
acceleration time, which is pretty good for a 998cc engine.
Add into that a miserly 5.1-litre per 100km (55mpg)
combined cycle fuel usage average and you have a car that is
both fun and thrifty.
Unlike the continuously variable transmission in the
1.2-litre Swift, the RS gets a traditional six-speed automatic,
which incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
that enhance the sporty experience.
Of course, if you select the standard drive mode the
engine management protocols provide the impetus to suit
each and every driving condition, but the point I’m making is
that if you feel like a spirited drive, select the manual setting
and the wee RS takes on a different demeanour.
The engine responds willingly, and while the turbo boost
isn’t dramatic there is a long sensation of forced induction,
it feels lively and to a subdued extent, forceful.
Until I drive the GLX, I’m suggesting that the RS version
has spring and damper rates slightly firmer. Not that they
take away any of the occupant comfort levels, but there
is a feel within the suspension set-up that suggests there
is some connection to the high-performing Suzuki Swift
of eras gone by. The RS also gets wheels an inch bigger
than that of the entry-level model, and even though they
don’t carry a huge tyre size (185/55 x 16in), there is direct
steering feel and controlled handling.
A lot of the latter can be put down to the fact that
the new Swift as a series is quite light (945kg), therefore
there isn’t a lot of load going on the tyres, which promote
a neutral handling feel. I took the test car on my usual
Hororata loop, and although it isn’t a demanding drive
the Swift RS quickly grew on me as a competent highway
traveller.
It works quietly and will corner briskly without complaint,
all the time providing the driver with solid steering feel.
The new Swift series has been built with the latest
safety advances and new technology to improve safety. I
particularly like the emergency braking back-up that detects
an imminent collision if it appears the driver isn’t going to
react in time.
In terms of the interior, the controls are located sensibly
and the in-cabin detailing is fresh and high quality. It’s a
mixture of the successful formula Suzuki has developed in
its small cars along with the additional components that
modern car buyers are demanding. I’m referring to the large
touch screen display, which commands attention in the
central console. It is home to the communication functions,
audio and satellite navigation. It also allows the connection
of Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
When I look at Star Media’s car park I see a solid
representation by Suzuki, we have Altos and Swifts, which
were chosen for reliability and economy, exactly the criteria
which Suzuki values highly as a manufacturer. I wonder how
long before the newcomer joins our fleet.
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