Roomier, lighter and more powerful than the car it replaces, it marks a big step forward for the Japanese brand with itsentry into a class dominated by the Ford Fiesta.
Suzuki’s designers have given the car a shapelier exterior,
That sports a large front grille and more detailed headlight design.
The Swift is 15mm shorter in height than the outgoing model,
but Suzuki claims lower seats help it retain a good amount of headroom.
The car is built on a new-generation of platform called Heartect. Length has decreased compared with the outgoing car by 10mm,
but the wheels have been pushed further into the car’s corners, extending its wheelbase by 20mm.
Along with a 40mm increase for width, the changes have helped to grow cabin space by 25% and increase luggage storage space 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 2017 Swift comes in SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 trim levels with two petrol and one petrol-hybrid drivetrain available. Both five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are offered.
SZ3 cars gets 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.
SZ-T models gain the option of a Boosterjet 1.0-litre three-pot 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, 16in alloys and fog lamps are added to this trim.
Top of the range is the SZ5, which 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 all-wheel drive system called Allgrip can be fitted to SZ5 models with the 1.2-litre engine.
The Swift SZ5 also gets a 4.2in LCD display in place of 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 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.
Have You Seen The Spied Swift Sport ??