The Suzuki Swift is, on paper, a fairly unremarkable automobile with a mechanical makeup consisting of elements that are common to most budget hatchbacks. It is the epitome of simplicity, but there is hardly ever a bad review of it anywhere. The Swift is a much-liked automobile; glowing press reports are backed by solid sales numbers in the 100 or so markets that Suzuki does business in. It is a critical and commercial success.
The all-new Suzuki Swift that was launched in January is not exactly new, having been released globally in 2010. Quite why its admittedly fine predecessor was allowed to soldier on for two years of borrowed time is something only Suzuki would know, but it is better late than never, and with a predecessor that has given us so many wonderful memories, the new Swift is a car that we have been anticipating very eagerly indeed.
Prices & Variants
The Swift is currently available with only a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission as standard. Fully imported from Thailand, the Swift 1.4 GLX that we are testing here goes for RM77,888 with insurance. Units coloured in Snow White Pearl paint have the option of a RM5,300 upgrade to the GLX-S package which tacks on a Suzuki Genuine Accessories bodykit package.
Enthusiasts will want to keep the chequebooks in their pockets for the upcoming Swift Sport, and those with time on their side may find waiting for the local CKD variants a little more worthwhile, with the prospects of more competitive pricing and/or better equipment to hedge your bets on. Detractors will laugh at the absurdity of its RM78k price tag, but read on, and we will assure you that if you put your money of one of these, it is you who will be laughing the loudest from behind the wheel.
Specifications
Like what Volkswagen is experiencing with the Golf VII, the Swift has been fielding many questions on an engine that is smaller and less powerful than its predecessor. Critics are not interested to know that the all-new 1,372cc K14B engine is 5% more economical than the old M15A; all they are keen to point out is that it displaces 100cc less and makes less power - 94hp/130Nm vs 99hp/133Nm. It is worth noting that the new engine's specific output is 3% higher than its predecessor.
Standard transmission is an all-new 4-speed automatic from Aisin, which is not an unexpected product planning decision these days. The rear axle is upgraded to feature disc brakes, and standard equipment includes keyless entry, push-start button, steering-mounted controls, USB connectivity, auto climate control, dual airbags, ABS, and EBD - not overly generous but it sufficiently covers the bases.
Design
Despite being underpinned by an all-new platform, Suzuki has opted for an evolutionary progression in styling the new Swift. Design cues that defined the predecessor's looks remain prominent in the new model. The predecessor's familiar silhouette has been subtly refined rather than revamped, and the result is a familiar look enhanced with sharpened details.
The front looks barely different than before, but at the rear, the bumper-mounted number plate now sits higher up, almost at waist level, with the tailgate's opening line accordingly raised. Depending on situation, this can be a boon or a bane. Some people may not appreciate having to lift their groceries higher whilst loading them into the rear hatch, but those who stuff it to the brim might appreciate not having to worry about things falling off whilst opening the tailgate.
Interior
Interior alterations are comparatively more extensive than the exterior's. The availability of tilt & telescopic steering adjust is a massively pleasant surprise, and despite the presence of a start/stop button, there were more than a couple of occasions where I found myself sub-consciously reaching for the key when turning the engine off. I don't make such blunders when testing BMWs, for example, a clear indication that this is a feature that is beyond expectation at this price range.
Switchgear ergonomics are excellent - the control scheme is simple, and buttons are logically laid out and easy to reach. Materials and build quality do not exude the premium feel of a German vehicle, but they feel solid and the impression is that they are engineered for a lengthy operational life cycle.
Less impressive is the management of space for item storage, be it small or large. The split folding rear seats do not offer a flat floor extension with the cargo hold and there are limited spaces to keep your phone and wallet. My views might have been distorted by the fact that my preceding test car before the Swift was the Jazz Hybrid, but Suzuki can really use a few lessons from Honda in designing and placing cubby holes.
Driving Impressions
The Swift's chassis is a particular highlight; fleet footed on the turn yet impressively composed on straights, it delivers small car agility in the city and big car stability on the highway. Ride quality is as good as you would expect for a car its size, and outright impressive considering that it wears 16-inch rims.
The engine acquits itself well too, being eager and peppy to rev, just like how the engine of any good small car should. Lacking in technology, the engine makes up for it with character, and it quite gamely pushes the Swift's 1,000kg frame up to speeds in the region of 160-170kph, at which we must add the chassis feels pleasingly dignified and unflustered.
The Aisin-developed 4-speed automatic transmission performs its duties competently and is responsive towards kick downs. The gap between ratios feels a little too wide at times to facilitate hard acceleration, but that's an unavoidable reality when you have only four ratios to pick from. Considering the Swift's fun-loving nature, Suzuki should explore the possibilities of offering Malaysians a manual option.
Verdict
In an age where an average vehicle is laden with enough electronics to make Neil Armstrong's Saturn V rocket seem no more advanced than a pocket calculator, the Swift's overall mechanical simplicity is endearing. Suzuki, to its immense credit, did not use that as an excuse to deliver us a boring crap-mobile. The Swift is a very well-honed automobile that pleasingly enjoyable to drive.
We don't get too many cars like the Swift these days, cars that focuses on doing the basics well and right without complications. It is a bundle of joy, the Swift, much like your mum's cooking - simple ingredients invariably executed to perfection.
-Source From : http://www.autoworld.com.my
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