car news car tests

Success number

The Swift has been an outright success for Suzuki for 20 years. More than 9 million copies have already been sold. If you live in a country where you can’t buy a Suzuki Swift, you probably live on a desert island. In fact, the compact hatchback is on sale in 169 countries. Practically everywhere, then, because there are only 196 countries on our planet. The new Swift retains its compact dimensions and low weight, but much else is different.

Pricing

With a starting price starting at 21,695 euros, Suzuki puts the new Swift very competitively on the market. It is a few thousand euros cheaper than major competitors, such as the Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa. But it doesn’t stop there. It also has more power as standard than this trio, thanks to its 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 83 hp and 112 Nm of torque. Although this is the only power source available – more power is available from competitors – it delivers enough power to get the compact Japanese up to speed smoothly. In fact, the car weighs less than 900 kilograms. Shifting is via a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic.

Mild-hybrid

The new engine is integrated into an all-new hybrid powertrain – the Smart Hybrid powertrain – which also includes a small electric motor. This electric motor receives energy from a compact battery and provides support to the gasoline engine during acceleration. When braking, the electric motor acts as a dynamo, generating its own energy. The result of this combination is an impressive average consumption of 1 on 23. During our first test drive in France, where we were not specifically aiming for a fuel economy record, we effortlessly achieved consumption of 1 to 20. It makes the new Swift the most fuel-efficient manual transmission car currently for sale in our country.

new face

The new Swift is still very similar to the previous generation. It retains its distinctive charm, with a recognizable design that feels innovative at the same time. The front end stands out with its clamshell hood and angular, aggressive headlights, while the rear gets a subtle but stylish update with a continuous line down the side and simplified taillights. Maintaining the same dimensions as its predecessor, the Swift offers enough luggage space (265 liters) for daily errands and trips to the sports club.

Simple and practical

The Swift’s interior is also completely new and offers a fresh look that is both functional and comfortable. Coming standard with a 9-inch screen and an impressive list of technological gadgets, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, air conditioning, power windows all around, adaptive cruise control and lane assist, Suzuki offers with the Swift a modern car that exceeds its price tag. With many brands, you have to pay hefty extra for these goodies. How can Suzuki offer this as standard? Simple: costs are otherwise kept low in the interior, which is mainly made of hard plastic. Simple and effective.

Colorful

The new Suzuki Swift is available in nine shades, including six new ones. We drive our first test meters in a Swift Blue Pearl Metallic, a color included on the option list. The standard color, so you don’t have to pay extra for it, is Flame Orange Pearl Metallic.

All prices at a glance:

Comfort

• 1.2 Smart Hybrid – 21,695 euros

Select

• 1.2 Smart Hybrid – 23,795 euros
• 1.2 Smart Hybrid CVT automatic – 26,145 euros
• 1.2 Smart Hybrid AllGrip – 27,095 euros

Style

• 1.2 Smart Hybrid – 25,345 euros
• 1.2 Smart Hybrid CVT automatic – 27,695 euros
• 1.2 Smart Hybrid AllGrip – 28,645 euros

How does he drive?

The fourth generation of the Suzuki Swift uses a further development of the HEARTECT platform, on which the previous model also stood. The platform now focuses more on comfort and sound insulation. This is in contrast to the outgoing model, which was quite noisy. Significantly more insulation material has now been used and rubbers have been improved at the doors and tailgate. Also, the engine mounts are fluid-filled to better absorb engine vibrations. The new 16-inch wheels with aerodynamically shaped alloy wheels improve airflow along the car. How the new Suzuki Swift drives, we tell you in the video below: