At a time when many car brands are moving towards the SUV and crossover segment, Suzuki continues to stay true to the supermini segment with the Swift model, offering an attractive alternative to those looking for an economical, compact city car with a technology updated.
The Suzuki Swift comes with an efficient engine, slightly updated design and a number of modern features, managing to maintain the balance between price and performance.
This new generation retains the familiar proportions of its predecessors, but with modernized styling and a number of innovations that will appeal to both experienced and young drivers looking for a compact, efficient and well-equipped car.
Exterior Design – A subtle but significant change
At first glance the aesthetic changes to the new Swift may seem minor, but they bring a breath of fresh air to this model. At the front, new headlights, a redesigned hood and a different bumper give it a more modern and dynamic look.
At the rear, the dark optic blocks and revised bumper keep the connection with the previous generations, but clearly signal that we are dealing with an updated model.
Its compact dimensions of 3.86 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width and 1.49 meters in height remain unchanged, making it equally maneuverable and easy to park in the city. The 115 mm ground clearance is suitable for city roads, offering a balance between stability and comfort.
But what makes this model truly remarkable is the preservation of the youthful and dynamic spirit. The sporty silhouette and increased width give it a more rugged air, although we would have preferred larger-sized wheels to complete the action-ready car image.
However, the Swift continues to impress with its youthful and energetic design, perfect for an active audience.
A simple and functional interior
The design of the cabin does not impress with opulence, but it is practical and well thought out. Most of the materials are hard plastic that is sensitive to scratches, but the overall look is nice thanks to the combination of bright colors. Suzuki has managed to integrate all the essentials in a logical and accessible way.
An important feature inside is the new center console, dominated by a 9-inch touchscreen, wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multimedia system is a bit dated, so to speak, especially in terms of its interface. Menu navigation isn’t always intuitive, especially for a first-timer.
In the trim we tested – the Passion – Suzuki also offers a reasonably good reversing camera as well as plenty of USB ports to keep electronic devices connected and charged.
As for the dashboard, Suzuki chose to keep the instruments analog, which are clear and easy to read. At their center is a small multifunctional screen that provides essential information about consumption, speed and other on-board data. Physical controls for climate control and driver assistance are also well placed, contributing to good overall ergonomics.
The climate control is intuitive and the large, solid buttons make adjusting the temperature a breeze even on the go. In short, the interior isn’t spectacular, but it performs its basic functions without distracting the driver from the road.
Compact, but with enough space
With its exterior length, the Swift falls squarely into the city car category. However, Suzuki has found a clever solution to provide a surprisingly spacious interior. Large windows make the cabin feel more airy and improve visibility, helping with parking or maneuvering in tight spaces, where the driver can glance over his shoulder to make sure, without relying solely on the reversing camera. Rear parking beeps aren’t really necessary – but they still help when the going gets tough.
Although the seats are comfortable for the average user, taller people may feel the lack of adequate thigh support. The upholstery is soft but not overly firm, which makes it suitable for short urban journeys, and acceptable for long journeys. In terms of lateral stability, the seats are well enough made, but could benefit from more rigidity.
When it comes to space, the Swift does decently well. In front, the driver and passenger have enough room to sit comfortably, but the rear seats are narrower, being more suitable for short trips or children.
Trunk and transport solutions
The trunk of the Suzuki Swift has a volume of 265 liters, expandable up to 980 liters by folding the back seat.
However, this versatility is limited by the absence of a double trunk floor, which can make it difficult to handle larger luggage. Also, the edge of the trunk is raised by approximately 23.5 cm, which makes loading heavy objects more difficult.
Engine and performance
Under the hood, the Suzuki Swift in my test was equipped with a 1,197 cc engine that develops 83 hp and 112 Nm of torque. This is supported by a 12V mild-hybrid system that helps improve the efficiency of the petrol engine.
With a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Swift is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds. Being easy to handle and with an engine that offers good elasticity at low revs, the Swift is ideal for city traffic.
The combination of electrification, light weight and low power saves fuel. In good conditions, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid realistically consumes around 4.4 litres/100 km. This is demonstrated by the car’s data sheet. However, I did not find the optimal conditions in my test. The combined consumption was approximately 5.6 l/100 km.
Driving behavior
At first glance, the 83 horses seem rather few, but for the reduced mass of 955 kg of the car, this power is enough to cope with the challenges of urban traffic.
The steering is smooth and without feedback, but this is not a drawback in the city and especially when maneuvering, but the power steering could use more firmness on the highway.
The Swift’s suspension is well balanced, offering a decent level of comfort for rough roads in Romania. Despite its small size, the car absorbs shocks quite well, and traveling on uneven city roads does not become a chore.
The 5-speed manual gearbox feels a bit stiff, lacking the fluidity that would make shifting a pleasure. There is also the option of a CVT automatic transmission, but this is only available on higher trim levels.
Safety and assistive technology
Another chapter where the Suzuki Swift makes a good impression is safety. Driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and driver fatigue detection.
All these functions are available from the basic equipment, which is a big advantage for those who value safety.
Conclusion and price
The Suzuki Swift remains a great option for those looking for a compact, economical and tech-packed car. With an attractive design, an efficient engine and a generous list of safety features, this model manages to offer excellent value for money. Its dynamic performance and low consumption make it a suitable choice for urban life, but also for occasional trips outside the city.
The price of the tested car (Passion trim level) is 17,300 Euro (VAT included), but the cheapest Swift has a starting price of 16,300 Euro (VAT included), while the most expensive (Spirit trim) costs 19,800 euros (VAT included).
Source: www.promotor.ro
