Suzuki Swift may be not the most popular vehicle model right now, but there are many good things to write about. For starters, the small vehicle is one of the most exciting, and its driving dynamics are quite satisfying, no doubt. And it’s quite spacious for a small car.
The chunky body lines were a point of attraction for most admirers, and the Swift quickly became a hit. It has amassed some reputation as a tough and reliable vehicle with a long life. Somehow, dealers can’t seem to get enough of these vehicles to satisfy the demand, which tells you a lot.
The Suzuki Swift Engine and Driving Experience
Initially, Swift came with 1.2-litre petrol engine with sufficient power to pull 0-62mph within 12.3 seconds. Despite its seemingly low profile, Swift is quite lively. It is suave and quiet on the highway, and comfortable for riding around town or the neighborhood.
The majority of the original Swifts had a 1.5L which was then reduced to 1.4L in the 2011 model, with better fuel economy and emissions.
The steering wheel is direct. Also, its five-speed manual gearbox is easy and encouraging to use. The four-speed automatic suspension is among the options and doesn’t do anything wrong to affect the performance.
The improved suspension is a favorite of many.
A 1.3-litre diesel came much later, and it is a bit noisier. Well, the performance of the engine is not so great, especially in comparison to its petrol counterpart. Most people tend to choose the diesel models based on the belief that it is much more efficient, powerful and economical. But that is probably not the case with Swift.
Here is another fun factor. The throttle response of the Suzuki is quite good.
If you are after performance, the 2012 1.6-litre Sport trim, with 136bhp, is ideal. The model is quicker and manages 8.7 seconds to attain 0-62mph, and has a better interior. Swift Sport has a sporty body kit, and the suspension is much improved for plenty of driving pleasure. The Sport trim was only available as a manual until 2011.
The new series of Sport introduced in February 2012 has a six-speed manual and a CVT option.
And in addition to a good fuel economy of 40mpg, the vehicle handles wonderfully.
What about the Suzuki Swift upgrades?
Upgrades came with the 2013 versions, and they include styling and better equipment. Suzuki Swift dropped the diesel engine for 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol with lower emissions and therefore better economics.
The Suzuki Swift Interior Features
The interior of Suzuki Swift is probably not the best in its class. The plastics cannot match that of rivals, and the rear seating is a bit tight for adults. Another shortcoming is the boot space, which is significantly smaller than what you would get from other comparable cars. The rear seats don’t fold flat to provide additional cargo space. Swift has a high lip that eats up into this space.
But the vehicle has a lot of good interior features to outweigh the not-so-favorable ones. For example, it is easy to juggle the seats for more usable space. Also, the front seats are entirely adjustable in terms of height and position. The driver and his front passenger have more legroom and space to enhance their experience on a long ride.
The 2011 model change improved the space at the back but also retained the cheeky look. This model has more storage space at the back if you need it.
Servicing and Other Costs
Suzuki dealers are almost in every major town, and you will easily find one. Spare parts supply is not quite an issue, and the prices are not so bad. But what about the insurance costs?
Compared with other models, the insurance costs for the Swift are relatively low, even for the Sport model. Overall, the costs of running a Swift are very palatable, and it may be the ideal vehicle for someone living on a budget and in need of a reliable car.
Keep an eye out for modifications and noisy exhausts, and look for signs of repair and body damage. Ideally, the engine should start immediately you turn the key even for those cold mornings. The manual gearbox should be light and quiet. Acceleration should also be smooth, and the sound system should be clear and crisp.
Check the alloy wheels and the bumper for scuffs and parking damage. Swift is mostly used as a city vehicle, and such damage is expected. According to owners, the vehicle’s windscreen is relatively upright, which makes it susceptible to stone damage.