Honest John Review of the 2011 Suzuki Swift (UK) - hope they bring in the 1.2 dual VVT/1.3 DDI-s engine(s).
URL: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/suzuki/swift-2010?
On the Road
A 1.2-litre with 94bhp replaces the 1.3-litre petrol engine in the previous Swift, while the diesel option, the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel (available from 2011) has been thoroughly re-worked. It not only shows on paper, where it boasts some seriously improved fuel consumption and emissions figures, but out on the road where the 1.2-litre - in five-speed manual form - impresses with its flight-footed and agile nature. The official figures say that it does 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds, but around town, in first and second gear, it feels much faster. It's a peppy and flexible engine that's as happy diving in-and-out of town traffic as it is holding its own on the motorway or making fast progress on A or B Roads.
It's without doubt the best engine on offer in the Swift line-up and therefore no surprise that it takes the lion's share of sales. There is the option to have a four-speed automatic transmission (0-62mph is 13.5 seconds) in place of the five-speed manual, but it's best avoided unless you really must have an auto. The Swift feels noticeably more lethargic and loses much of the agile and willing nature that's behind the appeal of the manual model. On the motorway it's left wanting, can be slow to kick-down and is noisy, while at other times, it will kick down when it's not really needed.
As with the previous-generation Swift, there's the option of a 75bhp 1.3-litre DDiS diesel. But as the 1.2-litre petrol does such a good job - on both the driving and economy fronts - only the highest of high mileage drivers should opt for it. That's not to say that it's a bad engine, it's actually very good. Although it's a bit noisy at start-up and at lower revs, it soon quietens down on the motorway and cruises well. Like the 1.2-litre petrol, it's more economical and has lower emissions than the engine in the old car. It now returns 67.3mpg, whereas it was previously capable of 62.8mpg. It's related to the 1.3-litre MultiJet that you'll find in many Fiats, though this version is built under licence by Suzuki.
Out on the road, the Swift is a great small car to drive and manages to achieve something that many other small hatches don't - it's fun. It steers well, has a snappy gearchange and corners with enthusiasm; this is especially evident with the 1.2-litre petrol, with its peppy, willing nature. This Swift has also achieved something that the previous model didn't - it has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. In addition, there are seven airbags and an electronic stability programme.
In The Cabin
As with the exterior styling, there are no major surprises on the inside of the Swift. As with the 2005-2010 generation car, it's clearly laid out, practical and easy to use on the move. It's a little more sober than the interior of a Ford Fiesta or VW Polo, but what it lacks in pizzazz and snazzy materials, it makes up for with clearly labelled buttons and good all-round ergonomics. One neat feature is that you can plug a USB stick with MP3 files directly into the car, so there's not need to carry around CDs. Alternatively, you can connect an MP3 player via Bluetooth.
The driving position is comfortable, adjustable and benefits from good all-round visibility. All cars have a height-adjustable steering wheel, while SZ4 buyers get reach adjustment too. Inside, there's more room than in the old Swift - this model is slightly wider and longer - which makes for an improvement in rear leg and shoulder room. Two adults - or three children - can sit in the back and feel comfortable, though taller passengers might find that headroom is a little tight. Every model apart from the base-spec SZ2 (there is no SZ1) has air conditioning.
The boot is a reasonable size for this type of car, though not among the biggest. One issue for some buyers will be how high it is from the ground which, along the high lip, makes loading heavier bags a bit tricky
Standard equipment from launch (September 2010)
SZ2 has front electric windows, and MP3-compatible CD player and radio, remote central locking, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, tinted glass, trip computer with fuel consumption display and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
SZ3 adds air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels.
SZ4 is the range-topping model with rear electric windows (on the five-door), automatic air conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable steering wheel, push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, front map light and front fog lights.
Specs
Length 3850 mm
Width 1695 mm
Height 1510 mm
Wheelbase 2430 mm
Weight 1005–1020 kg
Boot Space 211 L
Servicing 14,500 kms
Engine 1.2 Dual VVT 1.3 DDi-S
HP 94PS / 6000 75PS / 4000
Torque 118NM / 4800 190NM / 1750
FC 5.0 liter / 100km 4.2 liter / 100km


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