After its debut in Japan late last year, Suzuki Motor Corporation has just released more details of their new global supermini – the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift at the Geneva Motor Show. And the new Swift is much more than just another budget Japanese hatchback with European styling.
Underpinning this Swift is a new “HEARTECT” platform that promises enhanced vehicle dynamics and collision safety thanks to generous use of lightweight and rigid materials as well as a complete overhaul of underbody structure and component layout. As a result, the new platform is 30kg lighter and stronger than the previous generation platform, contributing to a total weight saving of 120kg.
The Swift’s dimensions now measures 2,450mm in wheelbase (+20mm), 3,840mm in length (-10mm), 1,735mm in width (+40mm) and 1,495mm in height (-15mm). Interestingly, Europe-bound models get a wider front and rear track compared to the Japanese Domestic model.
Thanks to the extended wheelbase, the engineers were able to package the interior better resulting in additional 23mm of knee room and shoulder room for the rear passengers. The front seats were also moved 10mm outwards from each other, giving the front occupants 20mm more distance in between. To address the lower roofline, Suzuki has lowered all seating positions to ensure sufficient headroom in the supermini. Boot space has also increased from 200 litres to 254 litres.
The new Swift had its development tests done not only in Japan but also in several parts of Europe to ensure that the car is able to perform exceptionally on the roads of Europe. The company has tested as many as 90 different suspension prototypes before arriving at the final product that provides optimum steering feel with the suppleness and agility expected from its European customers.
Inside, the new Swift gets a decidedly upmarket interior but the highlight would definitely be the 4.2-inch coloured LCD instrument cluster display that displays engine output and torque data, fuel consumption, average speed, acceleration and brake operation as well as driving G-force. All these driving data and it’s not even the hotter Swift Sport!
As standard, the Swift drives with the front wheels but the ALLGRIP AUTO four-wheel drive system can be had on certain models. It is a simple permanent four-wheel drive layout that is able to send additional grip to the rear wheels for extra traction.
Two new engines are available with this new Swift – a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine making 109 hp/170 Nm and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Dualjet engine producing 89 hp/120 Nm. Thanks to direct injection and turbocharging technology, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine gets peak torque from 2,000 rpm.
Alternatively, the Swift can be had with a SHVS mild hybrid system that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator that assists the engine during vehicle take-off and harvests energy through regenerative braking. The SHVS helps in reducing emissions, yet weighs just 6.2kg more than the standard version. Interestingly, this system is available for both the 1.0-litre Boosterjet and 1.2-litre Dualjet engines!
Perhaps the best part about a global product is that manufacturers have to meet various stringent crash safety tests around the world. As such, the Swift can be had with Advanced Forward Detection System that bundles Dual Sensor Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning and high beam assist.
With the introduction of the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift, it’s a shame that Suzuki has pulled out from Malaysia. Perhaps this global model could’ve changed the fate of the Japanese carmaker in Malaysia.
IMAGE GALLERY
Suzuki Swift – Europe Model
Suzuki Swift – Japan Domestic Model
