With the Swift, Suzuki has had one of the best-selling models in its portfolio for many years. It has been completely renewed for the current version and scores as a lightweight in the small car segment with an empty weight of 950 kg in the basic version. Suzuki also uses the mild hybrid variant with a 48-volt system for its conventional models. The Swift we tested is powered by a three-cylinder engine as a mild hybrid version. In the portrait we present the essential details and test it intensively under summer conditions.
Exterior
Hardly any competitor in the small car segment can score with such a low weight as the Suzuki Swift. With the new vehicle platform, the weight has been significantly reduced again, but a significant leap has been dared in terms of dimensions and design. The body looks flatter and wider and therefore a bit sportier. In fact, the Swift is 1 cm shorter, 3 cm flatter and 4 cm wider than its predecessor. The front grille is much larger and the door handles of the rear doors have been moved directly into the C-pillar.
The motor
One cylinder less: the three-cylinder engine now has a displacement of just 998 cm3. With 82 kW (111 PS) and 170 Nm torque, it is in line with the trend for lightweight construction and downsizing, as is the case with the competition. This has consequences in daily driving practice. The maximum torque can only be achieved with higher speeds in the range between 2.000 and 3.500 Nm and the engine noise is of course correspondingly louder. Accordingly, the car can only be driven optimally in the high speed range. A start generator is integrated in the mild hybrid version, which provides electrical energy for starting and accelerating. The energy is generated by recuperation during braking and stored in a small lithium-ion battery.
Driving values and consumption
The energy gained is stored in a lithium-ion battery under the driver's seat. The starter generator starts the engine with a belt. If you change gear diligently, the mild hybrid can be brought from 0 to 100 km / h in 10,6 seconds. We tested the three-cylinder in summer temperatures. According to Suzuki, the gasoline consumption according to the old NEDC standard was 4,3 L Super. In our test drives it was 6,3 L according to the display. This shows once again that the old consumption standards differ significantly from practical consumption. Otherwise, the lightweight can be moved quickly in short and long-distance ranges with frequent gear changes. As further engines, Suzuki offers the 1,2 L naturally aspirated engine with optional all-wheel drive 66 kW (90 PS), which is already known from its predecessor, and the lively 140 PS version as Swift Sport.
Driving experience
The 5-speed manual transmission for the mild hybrid is offered on a regular basis. This is a bit tricky, but it can be switched through easily. The chassis is based on an independent wheel suspension with McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle with coil springs at the rear. It tolerates the smaller bumps on the road and is rather tightly tuned. The steering could give a more direct feedback for better driving comfort. In cornering there is little side tilt and the compact Swift can be moved with corresponding agility in everyday life.
inner space
The interior appears tidy and is characterized by a clear functional structure. The design is kept very simple. A navigation and infotainment monitor with four main menu items forms the center of the center console. The tachometer and speedometer dominate the dashboard display. In between there is a simple info display with displays on the hybrid system, the average consumption and the assistance system information.
The front seats are simple and offer sufficient lateral support. Even tall drivers will find enough space. The space in the rear is correspondingly more cramped. But children and teenagers up to 1,70 cm in height will find enough space here.
everyday practicality
The trunk is larger in the new version and now holds a load volume of up to 265 L. The rear seat can conveniently be folded forward by one or two thirds. When the entire rear seat is folded down, up to 947 liters of cargo space can be used. A trailer load can also be used for the small car and trailers can be braked up to an incline of 12 percent and towed with up to 1.000 kg.
assistance systems
Compared to the previous model, the current Swift has a whole arsenal of assistance systems on board. The mild hybrid version is only available in the highest equipment level "Comfort +". The equipment package includes cameras and sensors for the reversing camera as well as a lane keeping and distance control system. The greatest support is the emergency brake assistant, which actively intervenes as soon as dangerous situations are detected. These include, for example, people crossing the lane or the impending impact with a car in front of them. The system worked flawlessly in the practical test. The emergency brake assistant was also able to score positive points in the NCAP safety test. The system increases the number of stars from 3 to 5 stars in the crash tests.
Equipment and accessories
There is a whole range of metallic paint finishes, which cost an additional 500 euros, and the three colors white, gray or black with the option of different-colored roofs. The tires vary in size between 15, 16 or 17 inches depending on the equipment variant. The base price for the 1,2-L dual jet is 13.790 euros. The 1,0 L booster jet hybrid we tested, which is only available in the “Comfort +” version, cost 19.440 euros at the time of the test.
Conclusion
The visually appealing Swift in the sixth generation is trimmed for lightweight construction and appealing suitability for everyday use. The mild hybrid version is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. According to the displays, consumption in practice is higher than according to the NEDC standard, but the pollutant values for the mild hybrid are lower than for the other engines.
Addendum
Article from the green car magazine.
Images: Copyright green car magazine and Suzuki
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