Vehicle: Suzuki Swift 1.4GLX with 4-speed automatic
Price as tested: CDN$18500 (Estimated)
Performance: Even though Suzuki is struggling in both US and Canada, despite of their latest product offensive with the impressive Kizashi. It has gain a strong foot hold in Asian markets. Their latest 3rd generation Swift is the prime example of why Suzuki has been so successful everywhere else.
The subject of our tester is sourced by a small 1.4 liter, which is driven by double overhead cam and variable valve timing technology, along with 4-valve-per-cylinder. It has 95hp and 108 lb/ft of torque mating with an optional 4-speed automatic. Even if its a base 1.4 liter, it already solved much of Suzuki’s engines of old. That’s despite we still found some rough engine note on high rpm and while pushing through the middle ranges. However, its more refined and NVH is more acceptable given the pricepoint of the new Swift. The 4-speed automatic, on the other hand, provide a smooth and crisp shifting. What Swift really needs is an additional 5th gear for the automatic in order to use its engine sweetspot more effectively and efficiently. That would make the engine less buzzy without using more fuel. The entire powertrain feels surprisingly responsive, which considering it has to carry a lightweight 1055kg on our tester.
Handling: Considering the fact that the Japanese-market Swift has been famous for its dynamics. Even on our base model, Swift is a very capable little car. While you can’t describe it as a hot hatch like we did with 2nd generation Swift Sport, its certainly live up to Swift’s reputation on being a fun and fragile hatchback. The chassis is solid and flex-free, with the suspension on the right caliberation. We have complained of Swift’s predecessor, especially 1.6 Sport, has underdamping suspension. Suzuki has addressed this issue seriously, even in our base 1.4 Swift. The body rolls are minimal while understeer continues to be terminal, especially when riding with 16″ tires. Steering provides very good feel and feedback, also extremely precise and responsive to driver feedback. Push through corners, it exhibits surprisingly amount of fun factor usually won’t associate with its price tag.
Brakes: Another surprise given its price tag is the standard of 4-wheel discs with standard ABS. This segment usually comes with front discs with rear drums, with ABS as optional. Suzuki has packaged them all in the standard feature list. That said, the stopping distance is short. The pedal feels firm and well-modulated. Even on our humid weather, ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily.
Interior: At the back of the Swift, it got a much needed rear washer/wiper as standard feature. Open the tailgate, it has 60/40 split fold down rear seats and a surprisingly flat floor. Unfortunately, the fold down rear seats aren’t folding completely flat. Leaving about 2 inches on top of the floor.
The use of materials and fit-and-finish have been much improved over its predecessor. While there are remain some hard plastic on the dashboard an door panels, the grained plastic materials on the dash have made those hard plastic looks so much nicer. Along with clear instrumentation gauges, our loaded Swift tester also gets an efficient auto climate control and more than enough cubbyholes.
Conclusion: After driven the new Swift, it doesn’t come as a surprise Suzuki is such a large player in Asian markets. It got ample amount of power, handles decently well and interior has plenty of amenities. All have wrapped up in an attractive package.
Competitions:
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio
Honda Jazz
Toyota Yaris
Mazda2
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Suzuki Swift 1.4
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
