Following on from its launch in the Japanese domestic market last year, Suzuki has just unveiled the new European Swift at the Geneva Motor Show as its all-new global supermini. It carries forward the Swift DNA while adopting a completely new styling and a performance-enhancing extremely light body with advanced safety technologies. The result is exterior European flair complemented by a sporty and functional interior, nimble and agile driving, and enhanced peace of mind. In addition to its stylish exterior design in a compact size of just 3,840mm long, the new Swift features excellent visibility, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space.
The development goal was to create an all new hatchback styling that is undoubtedly Suzuki. Swift is a very popular and important car in the range and has reached 5.4 million sales globally in less than 12 years, faster than any other Suzuki model. After the debut of the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Boosterjet in the Baleno and S-Cross, this engine technology is now extended to the new Swift. Offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated engine, it delivers an effortless drive and genuine driving pleasure. This unit has an output of 108bhp and 170Nm of torque. Suzuki developed a new platform strategy for its future models and the Swift is now the third model (following Baleno and IGNIS) to adopt this new generation platform and be introduced in Europe.
The new Swift rests on a new-generation platform “HEARTECT” that delivers enhanced fundamental vehicle performance due to being light and highly rigid. A comprehensive overhaul of the underbody’s structure and component layout resulted in the adoption of a highly rigid frame that enhances collision safety. This new platform or underbody of new Swift is now 30kg lighter than before which has contributed to the car registering a kerb weight of just 890kg (SZ3 model) – 120kg lighter overall for the whole car. The new Swift also adopts Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘AUTO’ 4WD system and is available as an option on the SZ5 model with the 1.2-litre engine.
