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The Suzuki Swift is a small car that scores with short dimensions and beautiful shapes. The question remains how he is doing at the TÜV.
The Suzuki Swift is now in its sixth generation (type RZ) since 2017. Compared to its predecessor, it has become a bit rounder in appearance, but has lost a few kilos in weight. What has remained is its cute design, which appeals to young and old.
Body and interior
The current generation is lighter than its predecessor thanks to a new platform, and the "slimest" version weighs only 915 kilograms. The Swift stretches to a length of 3,84 meters, making it an inch shorter than before. These are quite clear dimensions for a small car. The Swift, which is only available as a five-door model, is therefore ideal for scurrying around in the city, especially since its turning circle of 9,60 meters is also small.
The small Japanese has increased in terms of wheelbase (plus 2 centimeters) and width (plus 4 centimeters), which has improved the space available. Two adults sit quite comfortably in the front, it is more cramped in the back, but with young bones and joints you can also find a cozy place here - at least for not too long distances. The trunk has a capacity of 265 litres, if you fold down the rear seat backs, you can fit up to 947 litres. As is typical for small cars, there is a step when you fold it down.
The interior is solidly made, but exudes a rather old-fashioned charm. The Sport variant, which has been available since 2018, is a little "faster". Red applications on the dashboard, door panels, center console and sports seats loosen up the interior. On the outside there are the side skirts and the rear diffuser in carbon optics and a dual-flow sports exhaust system. In 2020, the Swift received a subtle facelift. This can essentially be seen in a modified radiator grille with a new chrome strip.
Motors and drive
The range of engines is clear. There were two petrol engines at market launch, a one-liter three-cylinder turbo with 82 kW/111 hp and a 1,2-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 66 kW/90 hp. The three-cylinder was only available with front-wheel drive, the four-cylinder could also be ordered with all-wheel drive. As an alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, a six-speed automatic was also available for the 111 hp engine. The engine could also be ordered in a version with mild hybrid support.
This reduced its average consumption by up to half a liter to 4,3 liters, the same value that Suzuki determined for the four-cylinder. In 2020, Suzuki removed the three-cylinder from the range as part of the facelift and emission reduction of the aggregates. Since then, the 1.2 has delivered 61 kW/83 hp and cleared the Euro 6d hurdle. Even the top engine, the 1,4-liter turbo with 103 kW/140 hp that powers the Swift Sport, has to lose a few hp with the switch to the Euro 6d emissions standard and comes up to 95 kW/129 hp. To compensate, a 48-volt mild hybrid system enables lower consumption values (4,7 instead of 5,6 liters) and the electrical support allows the turbo to rotate more quickly from the low speed range. The maximum speed is given as 210 km/h.
Equipment and safety
Initially, the Swift was available in the equipment lines Basic, Club, Comfort and Comfort+. The basic version comes without air conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, split rear seat, audio system and leather steering wheel. These comfort features are only on board from "Club", plus there are electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, a load compartment cover and LED daytime running lights. The two higher comfort levels offer decent small car equipment. With the facelift, “Basic” was dropped.
The sports variants have everything that Suzuki has for the Swift in terms of comfort options and assistants. The driver assistance systems include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot warning and emergency braking assistant. In the NCAP crash test 2017, it was only enough for a three-star rating.
Quality
The current Swift showed itself from its best side during its first main inspection at the TÜV in the test points chassis and environment. Everything in the green. However, the lighting system also gives cause for criticism in this generation, as do the brakes. However, the RZ type performs better here than the previous models.
Conclusion
Suzuki Swift is a solid small car, which is also comfortable with the appropriate equipment. Fans of fast small cars can be happy with the sports variant. The high used car prices are also reflected in the Swift. You have to take at least 8.500 euros in your hand. Sports versions are offered from around 14.500 euros in the used car portals.