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The Suzuki Swift looks great. The TÜV does not only have glamorous appearances.
The description fits the Suzuki Swift: small, but powerful. You could even say: short, but powerful. Because the Swift in the generation available from 2010 to 2017 (type FZ) measures just 3,85 meters from bumper to bumper. These are quite clear dimensions for a modern small car. For “oho”, the Japanese gave the vehicle a stylish outfit and quick handling.
Body and interior
If you are interested in the Swift Type FZ, you have to look carefully to avoid confusion with its predecessor (Type MZ, 2005 to 2010). Visually, the younger one also relies on a successful mix of retro elements and borrowings from a childish scheme. The Swift appeals to both women and men, and promises sportiness and fun. Whereby the sporty component is implemented especially in the "Sport" variant, both visually and in terms of driving dynamics.
The small car is available as a three- and five-door model. Thanks to its short length, it is ideal for scurrying through narrow streets and for parking, but still offers a comparatively large amount of space in the interior. At least on shorter journeys, two adults can travel in the rear without suffering from aching limbs. However, you have to cut back on the trunk volume. In the standard position it is 211 liters, if you fold down the backrests, it is up to 902 liters. The interior design is not as valuable as with some competitors. Inexpensive hard plastic dominates the cockpit. In 2013 the Swift received a facelift. These models stand out with a discreetly changed front and LED daytime running lights.
Choice of gear and drive
The range of engines is manageable. A 1,2-liter four-cylinder with 69 kW / 94 PS acts as the basic gasoline engine. The accelerates the small car up to 165 km / h, the average consumption is around 5 liters. Power is transmitted by a manual five-speed gearbox. A four-stage automatic is available as an alternative. And the engine can be ordered with all-wheel drive - a rarity in small cars.
The two engine alternatives always come with front-wheel drive, a 55 kW / 75 PS 1,3-liter diesel and a 1,6-liter petrol engine with 100 kW / 136 PS. The diesel engine was only available for the five-door and dropped out of the range in 2015. He did not manage to switch to the Euro 6 emissions standard. The unit has consumption values between 3,8 and 4 liters. The 1.6 transforms the Swift into the "Sport" version. Tight chassis, crisp six-speed manual transmission and at least 160 Nm ensure driving pleasure. With a top speed of 195 km / h, it beats the other units by 30 km / h each. The Swift Sport is available for the two and five door models.
Different equipment models
As is often the case with small cars, the basic version is poorly equipped. Apart from power steering and power windows, there are few comfort features on board. Those interested in used cars should look better for the higher equipment lines such as “Club” and “Comfort”. The Club includes air conditioning, a rev counter and rear seats that can be folded down in parts as standard. The top line “Comfort” is only available for the five-door, it offers, among other things, automatic air conditioning, light alloy wheels and all-round window lifters. Anyone interested in "sport" will receive the Swift all-round package with, among other things, xenon headlights, metallic paint and sports seats. In any case, the standard equipment includes seven airbags and the anti-skid ESP. In the NCAP crash test in 2010, the little one received five stars.
Lights and brakes should be looked at more closely
The type FZ performs significantly better in the TÜV main inspections than its predecessor, but it is not a model boy. Loss of oil is one of the complaints of the TÜV inspectors, a look at the parking space of the vehicle can provide important indications of possible incontinence when buying. In addition, the Swift weakens when it comes to lighting and the functionality of the brake system should also be given special attention. Models from the early years also have problems with steering joints.
Conclusion
The Suzuki Swift is a popular small car because of its looks. For older models you have to invest around 3.000 euros. For the "sport" on the used car portals at least 7.000 euros are required, the higher equipment is noticeable in the price.
