2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Snowboard, BMX or rally cup - by sponsoring trend sports, Suzuki strives for a young image. The practical test should show whether the Swift does justice to this.
By Stefan Zaumseil
Freundlich, it stands there: not even three meters seventy, with a rounded body shape, wide track, pleasantly looking lights and short body overhangs. It is no wonder that it looks quite similar to the Mini: Suzuki has long been sending its designers to school in Europe.
Five-seater with space for four
The look, feel and workmanship are convincing, apart from the radio system, which seems too inexpensive, and give no cause for criticism. The dashboard presents generous and smooth surfaces, some of which are rubberized with contrasting aluminum details. The instruments are clear and easy to understand, the controls are self-explanatory. A few additional storage options are missing on longer journeys. Only the glove compartment, door racks, cup holders and a compartment in the center console are available.
Thanks to the windshield, which is located far forward, the front seats give you a good sense of space and a wonderful overview. The headroom is very good in all seats - there is also enough space in the back, provided the passengers are not larger than the Central European average - and only for two. Because the fact that the five-door city runabout is officially approved for five occupants should be ignored. A Japanese small car: the pedals are a little too close for drivers with a guard. The seat is then a bit too high, and the steering wheel cannot be adjusted lengthways.
The trunk is manageable with 213 liters, the competition from VW or Ford, for example, offers 270 liters. With the rear seats folded down (fold the backrests, tilt the rear bench seat forward) it is just 562 liters. When loading the weekend shopping, the high loading sill and the tailgate that does not open far enough are annoying, the locking of the folded back seats with loops seems more provisional than well thought out.
Fast and agile
"Flott" is the German translation for the English word "swift". And that's him, the smallest from Suzuki. With a curb weight of just 1,075 kilograms and 102 hp, the Swift comes very close to the term "city sports car" propagated by its manufacturer. Thanks to a wheelbase of just 2.39 meters and a turning circle of 9.40 meters, women or men are out and about in an agile speedster.
The only 133 Newton meters of torque of the 1.5-liter gasoline engine with variable valve control force the ambitious city racing driver to use medium to higher speeds. However, with the smooth five-speed gearbox and short shift travel, this is a lot of fun. With its wide track, the Swift is full on the road, the chassis is quite sporty and well-behaved understeer in corners. The servo-electric steering supports the cornering with ease and directness, only in the middle position a little more precision would be desirable.
The test consumption of 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers was well above the manufacturer's specification - especially the inner-city consumption figure of 8.6 liters cannot be maintained in the city center if the city car is driven as such. The engine noises, which are very present from medium engine speeds, are annoying. Unfortunately, the standard stereo system does not offer a remedy here - poor sound quality and poor reception encourage people to switch off rather than increase the volume. It remains to be seen whether this can be improved by upgrading to dual-cone speakers for 46.55 euros. Also available: a navigation system for 1400 euros. In any case, the security features of the Swift are okay. There is ABS with electronic brake force distribution, airbags all around, front belt tensioners, ISOFIX child seat attachments, but no ESP.
The Suzuki Swift 1.5 five-door is available in two equipment versions: the Comfort for 14,290 euros and the Swift Comfort Plus with improved standard equipment such as air conditioning, power windows at the front, CD radio including steering wheel remote control, front seat heating, pollen filter, keyless start, electrically adjustable and heated Exterior mirrors and fog lights for 15,190 euros. It sure is a better choice.
