A surprise came to my senses after I returned from a training seminar - bear in mind that there was no access to technology for a week. I opened my usual car news websites to catch up on what I missed out on in the car world while I was away.
Surprise surprise, the new Suzuki Swift (third gen) has been launched!
The second gen Suzuki Swift is extremely popular despite only having the M15A 1.5 litre engine option.
A considerable premium is needed on top of the 1.5 variant, for those who wanted the world renown Swift Sport 1.6 litre naturally engine (acclaimed impressive by Jeremy Clarkson).
It is obvious that the new Swift greets us with a larger smile and fatter ‘cheeks’ - referring to the more prominent fenders. The headlights are a bit too big if you ask me, making it challenging for racer boys to customise their Swifts to try and make it look aggressive.
I have always been fond of the Swift for simply showing other Eastern manufacturers that hot hatches don’t have to be dull. After the success of the Swift, a plethora of handsome hatches were launched by other Japanese/Korean manufacturers. Looking back at the Concept S2 in 2003, it looks similar to what you see on the roads today. Did Suzuki launch a concept car for the masses? Kudos!
OK, back to the new Swift - upon entering, I was well impressed by the built quality of the cockpit being simple but not dull, especially through the addition of the silver detail which runs across the dashboard and into the doors. However the clothed materials on the seat seems flimsy as it seems loose rather than staying fit to the cushion.
Entering the test drive unit, I started the car via a start stop button located on the right size of the steering wheel (right hand drive). Funny thought - if the start stop button is placed on the left side of the steering wheel (RHD car), would a disgruntled person be able to press it and cause the car to dangerously stop whilst moving?
The ride - wouldn’t compare it to a luxury german saloon but I came to a conclusion that it is pretty comfy especially after deliberately running over the uneven road surfaces and potholes. The cabin noise is nothing to boast about since the noise outside is clear but adequate enough to have a conversation with the sales guy. It started to rain and it became clear that you would need to raise your voice to speak to others in the car. Fret not cause aftermarket soundproofing will fix it!
I’ve always loved gadgets especially in cars - I just love buttons floating around with unfamilar symbols. The Swift however isnt a car that will satisfy my need to oogle at command buttons and it hasn’t been splashed with numerous buttons. The Swift comes with radio with a CD player as standard (what car doesn’t these days) and it does play music from USB. However, it does not have bluetooth handsfree connectivity - which is one of my most used feature as it is easy to speak to someone while driving. The stock speakers are pretty decent as it comes with a 6 unit as standard BUT never ever ever ever... turn on the automatic volume adjust feature. It will attempt to poorly raise the volume when the revs are high and at higher speed; but it just doesn't work well and furthermore, annoying!
You must be wondering why am I only starting to write about the engine performance now - should be up there ^. Despite being powered by the K14B 1.4 producing 95PS and 130NM, the power difference on paper is minimal according to the previous 1.5 model which produces 101PS and 133NM. I wouldn’t boast about the power but it is definitely responsive and the difference is hardly noticeable. Nothing to complain about in this department as I expected less from this 1.4 mill.
Handling wise - due to the rain, I didn’t manage to approach corners at high speeds but from what I have felt the third gen feels a wee bit wallopy and soft compared to the previous generation which felt sturdy and held together. That said, it is more comfortable than the previous gen - sacrificing handling for comfort? - I would say so.
Some shortfalls that I can recall is the lack of bluetooth connectivity, the loose cloth on the seats, and a small boot (oh well it is a hatch). In conclusion, I admire the new Swift in terms of its style and the substance it provides. It is a more than reasonable means of transport within the city being nimble and compact for the bachelors or the small families out there.
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