Suzuki Swift 1.5 (A) review...
Already accounting for the majority of Suzuki sales here, the Swift with an automatic transmission shows how this model has moved on from its forebear.
BEFORE THE RECENT Japanese hatchback revival that was started by the Honda Jazz and Mitsubishi Colt, it was only French carmakers like Peugeot and Renault which persisted in offering chic five-door models here, as such cars were deemed 'missing a boot', and were thus popular only with a handful of local buyers.
The popularity of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV), however, has made the two-box shape more acceptable, and in many ways, today's hatchbacks are looked at as scaled-down MPVs.
Small car specialist Suzuki was quick to react to this change in market sentiment and has given its new Swift a stylish European feel, just like the Jazz and Colt.
It has also engineered a responsive four-speed automatic gearbox for this new car that has proven to be a hit among local buyers. In fact, according to distributor Champion Motors, over 70 percent of the new Swifts sold here have been automatics.
The transmission itself is a conventional unit, unlike the belt-driven continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found on the Jazz and Colt. This means there's no 'rubber band' effect, with the engine speed rising first and the acceleration taking place a fair bit later. With the Swift, the responses are more conventional and immediate. The gearchanges are prompt and smooth, and the transmission's zig-zag gate design actually encourages drivers to switch between fourth to third gears by flicking the lever to the right and left. This makes the Swift more of a driver's car than any other in this segment.
Although it is a conventional automatic, the gearbox seems to be quite efficient, allowing the Swift to maintain highway speeds with the engine spinning at around 2,000rpm. Suzuki is a master at developing economical and efficient small cars, and the Swift seems to be its best effort yet.
This orientation towards being a driver's car is also definitely felt in the Swift's positive and well-weighted steering. Another classy detail is the dramatic wrap-around sweep of the Swift's dashboard, giving the cabin an impressive, well co-ordinated feel.
Interestingly, the ashtray seems to have been omitted from the dashboard, and instead of providing a cigarette lighter, there are two 12-volt power outlets. Telling perhaps, that this car has been designed for the smoke-free, gadget intensive new millennium.
This Swift shares only its name with the budget-priced last model. The new car is definitely more sophisticated and stylish, and it is well-built and thoroughly equipped. The automatic gearbox may not be state-of-the-art, but it works well and efficiently.
The Swift is also a hatchback that has been designed around its driver. This comes through in the car's design and keen handling responses.
NEED TO KNOW
Model Suzuki Swift 1.5 automatic
Engine 1,490cc, 16V in-line 4
Max Power 101bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 133Nm at 4,000rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 170km/h
0-100 km/h 11.7 seconds
Price $59,900 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 100,000km
Contact Champion Motors, 6774-9773
http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/hatchback0/suzuki_swift_1_5_automatic_test.html
BEFORE THE RECENT Japanese hatchback revival that was started by the Honda Jazz and Mitsubishi Colt, it was only French carmakers like Peugeot and Renault which persisted in offering chic five-door models here, as such cars were deemed 'missing a boot', and were thus popular only with a handful of local buyers.
The popularity of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV), however, has made the two-box shape more acceptable, and in many ways, today's hatchbacks are looked at as scaled-down MPVs.
Small car specialist Suzuki was quick to react to this change in market sentiment and has given its new Swift a stylish European feel, just like the Jazz and Colt.
It has also engineered a responsive four-speed automatic gearbox for this new car that has proven to be a hit among local buyers. In fact, according to distributor Champion Motors, over 70 percent of the new Swifts sold here have been automatics.
The transmission itself is a conventional unit, unlike the belt-driven continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found on the Jazz and Colt. This means there's no 'rubber band' effect, with the engine speed rising first and the acceleration taking place a fair bit later. With the Swift, the responses are more conventional and immediate. The gearchanges are prompt and smooth, and the transmission's zig-zag gate design actually encourages drivers to switch between fourth to third gears by flicking the lever to the right and left. This makes the Swift more of a driver's car than any other in this segment.
Although it is a conventional automatic, the gearbox seems to be quite efficient, allowing the Swift to maintain highway speeds with the engine spinning at around 2,000rpm. Suzuki is a master at developing economical and efficient small cars, and the Swift seems to be its best effort yet.
This orientation towards being a driver's car is also definitely felt in the Swift's positive and well-weighted steering. Another classy detail is the dramatic wrap-around sweep of the Swift's dashboard, giving the cabin an impressive, well co-ordinated feel.
Interestingly, the ashtray seems to have been omitted from the dashboard, and instead of providing a cigarette lighter, there are two 12-volt power outlets. Telling perhaps, that this car has been designed for the smoke-free, gadget intensive new millennium.
This Swift shares only its name with the budget-priced last model. The new car is definitely more sophisticated and stylish, and it is well-built and thoroughly equipped. The automatic gearbox may not be state-of-the-art, but it works well and efficiently.
The Swift is also a hatchback that has been designed around its driver. This comes through in the car's design and keen handling responses.
NEED TO KNOW
Model Suzuki Swift 1.5 automatic
Engine 1,490cc, 16V in-line 4
Max Power 101bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 133Nm at 4,000rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 170km/h
0-100 km/h 11.7 seconds
Price $59,900 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 100,000km
Contact Champion Motors, 6774-9773
http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/hatchback0/suzuki_swift_1_5_automatic_test.html