Driven: 2017 Suzuki Swift 1.0 SZ5 Boosterjet SHVS Review
I got to take a first drive of the new 2017 Suzuki Swift in the UK, see what we think about this car below.
What is the Suzuki Swift all About?
We are now looking at the third generation of the Suzuki Swift and the car appears to be the best one yet. The new car will go on sale in the UK in June 2017.
The looks of the new model aren’t too dissimilar to the previous generation. From the front, the car does look a little bit softer and more friendly than the out going model. You will notice that A, B and C pillars have now all been blacked out which enables a floating roof effect. Pretty much from any angle this new car can be considered a good looking car and in Speedy Blue the car does catch your eye.
Suzuki have arranged a simple selection of trim levels for the cars available in the UK. The base spec starts at SZ3 which includes 6 air bags, air conditioning, DAB radio, privacy glass, daytime running lights and Bluetooth. SZ-T adds smartphone link, rear view camera, front fog lamps and 16″ alloys. At the top of the range is the SZ5 that adds navigation, LED headlamps, polished 16″ alloys, rear electric windows, Dual Sensor Brake Support and Adaptive Cruise Control. SZ5 is available with ALLGRIP Auto 4WD system as an option for those wanting more grip.
The car on test here is the 1.0 litre SZ5 Boosterjet SHVS. The 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo engine creates 111 PS and 170 Nm of torque. This power goes to the front wheels using a 5 speed manual gearbox. The new Swift is capable of getting from 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds and will do a top speed of 121 mph. The Swift does have a trick up its sleeves with a mild hybrid system called SHVS which enables better efficiency. This means that the car is able to return a combined fuel efficiency figure of 65 mpg and only create 97 g/km of CO2.
How Does it Drive?
I tested out both the 1.0-litre and the 1.2-litre engines. To me the 1.0-litre was heads and shoulders in front when it comes to power out put and fun with the car. The three cylinder putting out 111 PS was plenty of power when you consider that the car only weighs 925KG. The 0-60mph time felt significantly lower than the 10.6 seconds stated, and I enjoyed revving up the raspy little engine all the way to the limiter.
When it comes to the corners the improvements to the new Swift are very noticeable too. The car is lighter and stiffer than before because of its new HEARTECT platform. It really transforms this car into a playful and dynamic supermini.
Benefits from this lightweight setup offer lots of improvements. A couple of basic examples of this shown in the driving experience are things like setting off from the traffic lights and getting back up to speed on your journey. The car feels a lot more energetic and sprightly. Also when you are on a national speed limit road enjoying long sweeping bends the car is just as much fun to drive.
The gear shift in this car does feel a little bit clunky. However, keeping things in perspective it is an affordable car and the ratios are really well planned out against the three cylinder engine. I did enjoy shifting the gearbox and using it in this all-new Swift. It is perfectly suited to the car. It is worth noting that there is a six speed automatic gearbox available for those people that sit in a lot of traffic.
Another key point is that the Suzuki does come with the SHVS mild hybrid system. I think it is important to communicate that this makes absolutely no complications to the driver of the car. The system assists the delivering of the power with an electric motor where efficiencies can be gained with regards to saving fuel. That is all you need to know really.
Lots of technologies are available with this car. This includes things like Electronic Stability Programme and the Advanced Forward Detection System that uses a monocular camera and laser sensor to assist further features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and High Beam Assist. I can’t believe we have all of this clever technology on an affordable everyday car.
What’s it Like Inside?
Getting inside the Suzuki Swift, the car now looks bang up-to-date. In the top of the range SZ5 model the car is fully equipped with Smartphone Linkage Display Audio via its large touchscreen, plus three-dimensional navigation maps, mirror link, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As you can see the infotainment system is well thought out.
There is lots to like about the car’s interior design. Everything is laid out logically, it’s just nice and simple. From a practical side of things, there is lots of room for passengers in the front and back. When you move round to the boot of the car, it is significantly larger than the previous generation, opening the door to more buyers.
The Experience
The Suzuki Swift’s punchy 1.0 litre engine really does deliver. I think it is probably the most amount of fun I’ve had with a three cylinder yet. The lightweight package of the Swift makes for a really playful driving experience without taking the car to dangerous speeds on the UK roads. This is a great achievement and even better for young buyers.
Verdict
The all new Suzuki Swift by far exceeded my expectations from what a car in this class is capable of. I felt that the Swift doesn’t take itself too seriously and with the 1.0-litre engine the power available per tonne is close to the previous generation Swift Sport, which is a strong statement on its own. Lets also not forget that this car is more practical and safer than the previous generation meaning this is the best swift to date.
Video Highlights
Specification
- Price: TBA
- Engine: 1.0-litre i3 Cylinder Turbo Petrol
- Power: 115 PS
- Torque: 170 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- 0-62mph: 10.6 Seconds
- Top speed: 121 mph
- Weight: 925 kg
- Economy combined: 65 mpg
- CO2: 95 g/km
Author: Paul Hadley
