Solid Advances for New Generation Suzuki Swift
6 June, 2024
Suzuki Vitara Hybrid is the Compact SUV of the Year 2023
The new generation Suzuki Swift arrives in New Zealand with a sharp new face, more efficiency, upgraded specification and improvements in virtually every area.
A series of body styling changes results in better aerodynamics while engineers focused on reducing road noise and making further advances with the lightweight Heartect body platform. New styling features provide an upgraded look, including a distinctive black-piano finish to the hexagonal grille, clamshell-like bonnet and blackened-out pillars that create a floating roof illusion, while the rear styling has a fresh new shape.
Both GLS and RSC versions of the new Swift are equipped with the 12 Volt SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system which functions both as a generator and an electric motor to restart the engine and provide electric motor assistance during acceleration. SHVS was pioneered by the Japanese marque in 2016.
There is engine stop/start facility, electric motor assist, braking energy regeneration and the system recharges both the lead acid battery and lithium ion battery as needed.
Combined with the brand new Suzuki Z12E 3-cylinder engine, the latest Swift offers up to 8.5 percent improved fuel efficiency compared to the K12D 4-cylinder engine that powers the outgoing Swift Hybrid. The new model with CVT automatic transmission averages 4.3 litres/100 km compared with 4.7 litres/100 km for the third generation Swift Hybrid.
Emissions are down by a similar level with 97 grams/km for the new Swift with CVT compared to a higher 106 grams/km for the superseded Swift CVT. A new CVT automatic transmission weighs less, is quieter and more efficient.
The new four valves per cylinder Z12E power unit is the same 1,197 cm capacity as the K12D while operating on a higher 13.9 to 1 compression ratio and producing 60 kW of power at 5,700 rpm while maximum torque increases from 107 Nm to 110 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
Cylinder turbulence has been optimised for faster combustion and the new engine is lighter than its predecessor. There is greater low-speed torque for improved responsiveness and overall performance.
Gear ratios in the manual model have been optimised for the new engine and there is reduced shifting force with smoother, lighter changes and even better gear engagement.
Aerodynamics benefit from a smoother front bumper shape, front strakes are redesigned to improve airflow around the front tyres while side under-spoilers help heighten airflow under the floor and around the rear tyres. Rear hatchback door side spoiler and roof-end spoiler reduce aerodynamic drag and the C-pillar treatment is more efficient.
Newly designed LED headlamps have an inner lens and light rod type to give a wider appearance when illuminated. Meanwhile the rear combination lamps are similar to those at the front and give a three-dimensional appearance when illuminated, while the restyled tail-lights have a new darkened finish.
The new polished face grey and silver alloy wheels shod with 185/55R 16-inch tyres as fitted to RSC aid aerodynamics and air flow around the wheel arches. There is a 15 percent less rolling resistance than the current Swift. GLS is equipped with 15-inch steel wheels and full face wheel covers.
Suspension improvements include an enlarged front stabiliser bar while Teflon sheets have been added to the stabiliser mounts to increase roll rigidity by reducing friction and heightening steering feel. Greater rear wheel travel improves the new Swift’s ability to absorb bumps when the going gets rough – an asset on some of New Zealand’s inferior road surfaces. The new suspension refinement allows the rear wheels to sweep over changing road conditions more comfortably.
Typical of the thoroughness in the redesign of the Swift is a revision to the brake servo to deliver enhanced feedback while the car’s new radar system, Dual Sensor Brake Support II, is better at detecting pedestrians and other vehicles, especially at night.
Both GLS and RSC models include as standard adaptive cruise control, automatic light sensing LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, a rear fog lamp, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. Safety is paramount with traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and prevention, weaving alert monitor, reversing camera, rear parking proximity sensors, headlamp high beam assist and anti-lock braking with EBD and brake assist.
RSC also adds electric folding mirrors with turn signals, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
The two new models include a 9-inch touchscreen information panel and a large 4.2 inch colour information display. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard. Climate control air conditioning is included on the RSC version of the Swift while digital standard air conditioning is fitted to GLS models.
As a more highly specified model, the RSC includes paddle shifters and driver’s seat height adjuster. New to Swift are the front seat warmers and a rear seat heater duct that is standard on RSC. Two handy cupholders are positioned forward of the transmission lever plus a third cupholder between the front seats for rear seat passengers.
Ergonomics are improved by angling the centre console towards the driver. The interior has been lifted with a dual-tone design, heightened by a light grey satin plating accent to the instrument panel on GLS and satin dark silver painted finish on the RSC multi-layered dashboard design. New interior surface design features add a further lift to the cabin ambience.
Six body colours are available on the GLS versions with four unique colours for the RSC which can also come with a black or grey roof two-tone colour for a $510 premium. The new Swift Hybrid GLS manual has an introductory price of $25,990 plus on-road costs and is $27,990 plus on-road costs when equipped with CVT, while the RSC CVT is $29,990 plus on-road costs. For a limited period the current generation Swift GL CVT continues in the New Zealand lineup with a recommended retail of $24,990 + ORCs.
Built in Japan, the new Swifts have a 5 year warranty package including three year/100,000 kilometre new vehicle warranty, plus 2 year powertrain extension. Also standard on all new Suzuki vehicles is an unlimited kilometre, five year roadside assistance programme.
Suzuki NZ PRESS/AM24/06