New Suzuki Swift Official European Launch at Geneva

Press Release

Powertrain

Efficient, enjoyable performance for every driving situation

For efficient, enjoyable performance that meets every driver’s needs, the new Swift comes with a choice of three comprehensively upgraded engines (the 1.3-litre M13A petrol engine, the 1.5-litre M15A petrol engine, and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine) and with choice of transmissions (a five-speed manual, a five-speed Manual Transmission Automatic, and a four-speed automatic).

Each engine is tuned with an emphasis on performance at low and mid-range speeds (crucial in urban driving situations and on winding country roads) and incorporates a range of advanced technologies.

Key technologies of the petrol engines include variable valve timing (used with the 1.5-litre petrol engine), which helps to maximize torque and power throughout the rev range. The 1.3-litre diesel engine has a common-rail fuel-injection system for superior performance, emission control, and fuel efficiency. It breathes through an intercooled turbocharger, which helps to realize a strong, flat torque curve with smooth response even at low engine speeds.

The transmissions also reflect Suzuki’s focus on driving pleasure. Key features are as follows:

• The five-speed manual transmission (used with both petrol engines and DDiS) has an updated short-stroke design with comprehensively enhanced shift linkages that give a firm, quick shift feel.
• And the five-speed Manual Transmission Automatic (used with the 1.3-litre petrol engine) offers the merits of both automatic shifting and manual shifting for easy, fuel-efficient driving. Its automatic mode has two driver-selectable settings: Economy mode, which emphasizes fuel economy, and normal mode, which emphasizes drivability.
• The four-speed automatic transmission (used with the 1.5-litre petrol engine) has a gated shift lever that allows the driver to enjoy shifting gears for added exhilaration. This feature is common among sports saloons and coupés but has rarely been seen in the supermini category.

Chassis

Newly conceived systems for next-generation ride and handling

With the new Swift, Suzuki’s chassis engineers targeted a dynamic driving experience together with a ride that feels sophisticated and comfortable. They achieved this difficult balance by integrating the body with a newly developed platform incorporating specially conceived chassis systems.

The newly developed platform provides the new Swift with class-widest treads (front: 1470mm, rear: 1480mm), a class-greatest overall width (1,690mm), and a long wheelbase (2,390mm). These dimensions not only benefit interior spaciousness but also help to enable superior on-road stability and comfort.

The front suspension has a new design in which the lower arms, steering gearbox, and rear engine mounting are attached to a suspension subframe. This design gives significantly higher mounting rigidity, which translates into lower road noise and a stronger feeling of stability.

The new Swift breaks further new ground by being equipped with torsion-beam rear suspension, which gives a superior combination of handling stability and ride comfort. One specific merit of the new arrangement is low unsprung weight, which enables camber angle and toe-in to be controlled effectively for accurate and predictable handling. Another merit is a space-efficient layout that permits a low, flat luggage-area floor.

To further enhance the driving experience, the power-assisted steering system has a newly developed steering gearbox that gives a more direct feel. And for further controllability, the braking system has an upgraded design in which increased caliper rigidity and other enhancements give sure stopping power.

Safety and security

Class-leading protection from collisions and theft

Peace of mind for users is always a top priority for Suzuki, so the new Swift incorporates the latest technologies for safety and security.

Developing the body from scratch enabled the engineering team to realize an outstandingly crashworthy structure; one in which high-tensile steel and tailored blanks are used extensively to ensure lightness and strength. It also enabled the team to adopt structures (notably in the bonnet, fenders, wipers, and front bumper) that help protect pedestrians in the event of contact.

In the cabin, users are further shielded from impact forces by a collapsible steering column, leg-injury-mitigating brake and clutch pedals, front-seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, energy-absorbing trim, front airbags, and available side and curtain airbags. In tests conducted by Suzuki, the new Swift gave driver and front-passenger protection corresponding to a four-star Euro NCAP rating.

To help ensure that none of the advanced passive-safety technologies is ever needed, the new Swift incorporates a range of active-safety technologies including a four-wheel antilock braking system, an electronic brake-force distribution system, and a brake-assist function, which together help the driver avoid hazards.

And to give users even greater peace of mind, exemplary protection from theft is realized by a keyless start system (this permits keyless unlocking, engine startup, and locking), an immobilizer, and Suzuki’s latest tamper-resistant door locks.

Utility

Cleverly arranged space for daily convenience

Although the new Swift has dimensions that make it easy to manage on the road, clever use of interior space realizes exceptional people- and luggage-carrying flexibility. With all seats in use, the luggage area has a generous capacity of 213L (VDA). The luggage area is tall enough to allow a large suitcase to be loaded vertically. Plus, the luggage-area floor is smooth and flat thanks the newly adopted torsion-beam rear suspension.

In higher grades, the rear seat has a 40/60-split design and a tumble-folding function so it can be configured to create an extended, flat luggage surface on each side. Lower grades have a bench-type rear seat with a single-folding seatback that can also be used to create more luggage space. The tailgate can be unlocked electrically at the push of a button, making loading easier when the user’s hands are full of luggage.

For further convenience, storage spaces for small, personal items are located around the cabin. They include a compartment in the instrument panel, a glove box, front and rear bottle holders, a seatback pocket, front door pockets (large enough for A4-size road atlases), and a tray under the front passenger seat.

Colours

A wide range of stylish body colours

The new Swift is available in 11 stylish body colours. Ten of the body colours were newly developed using environment-friendly water-based paint. Each body colour is a perfect complement for the new Swift’s eye-catching contours and proportions.