New Swift hits showrooms

The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has arrived in New Zealand with the hatchback’s latest version featuring an upgraded body style, a more driver-focused interior, enhanced equipment and improved efficiency. 

Changes to the body styling have improved the car’s aerodynamics and a new adhesive underbody helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The new iteration of the Swift features a piano-black grille, clamshell-like bonnet and L-shaped signature daytime running lamps.

At 3,860mm in overall length, the new car is 15mm longer than its predecessor, while height and width are identical. 

Available in GLS and RSC versions, both come equipped with the 12-volt SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system, which functions as a generator and an electric motor to restart the engine and provide electric motor assistance during acceleration.

Combined with the new Suzuki Z12E 3-cylinder engine, the latest Swift offers up to 8.5 per cent improved fuel efficiency compared to the K12D 4-cylinder engine that powers the outgoing Swift Hybrid. 

The latest powertrain can produce 60kW of power at 5,700 rpm while maximum torque increases from 107 Nm to 110 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

As for fuel consumption, the new model with CVT automatic transmission averages 4.3L/100km compared with 4.7L/100km for the third-generation Swift Hybrid.

Emissions are also down in the fourth-generation model and come in at 97g/km for models with CVT compared with 106g/km for the superseded Swift CVT. 

The RSC model has alloy wheels shod with 185/55R 16-inch tyres and the 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. 

Standard features on the GLS and RSC models include adaptive cruise control, automatic light sensing LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, a rear fog lamp, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. 

On the safety front, the car is equipped 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 electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

The car’s new radar system, Dual Sensor Brake Support II, is also better at detecting pedestrians and other vehicles, especially at night.

Extras on the RSC include electric folding mirrors with turn signals, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

A nine-inch touchscreen information panel and a 4.2-inch colour information display are standard in both variations, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth phone connectivity. 

Climate control air conditioning is included in the RSC version, while digital standard air conditioning is fitted to GLS models.

Additional features of the RSC are paddle shifters, driver’s seat height adjuster, front seat warmers and a rear seat heater duct.

Pricing starts from $25,990 plus on-road costs.

Successful past

The first Suzuki car to bear the Swift name was launched in 1983, but the arrival of the brand’s world strategic model in 2004 was deemed to be the first new generation series. 

Production of the first generation topped 2.54 million vehicles and more than 3.4m units of its successor were sold between 2011 and 2017. 

The third generation has since helped cumulative Swift sales exceed nine million cars worldwide and it has been Suzuki’s best-seller for the past 10 years.

Suzuki NZ says the Swift was the top-selling car to private buyers in New Zealand for the January 2005 to April 2024 period and in the past 12 months it has led the light car segment in the local market. 

Aaron Wales, automobile sales manager of Suzuki NZ, says the Swift has been a great success story and the fourth generation “represents even more polish and appeal with its exceptional fuel economy, driver appeal and well-proportioned dimensions”.

“It is a car that has traditionally punched above its weight and is likely to continue to do so with the fact it offers a lot of car for the money, has light, easy controls and a comfortable cabin,” he adds. 

“At the same time, the fourth-generation Swift has not lost any of its playfulness and charm.

“It also provides surprising interior space, especially for the front seat passengers with headroom that belies its compact dimensions.”