New Zealand’s top selling small car for more than six years begins the new year with a comprehensive make-over.
While the new 2011 model Suzuki Swift changes from the wheels up, it is an unmistakable evolution of its highly successful predecessor.
Instantly recognisable but unmistakably new, the fifth generation Swift may be more different to drive than to look at.
More usable interior space, improved ride and handling, further benefits in fuel economy and high levels of safety are hallmarks of the new 1.4-litre Swift five-door hatchback.
“Remarkably, while the new model is larger than before and has higher levels of equipment, it actually weighs less,” said Bill Grice, chief executive officer for Suzuki New Zealand.
“Suzuki’s most highly acclaimed world car takes another step forward to secure its continued popularity, especially in New Zealand where the model has been an on-going hit,” he said.
Code named AZH414, the latest Swift is 3,850 mm long - a 90 mm increase on the outgoing RS415 model. The wheelbase is up 40 mm to 2,430 mm, body width increases only slightly to 1,695 mm, and overall height rises 10 mm to 1,510 mm.
In spite of the increase in body size and a more lavish specification, the weight of the new Swift in manual form is 1,005 kg - 35 kg less than its predecessor. The car in automatic transmission form falls from 1,060 kg to 1,035 kg.
Engineers made suspension weight savings, with the rear axle stabiliser is now 2 kg lighter. Meanwhile, the 14 inch front disc brakes are 500 grams lighter and the rear drum brakes weigh 3 kgs less.
The anti lock braking and electronic stability control unit is one of the smallest in the world, with the ABS mechanicals down from 1.7 kg to 1.2 kg, and the ESP unit now weighs 1.7 kg instead of 2.5 kg.
A revised retention arrangement for the steering support saves another kilogram in a car that may be lighter but is also stronger.
High strength steel is used for the front bumpers, “A” and “C” pillars, side sills and roof members.
A strategic global car from a world-beating manufacturer of small cars, the new Swift is clearly a well proportioned development of the previous model.
Vertical halogen headlamps, a unique Swift design feature, are carried through, and the smooth frontal treatment, wraparound design and deeply contoured front face are distinctive styling cues.
At the rear the vertical rear combination lamps are prominent and purposeful, while the “U” shape theme echoes the front styling. More upright-looking rear combination lamps are a key Swift look.
The body profile is marked by a long roofline, and bold guards emphasise the wheels. There are thick “C” pillars, body coloured door handles and glossy black “A” pillars which give the impression of a floating roof-line.
Shaping of the door mirrors was determined by fine tuning of the design in the Suzuki wind tunnel as engineers studied every detail of the car’s exterior and interior in the development of new componentry.
The windscreen gets an improved three-hole washer nozzle, and the car’s improved aerodynamics help prevent the glass from vibrating while lowering wind noise.
Newly developed 16-inch diameter aluminium alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 low-profile tyres on the LTD version replace the 15-inch alloys on the older RS415 Swift.
GL and GLX grade Swifts are equipped with 15-inch diameter steel wheels with full wheel covers and 175/65 R15 tyres. All new Swifts come with special low rolling resistance tyres developed for improved fuel economy and quietness.
Suzuki’s medium-size Kizashi sedan influences the new Swift’s interior and facia design, with a black and silver theme and smart three-spoke steering wheel.
The computer read-out is now between the rev counter and speedometer, and the focus is on functionality. This is reflected in a liquid-crystal information centre display with white characters.
On GLX and LTD models the on-board computer shows instant fuel consumption, average consumption, range on remaining fuel, shift position (on auto models), odometer, trip meter, outside air temperature and time.
Silver rings and three dimensional acrylic graduation for the meter cluster distinguish GLX and LTD. When the gauges are illuminated, light passes through the acrylic graduations.
New Swift has easy use controls, better feel interior textures and high-legibility instruments.
There’s a focus on refinement, quality and feel, with redesigned air vents, and new automatic transmission shift lever with synthetic leather boot.
While the out-going Swift had its rear vision mirror attached to the roof line, the new model has a windscreen-mounted day/night mirror, resulting in a cleaner roof line.
New front seats with silver contrasts are designed to prevent fatigue, there are redesigned urethane cushions and the seat lifting range increases to 58 mm - 20mm more downward movement and 6mm more upward range than before. A 40 mm range tilt adjustable steering is a further aid to driver comfort.
Side air bags are now incorporated into the seat, helping boost rear passenger legroom by 27 mm. The seatback on each front seat curves inward to create 27 mm more legroom than before, and the rear foot space is 30 mm wider than the old Swift.
Folding rear seats are slit 60/40, and the 210 litre luggage area includes a lower luggage board on GLX and LTD. A suitcase measuring 77 cm x 55 cm x 26 cm can be stowed in the load area.
With the rear seat folded to an almost completely flat floor, boot volume increases to 533 litres.
Tastefully styled, well appointed and a treat to drive, the new Swift advances the cause of the small car without compromising on safety.
...ends...
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Automotive Marketing Team
admin@suzuki.co.nz
