Keys to the Suzuki Swift’s excellent handling and roadholding are a wide tread and short wheelbase.
These fundamentals, which characterised the previous Swift, have been carried through into the new design which also has a quieter ride than before.
A highly rigid front suspension frame offers better roll stiffness without adding much weight. Rear suspension angle changes to the torsion beam bushing provide 50 per cent more lateral rigidity.
Suzuki engineers have reduced the suspension weight while providing 25 per cent greater roll stiffness. Roll angles have been reduced by 20 per cent to class-leading levels.
Swifts fitted with 16-inch alloys have 6-inch wide rims compared with a width of 5.5-inches on the previous 15-inch alloy wheels, while tyre size changes from 185/60 to 185/55 series.
The 15-inch steel wheels on other new Swifts have 175/65 tyres instead of 185/60 series and rim width reduces from 5.5-inches to 5 inches.
Larger diameter, lower profile, lower rolling resistance and, in the case of the 15-inch wheels, narrower tyres all enhance grip, wet weather driving and fuel efficiency.
The unit type rear hubs have hubs and bearings incorporated into a single unit, improving wheel-mounting rigidity for better cornering.
A new variable gear ratio (VGR) steering system provides a quick ratio when the rack is near the centre, and makes the car respond more quickly at the start of a turn.
It provides a relatively slow ratio near the steering wheel’s turning limits to reduce the steering effort. Yaw-rate response improves by 25 per cent because of VGR and better chassis stiffness.
The clutch has a new hydraulic release system that is smoother more precise and quieter. An inhibitor mechanism prevents accidental downshifts from fifth to reverse.
Four-stage automatic transmission Swifts feature a new straight shift pattern that requires less effort. Transmission efficiency is heightened by a lock-up slip control.
This also suppresses torque converter slip at times when the torque converter is lightly loaded, such as during deceleration.
The slip control enhances economy, reduces electric power consumption and offers better control over the alternator’s power generation.
Brakes have improved feel, and the revised 14-inch ventilated front disc brakes have an increase in rotor thickness from 20mm to 22mm.
Extensive use of ultra-high strength steel, a lower centre of gravity and a 15 per cent increase in torsional rigidity all improve handling.
Outer panels and door panels are lighter and there is a new door window mechanism.
Electronic stability control (ESP) and traction control are standard on all new Swifts and automatic transmission models have hill hold control for easy hill starts.
When the driver moves his or her foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator for a hill start, the ESP keeps the brake applied for up to two seconds to prevent the car rolling back.
ESP gradually release the brake as the driver pushes the accelerator pedal downward. The stability function controls the brakes in such a way that its operation does not hinder the car’s movement.
The Swift body incorporates Suzuki’s “total effective control technology” (TECT) concept, comprising high strength steel and a low body weight.
Safety is paramount, with standard fitment of seven airbags including a driver’s side knee airbag. The other airbags are for driver, front passenger, side and curtain.
Whiplash-mitigating front seats support the neck and head in a rear impact, and the front seatbacks are taller and the front headrests have a forward-inclined shape.
Three child seatbelt anchorages are provided in the rear and there are two ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
The car body is designed to minimise pedestrian injuries, with shock absorbing structures incorporated into the bonnet, cowl top, bonnet hinges, wipers and front bumpers.
A low engine increases the space between the engine and bonnet, helping minimise the extent of possible pedestrian head and leg injuries.
Suzuki says the new structure assists in limiting repair costs, and other improvements include double door seals and sealant applied to the rear wheel arches including flanges.
The instrument panel is mounted using brackets which eliminate mounting holes that pass from the interior to the exterior in previous Swifts.
There is a large surface dash silencer and mounting holes for the wheel arches and linings are eliminated. Sound absorbing pads in behind the roof-liner suppresses rain noise.
An electromagnetic tailgate opener has an external release for convenience, and GLX and LTD models come as standard with a USB socket.
...ends...
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Automotive Marketing Team
admin@suzuki.co.nz
