Evolution - Suzuki Swift 2005 Onwards

The Age

Saturday September 6, 2008

Bruce Newton

APART from a five-year hiatus from 2000, the Swift mini-car has been around in Australia since the 1980s.

Replacing the forgettable Ignus in 2005, the five-door mini caused a minor sensation at launch thanks to a combination of funky styling and low prices.

The standard Swift sold alongside the higher specification Swift S. Both powered their front wheels via the same 75 kW/133 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a choice of standard five-speed manual or $2000 four-speed auto transmissions.

Standard gear for the $15,990 Swift included dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, air-conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and six-speaker single-CD audio.

The S started at $17,990, adding side and curtain airbags, foglights and alloy wheels.

In October 2006, Suzuki added a Swift Sport, reawakening memories of the popular Swift GTi of the 1980s and '90s.

Priced from $23,990, the Sport included mechanical alterations to the body, interior, chassis, suspension, brakes and transmissions. The engine grew to 1.6 litres, producing 92 kW and 148 Nm. A five-speed manual was the only transmission.

Standard equipment included six airbags, ABS with EBD, CD audio, leather steering wheel, air-conditioning, power mirrors and windows and remote central locking.

In July 2007, Suzuki added standard stability and traction control to the Sport.

The other two Swift models were also upgraded.

The changes included a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers and rear lamps, new alloy wheels, a new rear seat featuring a single-fold design incorporating a portable luggage board and a new seat fabric. -- BRUCE NEWTON

OUR PICK

The Swift is a well-executedmini with good manners. The extra safety features of the S make it the better choice.

© 2008 The Age

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