Recently launched on the market, the fourth generation of the Suzuki Swift is also the last one with an internal combustion engine. Despite its generally conservative approach, Suzuki has innovated significantly, especially with the engine, which has proven to be the winning feature of this small Japanese car.
After our first test in Bordeaux for the dynamic press launch (you can read her also the prices), we tested the car for a week in Denmark. And here you can read our pros and cons. But on thing is certain: these consumptions are incredible!
Suzuki Swift: no radical changes
Let’s start with the design, which has always evolved continuously since the first generation of the Swift. The new model takes some cues from the latest version but also returns to its roots in some areas, aiming for smoothness, clean lines, and more rounded shapes.
For example, the headlights are now entirely LED and integrate the fog lights, eliminating the old fog lights and leaving a cleaner, smoother bumper, enhanced by the car’s vibrant metallic colors. The grille now occupies the entire central part, with the logo moved higher, giving a modern look with a vintage touch, accentuated by the hood.
The hood features a rounded shape that transitions into a ridge separating the lower and upper parts of the vehicle, which stands out even more if you choose the version with a contrasting black roof.
At the rear, there are more similarities with the previous generation. For example, the taillights, now larger, transparent, and LED, with a 3D effect. The shapes are more rounded, giving a classic and refined appearance.
As mentioned, there are many lively colors available. The one tested is called Cool Yellow Metallic in Denmark. The Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic and Mineral Gray Metallic are also very attractive, with the latter offering a sporty look, especially in person.
That infotainment…
True to its Japanese compact nature, the Suzuki Swift surprises with the space it creates in its compact dimensions, just 3.8 meters in length but with a 2.4-meter wheelbase. The roof is high, especially at the front, meaning even those over 1.90 meters tall, like the writer, have no issues with headroom.
This is also true at the rear, though legroom is limited for someone as tall, especially if the driver is also tall. However, this is typical for a car of this size, which actually does better in this regard than some cars over 4 meters long, thanks to its practical design.
The Swift’s interior has improved significantly, becoming brighter. Still designed to be robust and practical, the materials are all hard plastic, with satin-like plastic for the chrome accents on the dashboard and door panels, but everything is well-assembled. The only downside is the 9-inch central touch display, which has good resolution but is made of glossy black plastic, making it prone to dust and fingerprints.
It’s a pity because the white inserts with a 3D effect look good and add some flair. The seat upholstery in technical fabric is also comfortable. However, a central armrest is missing, which Suzuki Italy offers as an optional accessory.
The dashboard is mostly analog, except for a small LCD showing ADAS information, fuel consumption, and other parameters. The new 9-inch display in the center has a new OS for infotainment, but unfortunately, it falls short with an outdated graphic and overall sluggish performance. The integrated navigator is not very smart, reminiscent of older systems, as it only recognizes addresses, not places.
However, the wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto brings it up to date, as it works well and pairs quickly. Thus, with a screen size that is appropriate, you can use Waze, Google Maps, or your preferred navigation app, listen to Spotify, and more.
All about the new 3 cylinder engine
The highlight of the new Swift is its new mild hybrid engine. True, there will no longer be a Swift Sport, but the new generation pays homage to it with its lively performance, despite losing a cylinder and now having 3, like most cars in this segment.
The new 1.2 Z12E 12 Volt engine, with the electric counterpart contributing an additional 3 HP, outperforms most of its competitors. First of all, it is very quiet: noise is only noticeable at high revs, and even at high speeds, it offers a level of acoustic comfort unusual for this category. Additionally, it is lively, with good acceleration and pickup for its type of engine.
Although the platform remains the same with significant modifications, the engine is entirely new, focusing on impressive thermal efficiency of 40% and significantly reduced emissions, the best in its class: the Swift’s CO2 emissions are down to 98-99g/km compared to the outgoing model’s 106-107g/km, with only full hybrid cars performing better.
Suzuki optimized cylinder turbulence for faster combustion, introduced an intermediate locking mechanism on the WT intake, increased the EGR valve flow, and adopted a pendulum tensioning mechanism and an electric water pump.
Additionally, Suzuki reduced particulate emissions by suppressing incomplete combustion at higher combustion ratios and using a high-porosity three-way catalytic converter and a specific particulate filter for gasoline engines.
The result is a comfortable and lively drive, aided by a precise and smooth-shifting gearbox, optimized for the new engine with a synchronizer and lever designed to reduce effort and increase spring rigidity.
Fuel consumption is also impressive: my average was 23 km per liter, with peaks of 24 km at 110 km/h and a city average of 21.5 km per liter. This means a full tank lasts a long time, with a real range of around 560 km, reaffirming the Swift as a perfect city car.
The hybrid system allows access to many urban areas, often running on electric power at low speeds and converting kinetic energy during deceleration. The small electric motor is responsible for the system’s lively acceleration, making driving even more enjoyable.
Our version has a manual transmission. The automatic version costs a lot in Denmark, starting from 209.990 DKK.
Another comfort factor is the new suspension. The front features a new stabilizer bar with an increased diameter to enhance spring constant, and the joint diameter has been enlarged to improve transmission efficiency.
New Teflon bushings on the stabilizers increase rigidity and reduce friction. These enhancements improve steering sensitivity and make the Swift very stable, especially in corners. The rear suspension has also been updated, with increased travel for better road surface adaptation and improved rear passenger comfort.
Finally, the Swift remains a relatively lightweight car, with an empty weight under 1,000 kg, a key factor in its lively and dynamic behavior.
