Suzuki’s Swift business plan
THERE are lots of statistics to tell you about the new Suzuki Swift. We could tell you that it’s wider, shorter and lower than before. We could tell you it accounted for a third of the Japanese firm’s sales in the UK last year, or that since the new generation version of the Swift arrived in 2005, British motorists have driven 127,000 them away from showrooms.
In fact, Suzuki has sold an incredible 5.4 million Swifts worldwide, with 1.1 million of those being sold in Europe.
But despite all that, undoubtedly one statistic about the Swift stands out among all others and tells you more about the car – and, crucially, how good it is – than any other. And that figure is this: out of all those who take a test drive in a Swift, 78 per cent go on to buy one, which is the highest conversion rate of any Suzuki in its range.
If you’re reading that shrugging your shoulders, consider that the Swift is competing in the supermini class, one of the most fiercely fought sectors of the market, where talented rivals are SPECIAL ONE: The Swift’s design is popular with drivers not hard to find. So what does that 78 per cent tell you? It means that either Suzuki employs some very slick-talking salespeople, the kind that could sell Duncan Goodhew a year’s supply of shampoo, or that the Swift is something very special.
Not that the latter point is exactly news, mind you. We’ve always rated the Swift and Suzuki’s continued plan of evolution since that 2005 version has underlined its unwillingness to tamper with a successful formula – especially when it comes to its design. The vertical headlights and wrap-around look of the windows continue as before, while there’s now also hidden handles for the rear doors and a more pronounced shoulder running through to the rear lights. It’s a familiar but also distinctive and fresh look that we approve of.
The new Swift will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines, a 90bhp 1.2-litre or a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre with 111bhp, the latter of which is available as either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic, while the former is available with four-wheel drive. Both can come with Suzuki’s mild hybrid system too – more of which in a moment.
It’s the smaller, more powerful 1.0-litre that’s expected to be the better seller. Thanks in part to an almost 19st weight loss over its predecessor, those 111 horses are enough to get the Swift from 0 to 60mph in just 10.6 seconds and on to a 121mph top speed. It’s also enough for it to return
61.4mpg at the pumps and produce 104g/km emissions.
Add the SHVS mild-hybrid system and those last two figures improve to 65.7mpg and 97g/km. In its 4x4 guise, the 1.2-litre engine can only manage the same 0 to 60mph in sprint in 12.6 seconds. While it doesn’t sound that appealing, Suzuki still expects a surprising 10 per cent of buyers to opt for the 4x4 as they did before, despite a likely £500 premium. How it will be affected by the Ignis’s recent arrival in the showroom is yet to be seen though.
As always, and as those opening statistics prove, it’s how the Swift performs out on the road that proves to be the crucial part of its appeal. Suzuki has given the Swift a more hunkered-down feel on the road, as well as giving more interior width. Climb into the driver’s seat and there’s a sporty-ish interior with a circular theme throughout to the dials and controls.
WHEN you turn the key to the 1.0-litre the engine settles down to a threecylinder thrum which sounds better the harder you work it. The good news continues as this new Swift has taken all of the previous car’s best elements and improved them. That keen engine is linked to sharp and direct steering and confident brakes that enable you to throw it into corners with abandon.
There’s little roll and despite it only offering a five-speed gearbox, the engine has enough flexibility to counter the missing sixth gear.
The Swift oozes fun from every element. It’s hard to imagine another supermini that could match the baby Suzuki for its sheer fun per pound level.
Only the likes of the brilliant Mazda 2 comes close. And this is even before the full-on Sport version arrives later this year.
The Swift’s interior only adds to the overall package, with an excellent build quality allied to a clearly laid out and simple cabin.
The central main touchscreen is easy to use and there’s also a reach and height adjustable steering wheel (although, rather oddly, the former is only on the higher spec SZT and SZ5 models). Height adjustment for the driver’s seat is standard throughout, though.
With decent head and legroom for adults in the front and rear seats and a new larger 265-litre boot, it’s a practical car at this level. A space saver spare tyre is a £190 option. Aside from that, equipment levels are pretty good with digital radio, air conditioning, front electric windows, Bluetooth and rear privacy glass on all models.
The expected bestselling mid-range SZT adds 16in alloy wheels as well as a rear view camera and mirrorlink system for your mobile phone. With official prices yet to be announced, the Swift is likely to start from just under £11,000 and a monthly payment of around £150. But it’s not hard to see it succeeding even up against the plentiful choice in this market. With Kia’s new Rio and Hyundai’s i20 as well as the likes of the Skoda Fabia and Mazda 2, on paper the Swift would seem to have a tough task to make its mark.
Then again Suzuki has always enjoyed a sportier niche with the Swift and it’s hard not to see that continuing with its brilliant driving manners and sharp looks.
It might be a car it’s easy to justify buying with those earlier statistics but this is a supermini that you buy with both your head and your heart. That 78 per cent of buyers are no fools.