Punchy little compact
Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 M/T
After waiting for close to a decade, the all-new Swift clearly did not disappoint if judging is done even on looks alone. While the styling doesn’t depart too much from the previous model, this 5th-gen unit clearly is much sexier in more ways than one.
The windscreen angle and the roof design takes after its much larger sibling the Vitara, but everything else is all its own. Shorter overhangs because of the new platform – more on that later – make the fascia look especially sporty. The grille is bigger, wider, and looks great even with plain black slits making it the façade’s most noticeable improvement. More compact headlamp housings look nicer (a little slimmer would have been better), although it still uses halogen bulbs. The stripe coming down the middle of the hood is an eye-catching accent but that, along with the stickers on the door handles and the bottom of the doors, are optional accessories.
Using Suzuki’s new Heartect platform, its overall length is now shorter by 10mm, which necessitated the redesign of the rear door handles. It’s new location, near the top of the C pillar, helps in creating the appearance of a ‘floating roof’. Viewed from any angle, it comes off leaner on top before it drops down to a wider body and this can’t be more obvious from the rear. This shape-shift is highlighted by the rear LED combination lamps and that oh-so-subtle pleat right below the rear glass.
As this is an entry-level model, click the keyfob to unlock and key it into the ignition to start the engine.
The whole dashboard has been redesigned with more of a theme – vents, gauges are all circular – and while it’s primarily an all-black affair, the white stripe on the dash and door panels pleasingly breaks the monotony. Its infotainment system comes with a seveninch touchscreen, a few buttons below and a couple of dials – one for volume and the other for changing frequencies. Operation is fairly simple and it even comes with Bluetooth technology and a USB port (found just above the cupholders). After making several hands-free calls though, I received feedback that my voice sounded faint, which may mean a mic upgrade or repositioning is in order.
I like the red rings around the gauges in the instrument panel but this one lacks the 3.5-inch LCD screen (only the GLX-CVT has it) in the middle but it does have a trip computer.
It is roomy inside – five will be a comfortable fit – thanks to the Heartect platform which increased the wheelbase by 20mm for a larger cabin and increased luggage capacity (by as much as 25-percent). While the feeling of spaciousness is heightened by the high ceiling, which is good, it puts the small visors further away than I wanted to. If without tint, these visors will do little to block sunlight ahead or coming from the driver’s left side.
There’s no change whatsoever under the hood but it’s all good with the Heartect platform. With an underbody that’s 30 kilos lighter, the 1.2L K12M engine with 82 HP and 113 Nm of torque feels more powerful than its output suggests. Acceleration comes with just the right amount of urgency, which made me feel like it was doing exactly what I wanted it to – it doesn’t lurch forward, nor is it sluggish.
The five-speed MT is basic yet smooth and compliant. While it doesn’t have sports car power, having access to all that it makes with the manual transmission makes it a fun drive. The clutch is light and shift action makes it easy to throw into the next gear. I barely hear the engine rev when I hit 3k RPM before the upshift and even road noise is limited.
Ride comfort is a commendable 9/10 for vehicles in this segment. Handling feels more direct and immediate, and with its compact design, short overhangs and a minimum turning radius of 4.8m, it’s a pleasure to drive around even in traffic.
In pure city driving I averaged 9-kilometers per liter and while the package managed to be fun and exciting despite the small displacement engine, I was hoping for an above-10 average.
At just R755,000, this base model manages to achieve many things while looking really good and without even trying too hard. I say that because this unit even comes with a pollen filter to keep your nasal passages from being offended by Metro Manila allergens.
The Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 M/T could be your daily beater, with the looks of a keeper, and the performance that will make you come back for more.