The Suzuki Swift: A Car with a Big Reputation

by Contributor

(Mar. 15, 2021) — The Suzuki Swift is a hatchback car that was first introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. This hatchback, which has a design similar to that of a mini cooper, entered Indonesia in 2005 and was imported as a whole (CBU) from Japan. Due to market demand and the good sales record in Indonesia, Suzuki finally started assembling this car in Indonesia in 2006.

The Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular city cars in Indonesia and competes with the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Kia Rio and Chevrolet Aveo.

1. Interior and Exterior Design

The small exterior design has an impact on the narrow cabin space. The legroom in the second row feels very narrow; likewise with the luggage room. As a hatchback, this car is designed for use in the city only, so it is not suitable for travelling out of town due to the lack of passenger and luggage accommodation, especially if the number of family members is more than 4 people.

The design and material of the dashboard and trim used on the Suzuki Swift are similar to the Suzuki SX4 X-Over using a black single-tone scheme, equipped with a MID in the middle above the Head Unit.

2. Performance and Handling

Provided with the same 1.5L M15A engine as the Suzuki SX4 X-Over, the Suzuki Swift is capable of spewing out 100 H at 6000 RPM engine speed. The M15A engine is lowered in compression to accommodate the quality of premium fuel in Indonesia so that it produces less power than the Japanese version (for the Japanese version the maximum power is 110 PS). Power from the engine is channelled to the front wheels by a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic. The performance of the Suzuki Swift feels better than the Suzuki SX4 X-Over because its weight is smaller so that the power-to-weight ratio is better.

Talking about handling, the term “fun to drive” is felt in this car. Armed with low ground clearance and a short wheelbase, the Suzuki Swift can produce excellent handling. Body roll is almost imperceptible when cornering or driving at high speed. With its tiny body, the Suzuki Swift feels fun to manoeuvre in the city.

3. Engine and Suspension Specifications

• Engine: 1.5L M15A
• Maximum power: 100 PS @ 6000 rpm
• Peak Torque: 133 Nm @ 4000 rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 9-11 km / l (dalkot) and 13-15 km / l (lukot)
• Compression Ratio: 9.5: 1
• Transmission: MT 5-speed / AT 4-speed
• Drive: Front Wheel (FWD)
• Fuel tank capacity: 42 litres
• Front suspension: MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
• Rear suspension: Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
• Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
• Rear brake: Drum

Features and Security

• Electric Power Steering
• Front and Rear Disc brake
• MID
• Audio Control Steering Wheel
• Electric Mirror
• Dual SRS Airbags
• ABS
• EBD

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Amazing design, similar to Mini Cooper
• Responsive engine performance
• Fun to drive
• Lively and practical
• Very good handling
• Affordable prices

Weaknesses

• Low ground clearance is quite a risk of bumping bumps
• The cabin space is narrow, especially the second row
• The baggage is not wide enough