Suzuki Swift

Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	2000–present
Predecessor	Suzuki Cultus
Class	Supermini car
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive

The Suzuki Swift is a subcompact car produced by Suzuki in Japan since 2000. Prior to this, the "Swift" nameplate had been applied to the Suzuki Cultus in export markets such as Australasia, Europe, India and North America.

Predecessor[link]

The Suzuki Swift began as a marketing and manufacturing rebadge of the Suzuki Cultus, a supermini (or subcompact) manufactured and marketed worldwide across three generations and four body configurations—three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door convertible—and using the Suzuki G engine family.

The Swift was marketed in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) as the Cultus and elsewhere as the Suzuki Forsa, Suzuki Jazz, Chevrolet Swift, Chevrolet Sprint and Sprint Metro, Geo and Chevrolet Metro, Pontiac Firefly, Maruti 1000, Holden Barina and Subaru Justy. Versions of the second generation Cultus were also produced until 2007 in India and the car remains in production today in Pakistan.

First generation: 1983–1988   Second generation: 1988–1994   Third generation: 1994–2001

First generation (2000–2004)[link]

First generation

Also called	Suzuki Ignis
Production	2000–2008
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.3 L M13A I4 1.5 L M15A I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Related	Suzuki Kei

HT51S, HT81S[link]

The first generation Swift was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus. Outside of Japan, the "Suzuki Ignis" name was used. Both three- and five-door hatchback body styles were offered, although the three-door was not offered as part of the regular lineup in Japan.

2003–2008 Suzuki Ignis (Germany)

The Swift was powered by a new generation of Suzuki inline-four gasoline engines, the M family. Engine displacements of 1.3 and 1.5-litres were offered, both with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The vehicle was available with either front or four-wheel drive. Vehicles fitted with the 1.3-litre engine were designated HT51S, with the 1.5-litre version assigned HT81S.^[1]

The shorter three-door body variant formed the basis of the Swift Sport in Japan, or Ignis Sport in export markets. Introduced in 2003, it featured redesigned bumpers, and was fitted with a higher-output version of the 1.5-litre engine. The Sport ceased production in 2005, with the regular Swift models remaining until 2006 for the Japanese market only.

HR51S, HR81S[link]

In 2001, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Cruze—a crossover SUV based on the Swift, retaining the original car's basic dimensions and powerplants. The Cruze was restyled, adopting a crossover look between a tall hatchback and a sport utility vehicle, and the three-door body was dropped. The "Chevrolet Cruze" commercial designation was used in Japan, while in Australia the car was sold as the "Holden Cruze" from 2002 to 2006. The 1.3-litre cars were given the model code HR51S, with the 1.5-litre versions coded HR81S.^[2][3]

Suzuki in Europe introduced the Cruze modifications as an update of the Ignis in 2003, although extended by 145 millimetres (5.7 in) in length, thus improving interior and luggage dimensions. Due to an agreement with Subaru, this model was also sold throughout Europe in all-wheel drive form as the Subaru Justy from 2003. These Europe-only models were manufactured by Magyar Suzuki in Hungary. Due to the local presence of the Chevrolet-badged model, Suzuki in Japan did not utilise the modifications for a Suzuki-badged model of its own.

Second generation (2004–2010)[link]

Second generation

Production	2004–2010 2004–2011 (India) 2010–present (Pakistan)
Assembly	China: Chongqing Hungary: Esztergom India: Manesar Indonesia: Bekasi[4] Japan: Hamamatsu Malaysia: Pekan (DRB-HICOM) Pakistan: Karachi
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.2 L I4 1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,390 mm (94.1 in)
Length	3,755 mm (147.8 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	1,510 mm (59.4 in)

The second generation Swift debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004. The design of the new Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. This generation of the Swift marked a significant departure with the previous Cultus-based models, with Suzuki redesigning the vehicle as less of a "low price alternative" subcompact and more of a "sporty" subcompact.^[5] The Swift's design and driving characteristics focused on the European market with its chassis refined through a road-testing program across Europe.^[6]

Suzuki Swift Sport 3-door (Germany)

Interior

The Swift was available with 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines, rated at 92 metric horsepower (68 kW; 91 hp) and 102 metric horsepower (75 kW; 101 hp), respectively. It was produced in Hungary, India, Japan, Pakistan and by Chang'an Motors in China. In China and Japan, only the five-door body is available, and four-wheel drive is an option for the 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines. A 1.2-litre engine fitted with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission was offered as in front-wheel drive only. In Europe, the Swift was launched in three- or five-door hatchback forms, with 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines, and a 1.3-litre DDiS engine supplied by Fiat. The 1.3 petrol is also available with an automated manual transmission or with four-wheel drive.

The second generation Swift has received a four stars out of five rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.^[7] It also was awarded 2006 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland.

Since its global launch in 2005, which was kicked off with a marketing campaign fronted by the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in many European countries, the Swift has recorded above forecast sales in most markets. In Japan, sales figures have been twice the forecast and in many European markets the model has been a runaway success.

In October 2005, Suzuki launched the Sport version of the new Swift in Japan, and in September 2006 the model was introduced in most European markets. Named "Swift Sport", it is powered by a high-revving 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated DOHC VVT four-cylinder engine with a 11.1:1 compression ratio, high lift cams, forged pistons, and strengthened valve springs. The 1.6-liter engine produces 125 metric horsepower (92 kW; 123 hp) 148 newton metres (109 lb·ft) torque. The Swift Sport features sportier bumpers and spoilers, a stiffer suspension, twin exhaust pipes, red sport seats (with Recaro seats optional) and four-wheel disc brakes on 16-inch wheels. The European Swift Sport features manual transmission, the three-door body variant, 17-inch wheels and electronic stability control (ESC).

Maruti Suzuki Swift[link]

Swift DZire VXi (India)

The Maruti Suzuki Swift was launched in India in May 2005 with a 1.3 litre petrol engine. Later, in early 2007, Maruti introduces the Swift with a Fiat-sourced 1.3L DDiS engine. In 2010, due to the new BS IV emission norms, Maruti replaced the 1.3L petrol engine with a 1.2L K-series engine. In August 2011, Maruti launched the all new third generation Swift, with 1.2L K-series petrol and 1.3L DDiS engines.

Swift Dzire

Maruti Suzuki launched the Maruti Dzire in India on the 26th of March, 2008. It is a sedan version of the Swift hatchback. It replaced the long standing Maruti Esteem and shared it's engines with the hatchback.

Swift DZire is a result of an indigenous project started in 2005 to design a three-box notchback version of the Swift hatchback. Some changes have been made to the car’s overall styling to seamlessly integrate the boot. The wheelbase remains the same. The car weighs about 30–35 kilograms (66–77 lb) more than the hatchback. Few modifications in the rear suspension have been done to cope with the additional weight of the boot and improve the ride quality for the rear passengers. Adjustments in the rear seat inclination have been made to improve the rear seat comfort and legroom. In February 2012, Maruti launched the new Swift Dzire, which is based on the 3rd generation Swift. Unlike the previous generation, it is a compact sedan under 4000mm. It shares it's engines with the hatchback. Like the previous car, changes to the suspension have been made. It also has 2-tone beige and black interiors, unlike the hatchback's all black interiors.

Plug-in hybrid[link]

Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid (2009)

The Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The Swift Plug-in concept has an all-electric range of about 30 km (19 mi) drawing on a lithium-ion battery pack. When the battery is running low a small 0.66 L engine kicks in to power a generator that charges the battery.^[8][9][10]

In May 2010 Suzuki announced a demonstration program with 60 Swift Plug-in hybrids in Japan scheduled to start by late 2010.^[8][11] Sales of the Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid electric vehicle are scheduled to begin by 2013.^[10]

The plug-in car is powered by a 55 kW, 180 N·m AC synchronous motor and a 2.66 kWh Li-ion battery pack. Average fuel consumption, calculated by combining fuel consumption during operation on electric power from grid charge and fuel consumption during hybrid operation after depletion of the battery pack is 37.6 km/L on the JC08 cycle (88.4 mpg US, or 2.7 L/100 km). Grid charge time for the battery is approximately 1.5 hours @ 100V and 1h at 200V.^[8][11]

Third generation (2010–present)[link]

Third generation

Production	2010-present
Assembly	Japan: Hamamatsu Hungary: Esztergom India: Manesar Thailand : Rayong (From 2012)
Body style	5-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Engine	1.2 L I4 1.4 L I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual CVT
Wheelbase	2,430 mm (95.7 in)
Length	3,850 mm (151.6 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,510 mm (59.4 in)

The third-generation Swift is being produced at Suzuki's plant in Hungary from where it will be supplied across Europe. The new car has its wheelbase extended by 50 millimeters over the previous second generation and has many visual updates. While the new car looks different from the old one, its design is an evolution of the radical second generation styling with a longer and more rounded appearance. The new generation is expected to feature a 1.2 liter VVT petrol engine developing 92 bhp.

During September 2010 Suzuki in the United Kingdom released the third generation Swift onto British roads. Post-September 2010 Swifts are fitted with a heavily revised version of the K12 engine found in the Suzuki Wagon R+.

Thailand[link]

In Thailand, Suzuki Swift out as eco-car project vehicle, Thai government have permissions for eco-car in December 2007 and built in new 650,000 sq.m. factory in Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong province that have ground-braking in November 2009, the 20 billion yen investment for eco-car that production are start from March 2012.^[12]

Media testing coming on late February 2012, CVT transmission unit come from Nissan March/Micra, same 1.2-liter engine in European models used in this vehicle, Thai variants are base GA, GL and top of range GLX; equipment like all-around electric windows, air conditioner, ABS and driver airbag, keyless entry remote, trip computer, tilt steering wheel come on all variants, mid-range GL added tachometer, audio system, telescopic steering wheel, smart key, top of range GLX get alloy wheels, climate control, steering wheel audio control, front passenger airbag, side repeater lamps on outside mirrors, front fog lamps; market launch is expected in March 2012, for CVT transmission variants (available in all models), manual transmission variants expected to launch in October 2012, pricing start from estimated BHT400,000 in base model to estimated BHT550,000 in top models^[13]

Suzuki Swift S-Concept[link]

Suzuki Swift S-Concept

The Suzuki S-Concept Maruti Swift was unveiled at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show.^[14] The concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine combined with a six-speed manual transmission.^[15] At Paris, it was rumored that the next Swift Sport would get a 150-hp (112-kW / 152-PS), a 22 percent increase over the 2010 model. At 3,890mm (153.15 inches), the car is 177mm (6.97 inches) longer than the current MINI Cooper S. It is similarly wider and taller, but its 2,430mm (95.67 inches) wheelbase is 36mm (1.41 inches) shorter than the Cooper. Riding on 18-inch wheels, the car now features a large rear wing, new headlights and rear lighting clusters. It has also been brought closer to the ground. Inside, designers included bucket seats, a new steering wheel, different instrumentation and carbon fiber trim.

Maruti Swift Dzire[link]

Maruti Suzuki in India launched the second generation of its sedan Maruti Swift Dzire on 1 February 2012.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Suzuki Swift

• Global Suzuki: Suzuki Swift Specifications
• Maruti Swift official site