Suzuki Swift – solid, economical, cute small car

Used car check
Suzuki Swift – solid, economical, cute small car

Small cars are popular, but the supply of new cars has shrunk. However, there is a good offer on the used car market, including the Suzuki Swift. The TÜV knows what you should pay attention to when purchasing.

The Suzuki Swift has been part of the Suzuki portfolio for over 40 years, and the seventh generation of the Japanese small car is currently rolling out to dealers. The previous generation (type RZ) was available since 2017.

Quality

The Swift (type RZ) has not yet had any failures in the main inspections at the TÜV. It masters the chassis, brakes and environmental test points without any major complaints. However, the lighting system gives rise to criticism.

Body and interior

Contrary to the general trend, the sixth generation did not increase in length; at 3.84 meters, it is one centimeter shorter than before. Compared to its predecessor, the Swift looks a little rounder, but has lost a few kilos in weight thanks to a new platform. There were increases in the wheelbase (plus 2 centimeters) and in width (plus 4 centimeters), which benefited the space available at the front and rear. The trunk has a capacity of 265 liters; if you fold down the rear seat backs, up to 947 liters can fit inside.

The interior is solidly crafted. In the sports version available in 2018, red applications on the dashboard, door panels, center console and sports seats brighten up the interior. On the outside there are the side skirts and the rear diffuser in carbon look and a dual-pipe sports exhaust system.

In 2020 the Swift received a subtle facelift. This can essentially be seen in a modified radiator grille including a new chrome strip.

Engines and drive

At market launch there were two petrol engines, a one-liter three-cylinder turbo with 82 kW/111 hp and a 1.2-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with 66 kW/90 hp. The three-cylinder was only available with front-wheel drive, the four-cylinder could also be ordered with all-wheel drive. As an alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, a six-speed automatic was also available for the 111 hp engine. The engine could also be ordered in a version with mild hybrid support. This reduced its average consumption by up to half a liter to 4.3 liters, the same value that Suzuki determined for the four-cylinder.

In 2020, Suzuki removed the three-cylinder from the range. Since then, the 1.2 has produced 61 kW/83 hp and passed the Euro 6d hurdle. The top engine, the 1.4-liter turbo with 103 kW/140 hp, which powers the Swift Sport, also had to lose a few hp due to the switch to the Euro 6d emissions standard and has 95 kW/129 hp. To compensate, a 48-volt mild hybrid system enables lower consumption values ​​(4.7 instead of 5.6 liters).

Equipment and security

The Swift was initially available in the well-known Basic, Club, Comfort and Comfort+ equipment lines. The basic version does not have air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a split rear seat, an audio system and a leather steering wheel. These comfort features are only on board from “Club” onwards; there are also electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, a load compartment cover and LED daytime running lights. The two higher comfort levels offer decent small car equipment. With the facelift, “Basic” was eliminated. The sport variants have everything that Suzuki has in its range of comfort options and assistants for the Swift. The driver assistance systems include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and blind spot warning.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Swift is a solid and economical small car that impressed many buyers with its cute shape and cuts a good figure in the general TÜV inspections. The sports versions also promise driving fun. According to mobile.de's evaluation, almost 1,700 used Suzuki Swift (type RZ) are currently offered for sale on this platform. It starts at around 9,000 euros.