First drive with the new Suzuki Swift: Will the little one continue to be a big source of fun?

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First bad news: The small car Suzuki Ignis, popular in Switzerland, will be removed from the model range without replacement at the end of the year. The same fate befell the Jimny and Jimny Cross, Swift Sport and Toyota’s twin Swace models. According to the Suzuki importer, the main reason for the massive narrowing of the model range in Switzerland is the new, stricter EU safety regulations, which also apply here.

But Suzuki also has positive things to report. The first all-electric model will finally be released in spring 2025. Shown as the Concept eVX at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo last autumn, the four-door, 4.30-meter-long electric SUV will go into series production in exactly the same way and will slot between existing Suzuki models Vitara and SX4 S. -To go past.

However, the all-new Suzuki Swift will be launched much earlier, from May onwards. It has a “breathtaking design”, as Cristiano Zanot, the designer in charge of the Suzuki design center in Turin (I), would like us to believe. It doesn’t take our breath away, but it’s certainly pleasing and a smooth, successful further development of the existing model that’s been available since 2017. LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights elegantly merge back into the fenders. The solid black of the pillars makes the roof appear to be free-floating, and a cheeky roof spoiler is fitted at the rear as standard.

Annoying beep sound

Inside, Suzuki is trying to tailor the controls to the driver. Most displays are analogue, but the current speed is also displayed digitally in a large and clearly readable format. Just like the maximum reading speed allowed through traffic sign recognition. But the loud warning sounds that go off when you exceed the speed limit by just one kilometer per hour (one of the new EU safety regulations) are annoying. Especially since another warning chime sounds whenever a new speed limit is imposed.

During our test drive, we asked the chief engineer in charge, Masao Kabori, if this annoying beep could be turned off. You can, but we had to delve deep into the various menu levels of the high-resolution 9-inch touchscreen – and the next time we rebooted, everything was back to the way it was before. We ask Kabori why there isn’t a switch to directly disable speed monitoring, as there is on some rival models. Smiling, he answers politely: “We’ll think about it.”

Lots of new assistants

The new Swift scores with its many new support systems (thanks to the EU’s new safety regulations, of course). In addition to the standard navigation system and mobile phone integration, a rearview camera is available, as well as adaptive cruise control with spacers; This now allows the vehicle to approach closer to the vehicle in front, creating a more agile and reliably responsive lane. Goalkeeper with steering intervention, drowsiness warning, cross traffic detection and parking assistant features. At least there’s enough room for those sitting in the front. Behind it, things get even more difficult due to class in the short 3.86 meter small car. Likewise in the trunk, which swallows 265 to a maximum of 589 liters.

New three cylinder

Under the hood, a new three-cylinder gasoline engine operates instead of the four-cylinder with 82 hp (61 kW). This is sufficient for daily use (0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, top speed 165 km/h). The new Swift doesn’t weigh a ton, so you’ll almost never feel underpowered. Despite its modest performance data, the little Swift is really fun to drive, especially on winding roads. The gasoline engine is supported by a 12-volt mild hybrid system that is active during starting and acceleration. That’s a shame: a Swift with all-electric drive is no problem, says Masao Kabori in response to our question. However, it is possible that Swift Sport will be added within two years.

When sales start in May, the new Swift with front-wheel drive and a manual five-speed transmission will be available at prices starting from just 19,990 francs; It starts at 24,490 francs with the continuously variable CVT automatic. Important for our country: It comes again with 4×4 and manual transmission – prices starting from 25,490 francs. At these carefully calculated prices, Suzuki Switzerland expects to be able to sell around 2,500 Swifts a year again in the next few years. A size last seen before the 2019 pandemic. What makes those responsible for the brand optimistic is the manufacturer’s promise to develop five new fully electric models by 2030.

Source: Blick