Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3: Key rival to best superminis

SWIFT_front 3_4 dynamic gorge
The all-new Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3

Share

27 March 2017

What is it?

 The styling might look familiar, but this is the Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3 version of the all-new, fourth-generation Suzuki supermini, of which more than a million have been sold in Europe alone – 127,000 of those in the UK.

Shorter, lower, wider and built on a new longer ‘Heartect’ floorpan, same as the already launched Baleno hatch. The new Swift is also 10 per cent lighter and eight per cent more fuel efficient.

The new Swift doesn’t hit UK roads until this summer, but Business Car Manager has had an early drive in the range-topping 1.0-litre Boosterjet SZ3 with the SHVS mild hybrid technology. Will this Suzuki be a serious challenger to the all-conquering Ford Fiesta? We hit the road to find out.

What’s hot

  • The 109bhp 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol, that we’ve previously tried and enjoyed in Suzuki’s other supermini – the Baleno. This smooth three-pot petrol accelerates to 60mph in just 10.6 seconds, but it feels far more willing than these figures suggest and has an impressive top speed of 121mph. Ten per cent lighter than the old Swift, this weight-saving can be best seen in the fuel consumption and CO2 figures of this five-door hatch. Despite you having to work the Boosterjet engine hard, this Suzuki is still capable of 65.7mpg on the Combined Cycle and the emissions are just 97g/km. This engine is mated to an impressively slick five-speed manual gearbox, with a 19% tax band.
  • The fourth-generation Swift’s styling looks familiar to the last two, with the same wraparound windscreen and vertical headlights – but be in no doubt that this Suzuki is all-new. Now only available as a five-door, new design highlights of this new supermini include the strong shoulder line and distinctive lower cut out, plus the hidden rear door handles that from a distance make this Swift look like a three-door. At the front there’s a large grille, smiley front air dam and distinctive ‘L’ LED light detailing on the front and rear lights.
https://www.businessmotoring.co.uk/suzuki-baleno-keeping-up-fun-to-drive-ethos-in-a-small-hatch/
Much improved interior
    • You can tell Suzuki has done a lot of work on the ride of the new Swift – even in the UK – as it’s one of the most standout features. Generally composed and grown-up, the Swift shrugs off all but the worst pot holes. Yes, there is some body roll in corners, but on the plus side we found there’s plenty of grip from the 16-inch alloys and whilst the steering is light, it’s precise.
    • Inside, the upgrades for the new Swift are a success. The driving position is comfortable and the new seats more supportive. The chronograph-like instruments are easy to read and the new circular climate controls work well too. Move to the back and two tall adults could sit comfortably and there’s an extra 55 litres of bootspace taking the total to 265.
    • Our Swift was the equivalent of the top SZ3 spec and as you’d expect, it’s full of standard kit. Key equipment includes sat-nav, climate control, adaptive cruise control, electric windows all round, keyless entry, reach adjustment on the steering wheel and electric folding door mirrors.
    • Safety kit has improved for the new Swift and includes a forward-facing camera, a lane departure warning system, autonomous emergency braking and high-beam assist.

What’s not

      • It’s nice to have a touchscreen infotainment system fitted as standard to this range-topping Swift, but sadly this one is slow to respond and the sat-nav maps are a bit on the simple side.
      • Although much improved inside design-wise, we wish Suzuki had used better quality softer plastics for the door cappings and dashboard.
      • Space in the back is okay for tall people, but any longer and passengers will be wishing for more rear legroom.

Verdict  on Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3

The Swift has always been an attractive, good to drive supermini and the new fourth-generation model is more of the same but with added polish.

This Suzuki supermini is now better to drive, with a more refined ride.  Above all for business users, the new lightweight Heartect floor plan and 1.0-litre Boosterjet mean the new Swift can add efficiency to its list of attractions – although we wonder whether this Suzuki would be better for business in mid-range SZ2.

We look forward to Suzuki revealing UK prices in due course, but on first acquaintance the Swift is going to be a key rival to the best in the supermini class.

The lowdown on: Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3

List price: £n/a
P11D Value: £n/a
Road tax (VED) from April 2017 first year/ rate years 2-6: £120/£140
Company Car Tax band 2017/2018: 19
Doors and body style: 5-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 1.0-litre, 3cyl petrol turbo/five-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 102g/km
Economy (combined): 61.4mpg
Power/torque: 109bhp/170Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 10.6/121mph
Insurance group: n/a

Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3 and company car tax

      • Discover how much you need to pay (you will need to wait for the prices to be announced) – click here

Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3 and fuel benefit tax

      • We’ll tell you how much ‘free’ fuel will cost you – click here

 

Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet SHVS SZ3
Refined ride from the new Suzuki Swift, with 55-litre bigger boot

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top