As revealed in our Japanese test drive of the 2011 Suzuki Swift, the new model will feature an all-new smaller and considerably more efficient petrol engine.
The new engine is a 1.4-litre petrol, replacing the outgoing model’s 1.5-litre unit.
Power and torque are down 4kW and 3Nm respectively in the new model, and maximum outputs now stand at 70kW and 130Nm.
More importantly for most Swift owners, however, are the increases in efficiency. With the five-speed manual transmission, both combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped 13 percent, with figures for the 2011 model averaging 5.5 litres/100km and 132g/km.
When equipped with the revised four-speed automatic gearbox, fuel consumption dips from 6.6 litres/100km to 6.2 litres/100km
Suzuki says a new lightweight engine design and a remapped computer control system are behind much of the efficiency gains.
The dynamics of the 2011 Swift are also greatly improved thanks to a newly developed, crisper steering system, stiffer front and rear suspension setup, more progressive braking and an all-round stiffer body due to extensive use of high tensile strength steel.
The 2011 Swift will be a class leader in terms of safety, with all models coming standard with seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee) and electronic stability control.
Full details of the 2011 Suzuki Swift – which will go on sale in February next year from $16,290 – can be found here.
