- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
70kW, 130Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 5.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2011)
Suzuki Swift long-term test
RRP: $15,990. As tested: $17,990.
Extras: Fog lamps, alloy wheels, side and curtain airbags.
Why we're driving it: We liked the Suzuki Swift so much after our giant small-car test (Drive, April 8) that we wanted to live with one for six months (rather than the usual one-week test drive) to see how it measured up after extended use. We'll be running it over the next five months and getting routine servicing and tallying the fuel bill and any others that arise. This is our first instalment.
Likes: This may sound like an odd thing to get excited about but I love how big the side mirrors are. They're convex on both sides of the car, too, making it easy to see what's around you in the traffic at any time. The looks have attracted plenty of comment. The interior is well finished, with good quality materials and plenty of room. And the rubber button on the rear hatch door handle is a nice touch. Reasonably economical 1.5-litre engine strokes along nicely. Smooth gearshift, supple ride, agile handling. Strong headlights. The compact size makes city parking a cinch.
Dislikes: For a Japanese car made to have a European feel, it would be nice if the horn didn't sound so wimpy. Finding the time and a place to clean it in this era of water restricions has taken the sparkle off our Suzuki.
Distance travelled: 893km.
Fuel used: 64 litres.
Fuel consumption: Average 7.2 litres/100km. With a mix of city and freeway driving the Swift's average fuel consumption is almost the same as the fuel rating label. We're doing more city and suburban driving next month, so we'll see how it goes.
Any problems? The front passenger's side door trim rattles slightly but we'll get that looked at when we book it in for its first service.
Prices and details correct at publication date.