2017 Suzuki Swift launched 07 | 03 | 2017

    THE 2017 SUZUKI Swift has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show today. The car will go on-sale at Scottish dealerships in June 1; prices are expected to rise slightly from the current entry-point of £8995. (Related: Roadtest — Suziku Ignis)

    Lighter, roomier and more powerful than the outgoing model, the new third-generation Swift enters a tough sector dominated by the all-conquering Ford Fiesta.

    While new new Swift is 15mm lower in height and 10mm shorter in length, it is 40mm wider. However, by combining a longer wheelbase and pushing the wheels further into the corners, the 2017 model actually enjoys a 25% increase in cabin space. Bootspace has also increased from 200 to 254 litres.

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    Clever designing also means that by lowering the standard height of the seats, Suzuki says there new model enjoys a good amount of headroom.

    The 2017 Swift is available only in five-door format; that in turn has improved access to the rear seats. The rear door handles are hidden ahead of the car’s C-pillars in styling similar to that of the Suzuki Ignis.

    Externally, the new Swift has been given a shapelier look, enhanced by more detailed headlight design and a large front grille.

    Three trim levels will be available — SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 — and there will be a choice of two petrol engines and one petrol-hybrid. There will also be a choice of five-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes.

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    The SZ3 is powered by an 89bhp Dualjet 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine capable of returning 65.7mpg and emitting just 98g/km CO2. Six airbags, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth and four speakers, rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, 15in alloys, body coloured door mirrors and front electric windows are all standard.

    Buyers stepping up to the SZ-T models gain the option of choosing from a 109bhp Boosterjet 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder. Both economy and emissions suffer, with figures of 61.1mpg and 104g/km CO2. You do, however, get rear view camera, 7in touchscreen with Mirrorlink, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 16in alloys and front foglamps in addition to the SZ3 spec.

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    The range-topping SZ5 is the only spec to get the extra mild-hybrid powertrain option, again sen in the Ignis. Mating the Boosterjet unit and an integrated starter motor, it generates electricity through regenerative braking and reduces CO2 emissions to 97g/km.

    Suzuki engineers have ensured they kept the weight to a minimum, and as a result the hybrid system adds just 6.2kg to the powertrain’s weight. An all-wheel drive system called Allgrip can be fitted to SZ5 models, as an option, with the 1.2-litre engine.

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    And while the Swift SZ5 gets a 4.2in LCD display in place of dials, it also benefits from an advanced forward detection system that combines a monocular camera and a laser sensor for advanced safety functions; these include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and high beam assist. It also uses millimetre-wave radar to enable adaptive cruise control.

    The system first provides the driver with a visual and audio warning when an impact is likely, before triggering autonomous braking that can maximise brake pressure to avoid an impact.

    The technology offers lane departure warning and high beam assist, and an additional radar device enables adaptive cruise control.

    Related: Suzuki Ignis gets award boost

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    Jim McGill

     

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