Suzuki Australia has announced their all-new 6th-generation Swift hatch, with styling and positioning to rival the Mazda2 and the also-new Toyota Yaris. The new Swift is built on the Japanese marque’s new Heartect platform shared with the Baleno, another hatch that matches the Swift blow-for-blow in terms of pricing. They are offering their newest Swift with a driveaway price starting from $16,990 and topping out at $22,990.
Just like the Baleno, the grades comprise of the entry-level GL and higher GLX, though Suzuki also offers the now-lighter Swift as either GL Navigator or GL Navigator with Safety Pack tiers, powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder DualJet petrol engine with 66kW and 120Nm, which is a little less powerful than the 70kW 1.4-litre unit in the outgoing Swift.
Under the bonnet of the GLX, though, is the 1.0-litre three-cylinder BoosterJet turbocharged motor that ups power 82kW and 160Nm. While the atmospheric motor is the most fuel efficient of the two, both are claimed to easily achieve a combined fuel consumption figure of around 5.0-litres/100km.
A 5-speed manual is the standard transmission option for the GL variations, with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) handling duties as the primary automatic. However, the turbo engine in the GLX is only mated to a 6-speed automatic.
Stylistically, the new Swift is an evolution of the car that preceded it. A lower, wider stance gives the small hatch a more assertive presence on the road while familiar elements such as wraparound glasshouse, vertical headlamps, and strong shoulder lines echo the Swift 5.
The base GL receives 6 airbags, Brake Assist, and cruise control as standard, but misses out on alloy wheels and proper infotainment, though USB audio and Bluetooth streaming is available. Suzuki does provide the step-up GL Navigator with a 7-inch touchscreen which includes in-built navigation, reversing camera, and support for smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally, the top two grades feature the marque’s first implementation of active forward hazard detection and pairs it with lane departure warning and high beam assist.
Suzuki Australia Automobiles Director, Andrew Moore said, “The new Swift has been five years in the making with a lot of that time dedicated to implementing and perfecting systems and features based specifically on what our customers have told us they want. The end result is something that I could not be prouder of, and something that perfectly marries together bold innovation with the Swift DNA we all know and love.”
“The new Swift is without doubt the best value light hatch on the market – no one else can provide features like sat nav, reversing camera and alloy wheels in its entry auto; no-one else offers the advanced safety features such as AEB and radar cruise under $20,000”.
“With the launch of the new Swift today, I can comfortably say we now present the strongest line-up for compact vehicle customers looking for outstanding reliability and value,” he continued.
- Swift GL - 5-speed Manual - $15,990 (RRP) - $16,990 (Driveaway)
- Swift GL Navigator - CVT Auto - $17,990 (RRP) - $17,990 (Driveaway)
- Swift GL Navigator with Safety Pack - CVT Auto - $18,990 (RRP) - $19,190 (Driveaway)
- Swift GLX- 6-speed Auto - $22,990 (RRP) - $22,990 (Driveaway)
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