Suzuki Swift

The is a subcompact car produced by Suzuki. The Suzuki Swift is classified as a B-segment marque in the European single market, a segment referred to as a Supermini in British isles. Prior to this, the "Swift" nameplate had been applied to the rebadged Suzuki Cultus in numerous export markets since 1983 and became its own model since 2004.
Predecessors.
International (1983–2004).
The Suzuki Swift began in 1983 as a marketing and manufacturing rebadge of the Suzuki Cultus, a supermini (or subcompact) manufactured and marketed worldwide across three generations and four body configurations—three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door convertible—and using the Suzuki G engine family.
The Swift was marketed in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) as the Cultus and elsewhere as the Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Forsa, Chevrolet Swift, Chevrolet Sprint and Sprint Metro, Geo and Chevrolet Metro, Pontiac Firefly, Maruti 1000, Holden Barina and Subaru Justy. Versions of the second generation Cultus were also produced until 2007 in India and the car remains in production until 2016 in Pakistan and China. For more information on the initial versions of the Swift, see: Suzuki Cultus and Geo Metro.
Japan (2000–2006).
In Japan, the Swift nameplate was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus. Outside Japan, the "Suzuki Ignis" name was used. Both three- and five-door hatchback body styles were offered, although the three-door was not offered as part of the regular lineup in Japan.
The Swift was powered by a new generation of Suzuki inline-four gasoline engines, the M family. Engine displacements of 1.3- and 1.5-litres were offered, both with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The vehicle was available with either front- or four-wheel drive. Vehicles fitted with the 1.3-litre engine were designated "HT51S", with the 1.5-litre version assigned "HT81S".
The three-door body variant formed the basis of the Swift Sport in Japan, or Ignis Sport in export markets. Introduced in 2003, it featured redesigned bumpers and was fitted with a higher-output version of the 1.5-litre engine. The Sport ceased production in 2005, with the regular Swift (SE-Z trim) remaining until 2006 for the Japanese marke and sold side by side with the first generation global version Swift since November 2004.
First generation (RS; 2004).
RS413/413D/415.
The global version of the first generation Swift was debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004. The design of the Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. This generation of the Swift marked a significant departure with the previous Cultus-based models, with Suzuki redesigning the vehicle as less of a "low price alternative" subcompact and more of a "sporty" subcompact. The Swift's design and driving characteristics focused on the European market with its chassis refined through a road-testing program across Europe.
The first generation Swift has received four stars out of five ratings in the Euro NCAP crash tests. It also was awarded 2006 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland.
Since its global launch in 2005, which was kicked off with a marketing campaign fronted by the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in many European countries, the Swift has recorded above forecast sales in most markets. In Japan, sales figures have been twice the forecast and in many European markets, the model has been a runaway success.
The Swift was available with 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines, rated at and , respectively. It was produced in Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and by Chang'an Motors in China. In China and Japan, only the five-door body is available, and a four-wheel drive is an option for the 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines. A 1.2-litre engine fitted with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) was offered in front-wheel drive only. In Europe, the Swift was launched in three- or five-door hatchback forms, with 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines, and a 1.3-litre "DDiS" engine supplied by Fiat. The 1.3 petrol is also available with an automated manual transmission or with a four-wheel drive.
Both the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol models are available with four-wheel drive and hold the chassis numbers, ZD11S and ZD21S.
Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited will discontinue the Suzuki Swift first generation in Pakistan in August 2021.
In Indonesia, there were several special editions based from the 1.5-litre Swift with Swift Sport appearance, known as GT, GT2 and GT3. There was also a special model called GTS with bodykits.
Swift Sport (RS416; 2005-2012).
In October 2005, Suzuki launched the Sport version of the new Swift in Japan named Swift RS, and in September 2006 the model was introduced in most European markets. Named "Swift Sport", it is powered by an enhanced M16A unit, a high-revving 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated DOHC VVT four-cylinder engine with an 11.1:1 compression ratio, high lift cams, forged pistons, and strengthened valve springs. The 1.6-litre engine produces and torque. At , the car is longer than the standard Swift. The Swift Sport features sportier bumpers and spoilers, a stiffer suspension, twin exhaust pipes, red sport seats (with Recaro seats optional) and four-wheel disc brakes on 16-inch wheels. The European Swift Sport features five-speed manual transmission, the three-door body variant, 17-inch wheels (16-inch also available) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Maruti Suzuki Swift.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift was launched in India in 25 May 2005 with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. Later, in early 2007, Maruti introduced the Swift with a Fiat-sourced 1.3 L DDiS engine. In 2010, due to the new BS-IV emission norms, Maruti replaced the 1.3 L petrol engine with a 1.2 L K-series engine.
Suzuki Swift DZire.
The first generation Maruti Suzuki DZire is the sedan version of the first generation Suzuki Swift. The Swift DZire was launched on 26 March 2008.
Swift Range Extender.
The Suzuki Swift Plug-in hybrid concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The Swift Plug-in concept has an all-electric range of about drawing on a lithium-ion battery pack. When the battery is running low a small 0.66 L engine kicks in to power a generator that charges the battery.
In May 2010, Suzuki announced a demonstration program with 60 Swift Plug-in hybrids in Japan scheduled to start by late 2010. Initially sales of the Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid electric vehicle were scheduled to begin by 2013.
The plug-in car is powered by a and AC synchronous motor and a 2.66 kWh Li-ion battery pack. Average fuel consumption, calculated by combining fuel consumption during operation on electric power from grid charge and fuel consumption during hybrid operation after depletion of the battery pack is 37.6 km/L on the JC08 cycle (88.4 mpg US, or 2.7 L/100 km). Grid charge time for the battery is approximately 1.5 hours @ 100 V and 1 h at 200 V.
In March 2014, Maruti Suzuki announced that it will provide several copies of the production version, renamed "Swift Range Extender" as part of a pilot project to be conducted in partnership with the Indian government during 2014 to 2015. According to Maruti's tests, the Swift Range Extender delivers a combined fuel efficiency of up to , with an all-electric range of . The battery takes nearly 90 minutes to get fully charged. Maruti is awaiting for the implementation of India's National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, which will define the government's purchase incentives for plug-in electric cars.
Second generation (AZG; 2010).
AZG412/413D/414.
The second generation Swift was unveiled on 26 August 2010. It went on sale in Japan on 18 September 2010. The second generation Swift is being produced at Suzuki's plant in Hungary started in 11 June 2010 and it will be supplied across Europe. The new car has its wheelbase extended by 50 millimeters over the previous generation and has many visual updates. While the new car looks different from the old one, its design is an evolution of the radical first generation styling with a longer and more rounded appearance. During September 2010, Suzuki in the United Kingdom released the second generation Swift onto British roads.
The new generation is expected to feature a 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine (K12B) developing 92 bhp. In some countries, the second generation of Suzuki Swift uses a 1.4-litre VVT petrol engine (K14B) which produces 95 hp.
In Thailand, the Swift is built locally since March 2012 and is part of the Thai government's eco-car program. The car is sold with a CVT automatic transmission on GA, GL and GLX variants; GA and GL variants are also offered with a five-speed manual transmission without anti-lock brakes. Another variant with Japanese market RS bodykit was later added as RX trim.
For the Indonesian market, the Swift was launched on 20 September 2012 at the 20th Indonesia International Motor Show and sold in two trim levels, GL and GX, with manual or automatic transmission. The GS trim level was added on 6 June 2015, which was launched at the 2015 Jakarta Fair. Sales of the Swift in that market were ended in April 2017. It was replaced by the Baleno hatchback in August 2017, which is slightly bigger and positioned in the same class as the Swift, as the third generation Swift is not released in that market.
For the Malaysian market, the Swift was released on 12 July 2013.
As with the previous generation, a four-door notchback saloon model was developed for India by Maruti in 2012. This is shorter than the previous generation; now at it falls underneath an important tax threshold at four metres of length.
2013 update.
For 2013, Suzuki updated the Swift with some minor cosmetic changes such as a revised front bumper, L-shaped LED daytime running lights on the foglamp housings, fresh 16-inch wheels, LED-type high-level brake lamp and new seat fabric design.
For the Japanese market, it features Suzuki's newly developed DUAL JET ENGINE as well as Suzuki's ENE-CHARGE system and ECO-COOL, implemented from the Suzuki Wagon R. The new DUAL JET ENGINE uses the dual-injection system on its 1.2 L petrol engine and it works by increasing vaporisation, making combustion more efficient. It channels fuel to two intake ports instead of only one per cylinder.
With the DUALJET ENGINE and the ENE-CHARGE, fuel economy is now up to 26.4 km/L, calculated based on JC08 mode.
Swift S-Concept.
The Suzuki Swift S-Concept was at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show. The concept car is powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine combined with a six-speed manual transmission. At Paris, it was rumored that the next Swift Sport would get a 150-hp (112-kW / 152-PS), a 22 percent increase over the 2010 model. Riding on 18-inch wheels, the car now features a large spoiler, new headlights and rear lighting clusters. It has also been brought closer to the ground. Inside, designers included bucket seats, a new steering wheel, different instrumentation and carbon fiber trim.
Swift Sport (AZG416; 2012–2017).
The 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport is powered by a revised 1.6-litre four-cylinder (M16A) engine producing and . The 2012 model comes with the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a high performance CVT transmission with seven-speed manual mode and paddle shifters.
Riding on lightweight 17-inch alloys, the car now features a rear spoiler, a large front grille, body kit, new HID headlights and rear lighting clusters. The ground clearance is also lower than the normal version. Inside, designers included leather bucket seats with sporty red stitching and a "Sport" mark, a new steering wheel, and different instrumentation.
In January 2014, The Swift Sport was updated to include a 6.1-inch combined satnav/dab radio infotainment touchscreen as standard.
Swift Sport SZ-R.
In the United Kingdom, Suzuki has released another special edition of the Swift, the SZ-R, with a list price of £14,249 and limited to just 100 units. The SZ-R has a 136HP VVT engine and is capable of doing 0 to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 121 mph, while returning 44 mpg. It is equipped with seven airbags, auto air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port, rear privacy glass and 17-inch wheels.
Maruti Suzuki Swift.
In August 2011, Maruti launched the all-new second generation Swift, with 1.2 L K-series petrol and 1.3 L DDiS engines. Maruti Suzuki later launched the midlife facelift of Swift on 28 October 2014. The facelift comes with both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. The manufacturer also includes a new variant called LXI (O) and introduced three new colours namely Mysterious Violet, Fire Red and Granite Gray.
Swift DZire.
Maruti Suzuki in India launched the second generation of its sedan Maruti Suzuki DZire (known as DZire as of 2012), which is based on the second generation Swift on 1 February 2012. Unlike the previous generation, it is a compact sedan under 4000 mm. It shares its engines with the hatchback. Like the previous car, changes to the suspension have been made. It also has two-tone beige and black interiors, unlike the hatchback's all-black interiors.
Third generation (A2L; 2017).
The third generation Swift debuted in Japan on 27 December 2016. The hatchback is built on the "HEARTECT" platform which made its debut in 2015 and is the same lightweight platform used for the production of the hatchbacks Baleno and Ignis. This new lightweight platform made the third generation Swift significantly lighter than the previous generation, but the 3-door body style is no longer offered unlike the two previous generations. Despite having similar size from the previous generation, the cabin and boot space is also slightly increased.
Also, the first generation that using the "Boosterjet" direct injection turbocharged petrol engines and "Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS)" mild hybrid technology. Additional safety kits are also updated, such as; a forward-facing camera and laser sensors that deliver lane departure warning and high-beam assist, along with autonomous emergency braking.
The European market Swift is no longer built by Magyar Suzuki in Hungary and now supplied from Japan.
Engines (A2L310/412).
It is equipped with either a 4-cylinder Dualjet petrol engine for the hybrid model developing at 6000 rpm and of torque at 4400 rpm; and a 3-cylinder K10C Boosterjet Turbo petrol engine for the global market developing at 5500 rpm and of torque at 1500-4000 rpm. In India though, it is expected to come equipped with a 4-cylinder K12M petrol engine. It is also anticipated that the India spec car can also get the 3-cylinder Boosterjet Turbo petrol engine.
A familiar Fiat-sourced turbodiesel engine variant from the previous generations was also available, but only for Indian market as it no longer compliant with Euro emission standards. This engine is no longer available since April 2020.
The Thai market third generation Swift received the reworked K12M engine with Dualjet technology in February 2018.
For Japanese market, the 1.2 L K12C engine is offered in three variants; regular petrol engine, mild hybrid and full hybrid, depending on the trim levels. A 102 PS 1.0 L turbocharged K10C Boosterjet engine was also offered in RSt trim until May 2020.
For the 2021 European model, due the implementation of Euro 6d emission standard, both 1.0 L turbocharged K10C Boosterjet and 1.2-liter K12C Dualjet engines were replaced by the brand new 1.2 L K12D Dualjet mild hybrid engine and became standard for regular models in European market. In February 2021, the facelifted Indian market Swift received a new BS6 compliant 1.2 L K12N Dualjet mild hybrid engine from the Dzire hybrid.
2020 facelift.
The Suzuki Swift received a minor facelift in May 2020 for the Japanese market. European market received the facelifted model in September 2020. It was also facelifted in November 2020 for the Mexican market. The Swift facelifted in February 2021 for the Thailand and Indian market.
Swift Sport (A2L414).
Suzuki officially unveiled the Swift Sport at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car comes with a K14C Boosterjet engine shared with the Vitara S. The engine makes DIN at 5500 rpm and of torque at 2500-3000 rpm. It comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Aesthetically, the Swift Sport has a completely new front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, 17 inch wheels, dual exhaust, wider tyres, a front chin spoiler and red accents interior.
For Italian market, a limited edition Swift Sport BeeRacing was launched in March 2018. In June of the same year, 100 units limited edition Swift Sport, called the Red Devil was announced for Australian market.
In May 2019, a limited edition Swift Sport Katana was launched for Dutch market only. The limited edition hot hatch pays tribute to the new Suzuki Katana 1000 bike. Built in a limited run of only 30 units, it comes in two colors, 15 units Premium Silver Metallic and 15 units Super Black Pearl paints.
In June 2020, Suzuki launched Swift Sport with Suzuki's SHVS 48V mild hybrid technology for European market to meet Euro 6d emission standard. Still with the 1.4 L turbo engine (K14D), but now makes at 5500 rpm and of torque at 2000 rpm and also 55 kg heavier than the old 6-speed manual non-hybrid model.
Another limited edition for Italian market was launched in February 2021 to celebrate Suzuki MotoGP's 7th world championship title after Joan Mir won the 2020 MotoGP season. Dubbed as the World Champion Edition and only 7 unit were available for sale.
Suzuki DZire/Swift Sedan.
Maruti Suzuki launched the third generation DZire sedan in India on 16 May 2017. It is based on the fourth generation Swift but, for the first time ever, it drops the Swift badge from its name. The second-gen DZire will still be in production and will be sold exclusively to fleet operators, while being rebadged as the next generation Swift DZire Tour.
The third generation Maruti DZire is based on the HEARTECT lightweight platform derived from the Maruti Baleno and the fourth generation Swift. This platform uses Ultra-high tensile and high tensile steel in its construction, so as to not comprise on structural rigidity. Despite being lighter, Maruti claims that the new DZire is compliant with frontal and side impact regulations, as well as meets pedestrian safety regulations. The car is also wider and offers increased space for the occupant. Maruti claims that the third generation DZire has 55 mm better rear legroom, as compared to the previous model. Moreover, the boot space has been increased to 378-litre.
The engine options on offer at launch include a 1.2 L K12M motor producing 82 bhp and 113 N m of torque, while the diesel gets the 1.3 L D13A DDiS motor with 74 bhp and 190 N m of torque. Both engines can be had with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (from V grade onwards), meaning there will be no drop in the fuel efficiency of the automatic variants, as compared to the manual variants. The petrol models deliver 22 km/L and the diesel models are rated at 28.40 km/L in the fuel economy department.
The third generation DZire was launched for sale on 16 May 2017 in India. It will rival the recently launched Hyundai Xcent, Tata Tigor, Tata Zest, Honda Amaze, Toyota Etios, Mahindra Verito, Ford Aspire and VW Ameo.
Motorsport.
The Suzuki Swift Sport is well known for being competitive in rallying, especially under 2.0-liter class.
In 2007 and 2010, Per-Gunnar Andersson and Aaron Burkart won the JWRC S1600 rally class and also dominating the top three from 2006 to 2010.
In 2009, Luke Pinder won the British Rally Championship R1 class. The Swift Sport also successful in All-Japan Rally Championship, it won in JN1 and JN4 classes from 2016 to 2019.
In Italy, Suzuki Swift has been used for Suzuki Rally Cup since 2012 and followed by Rally Italia Talent since 2019.
In 2019, Michael Hopp and Steve Pittmanit won the 2019 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour E class, finished at 21st place with 113 laps.
Sales.
Sales of the Swift had reached cumulative worldwide sales of 6 million units in May 2018. In India, ever since its launch in 2005, the Swift steadily increased its sales in line with the market expansion due to economic growth, such as by adding diesel variants and sedans. Of the 6 million units, units sold in India account for approximately 54% of them. Also, approximately 17% were sold in Europe and approximately 10% were sold in Japan. By June 2008, cumulative sales of the Swift reached 1 million, 2 million in January 2011, 3 million in January 2013, 4 million in August 2014, 5 million in April 2016 and 6 million in May 2018.
Awards.
The Suzuki Swift has won more than 60 Awards including car of the year awards since its introduction as a global model.