This car is rumored to be available in North America late 2010 so here's a preview. This version of the "new" Swift has been out in many parts of the world since late 2006 and is the sporty version of the established 1.3/1.5 liter Swift hatchback. However, these Swift models are not related in any way to the Swift/Metros you might be used to, but perhaps are slightly connected to the current SX4.
In short it's a 5-door hatch with a 123 hp 1.6 liter VVT engine, close-ratio 5-speed transaxle, and fairly stiff suspension. This car seems to appeal to the younger set in Australia and the UK, but as a 54-yr old semi-retired M.E. I can see a lot to like too as it's under half the price of a Golf GTI here in NZ. Unlike many Japanese cars the styling is not so much Asian as European, and that includes the interior which on mine is the optional Italian leather.
The car weights only 2400 lbs so it's pretty peppy with 123 hp and 7200-rpm redline, plus it sounds great with twin exhausts, and the transmission feel and shifting quality is nearly Miata-like. The electric power steering is not as good in feel as a manual rack but works fine - in fact I didn't even realize it was electric till I looked for the steering fluid reservoir. 16" alloys, 50-profile tires, 4-wheel disks, ESP, and six air bags complete the package. 98 RON octane fuel is required with the 11.1:1 CR although it can tolerate 95.
From a maintenance perspective you can tell this car was designed from the ground-up on 3-D CAD as everything is readily-accessible and well-proportioned. Even with the low front clearance you can easily reach all drain and fill plugs laying on the ground and there is no lower engine covering. There are six factory-identified jacking points and a highly-detailed 1500-page factory service manual CD is available from Suzuki - something you will never get from BMW or VW.
The only negatives I've noticed - there are are a few dash rattles, and there is no arm rest nor spare tire - although they could have designed in both with a little effort.
In short it's a 5-door hatch with a 123 hp 1.6 liter VVT engine, close-ratio 5-speed transaxle, and fairly stiff suspension. This car seems to appeal to the younger set in Australia and the UK, but as a 54-yr old semi-retired M.E. I can see a lot to like too as it's under half the price of a Golf GTI here in NZ. Unlike many Japanese cars the styling is not so much Asian as European, and that includes the interior which on mine is the optional Italian leather.
The car weights only 2400 lbs so it's pretty peppy with 123 hp and 7200-rpm redline, plus it sounds great with twin exhausts, and the transmission feel and shifting quality is nearly Miata-like. The electric power steering is not as good in feel as a manual rack but works fine - in fact I didn't even realize it was electric till I looked for the steering fluid reservoir. 16" alloys, 50-profile tires, 4-wheel disks, ESP, and six air bags complete the package. 98 RON octane fuel is required with the 11.1:1 CR although it can tolerate 95.
From a maintenance perspective you can tell this car was designed from the ground-up on 3-D CAD as everything is readily-accessible and well-proportioned. Even with the low front clearance you can easily reach all drain and fill plugs laying on the ground and there is no lower engine covering. There are six factory-identified jacking points and a highly-detailed 1500-page factory service manual CD is available from Suzuki - something you will never get from BMW or VW.
The only negatives I've noticed - there are are a few dash rattles, and there is no arm rest nor spare tire - although they could have designed in both with a little effort.
