Suzuki Swift
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| Suzuki Swift | |
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| Manufacturer: | Suzuki |
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| Production: | 1985– |
| Class: | Subcompact car |
| Related: | Chevrolet Sprint Geo Metro Pontiac Firefly Suzuki Cultus |
| Similar: | Ford Festiva Hyundai Atos Mazda Demio Toyota Vitz Proton Savvy |
Suzuki Swift is a subcompact automobile from the Suzuki Motor Corporation. At its introduction in 1985, it was named as the SA-310, but in 1986 it was renamed the Swift. Powered by a modest 993 cc straight-3 engine giving 50 hp (37 kW), 0 to 100 km/h is 14.9 seconds while top speed is at 145 km/h. The engine is very light, weighing only 63 kg. The suspension came from the Suzuki Alto.
In North America, the Swift initially came in two trims, GA and GL. The GL was the upscale version. The later GTi version added fuel injection and performance was improved to 100 hp (75 kW) and a top speed of 196 km/h.
The Swift was sold in different markets as Pontiac Firefly (Canada), Chevrolet Sprint (USA/Canada), Geo Metro (USA/Canada) and Maruti Esteem (India). In Japan, the JDM version of the Swift is known as the Suzuki Cultus. In South America, it is sold as the Chevrolet Swift (except in Chile, where it was sold as the Suzuki Swift and Chevrolet Sprint). Variations of the Swift include a 3-door hatchback, a 5-door hatchback, a 4-door sedan, and a 2-door convertible.
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[edit] Suzuki Swift MK1 (1985 - 1988)
The MK1 series was available in a number of engine configurations including a carbureted 1.0 L (G10) engine, a fuel injected turbocharged 1.0 L (G10) engine, and a fuel injected 1.3 L (G13). The MK1 series was the first to introduce the Swift GTi. The Swift GTi utilized the G13B engine. The G13B is a DOHC 16 valve, 1.3 L, inline 4 cylinder engine that features an aluminum block and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and cast aluminum high compression pistons (10:1 compression ratio). Its power output is 95 hp (70 kW). The MK1 Swift GTi was available in European and Asia-Pacific markets. North American markets only received the 1.0 L version which were sold as the Chevrolet Sprint, Pontiac Firefly, and the Suzuki Forsa. Both the carbureted and turbocharged models were available In North America.
[edit] Suzuki Swift MK2 (1989 - 1992)
The MK2 series introduced an entirely redesigned vehicle, with a new curvier body style, four wheel independent strut suspension and numerous other improvements. It was available with 3-cylinder 993ccm, 4-cylinder 1.3L, and 4-cylinder 1.6L engines. The 3-cylinder 993 ccm engine continued being the most popular variant. Being very lightweight, robust and highly efficient, it was more than sufficient for moving the car swiftly. The higher powered Swift GTi had an improved G13B engine which now featured hollow camshafts, stronger web casting on the engine block, a better flowing intake manifold (the prior generation intake manifold had its shape compromised to fit into the engine bay), and its ECU now had electronic control over ignition timing. It now put out 100 hp (74 kW) of power. The Swift GTi also featured all wheel disc brakes. The JDM Cultus GTi featured a G13B engine that had higher compression pistons (11:1 compression ratio), tubular exhaust headers, a tubular intake manifold, larger camshafts and a reprogrammed ECU. Some models of the Cultus GTi were also available with all-wheel drive. The engine in the Cultus had a power output of 113 hp (84 kW). Due to a lawsuit involving Volkwagen America regarding the usage of GTi, the GTi name was discontinued after 1989 in North America, future North American Swift models then used the name GT. The car was also available as a saloon model with a 1.3l SOHC engine type G13A, a 1.6L SOHC 16V engine type G16B, and as a four-wheel drive model with the G13A engine.
[edit] Suzuki Swift MK3 (1993 - 2001)
The MK3 series continued with the bodystyle of the MK2, but changed the style of the bumpers, and updated the interior. GT/GTi versions were equipped with larger swaybars, and the camshafts were now solid. Power output remained the same. Production of the MK3 Swift for the North American market ended in 1994, and in Japan (as the Cultus) for 1998, replacing it with the North American-exclusive Suzuki Swift built at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, while North America also got the final-generation Cultus as the Esteem. In Europe, the MK3 series was known as "MK2 - Type2", incorrectly called Phase 2 by many, and it was built at Magyar Suzuki, remaining in various European countries until 2003. In Australia, the MK3 series continued production until 1999. In 2001, the Suzuki Swift was no longer sold in North America, and its place in the lineup was left open. Suzuki would not market another subcompact until the SX4 would be launched for 2007.
[edit] Suzuki Swift MK4 (2004-present)
A redesigned Swift was announced at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004. This Swift is intended to compete in the European B segment with the likes of Peugeot 206, Opel Corsa and the Fiat Punto. Available with 1.3 and 1.5 L engines, the new Swift is Suzuki's new "global car", to be produced in Hungary, India, Japan and by Chang'an in China. 3- and 5-door bodies are available.
The new model is the first of its kind during which Suzuki employed Indian engineers to contribute their engineering in minor areas.[1] The design of the new Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. Its proportions and essential shape are unmistakely like the BMW MINI, due to the blacked-out A-pillars and bumper-car stance. The exterior shape is described by some as "1.5 box".
Despite Suzuki's long-standing relationship with General Motors (which itself had prompted the development of the very first Swift), the new Swift is entirely Suzuki, and not based on the GM Gamma platform. The prestigious British Autocar magazine gave the new Swift a favourable 4/5 stars in road test, badging it a "thoroughly impressive all-rounder". Mk4 Swift has received a 4 stars out of 5 rating in the EURO NCAP crash tests.
Standard equipment include leather steering wheel, dual air-bag, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), front disk brake with rear drum brake, sliding storage under passenger seat, single CD player.
Since its global launch in 2005, Swift recorded above forecast sales. In Japan, sales figure doubled forecast. Mk4 Swift enjoyed healthy sales in India where a substantial percentage of the car is built with locally made components. Rapid sales of the new Swift model contributed to the 64% rise in Q1 profits for the Maruti corporation.[2].
Globally the Mk4 Swift has received numerous awards and accolades and is the current car of the year winner in many countries.
[edit] Suzuki MK4 Swift Sport (2005-present)
In October 2005, Suzuki Japan launched the 'sport' version of the new Swift. Called "Swift Sport", it is powered by a 1.6l normally aspirated DOHC VVT engine. Tweaks to the Engine includes:
- 11.1:1 compression ratio
- 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
- High lift cams
- Forged pistons
- strengthened valve spring
The 1.6 L engine produces 125bhp at 6800 rpm and 148nm of torque at 4800rpm. With its close gear ratio it can hit 0 - 400 meters in 16 seconds.
The Swift Sport features sportier bumpers and a spoiler, twin exhaust pipe, sport seats and all-disc brakes on 16" rims. In Japan, it comes in Manual or Automatic Transmission and has options for HID headlamps.
In September 2006, the Swift Sport will be released to the rest of the world. The Swift Sport in Europe will feature a manual only, 3-door version with 17" rims.
The Suzuki Swift Sport was released in Australia on the 27 September 2006.[1]
[edit] Swift GT/GTi specifications
Engine
- Engine code: G13B
- Type: inline 4 cylinder, MPFI, 1.3L gasoline
- Drivetrain: FWD
- Valvetrain: DOHC 16-valve
- Displacement: 1298 cc
- Compression Ratio: 10:1 (11:1 for Cultus GTi)
- Bore: 74.0 mm
- Stroke 75.5 mm
- Power: 73 kW @ 6500 rpm (84 kw for cultus)
- Torque: 83 ft·lbf (112 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
- Redline: 8000 rpm (6800 rpm for North American models)
- Fuel cut: 7400 rpm
Gear ratios
- 1: 3.416
- 2: 1.894
- 3: 1.375
- 4: 1.030
- 5: 0.870
- Reverse: 3.272
- Final drive: 4.105
Dimensions/Weights
- Curb Weight: 1741 lb (790 kg)
- Wheel base: 2265 mm
- Length: 3710 mm
- Height: 1350 mm
- Width: 1585 mm
Performance
- Maximum speed: 182 km/h (120 mph)
[edit] References
- ^ "Maruti's Swift likely to be priced in Rs 4.5 lakh-6.5 lakh range". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved on 2006-07-29.
- ^ "Maruti posts 64% jump in Q1 profits". The Financial Express, part of the Indian Express group. Retrieved on 2006-07-29.
[edit] Suzuki Swift in Popular Culture
The Suzuki Swift 2004-present concept version featured on Gran Turismo 4 by Sony
[edit] External links
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