Suzuki has enjoyed plenty of success with the Swift eco car, with more than 8,000 units being sold in Thailand last year.
Launched in early 2018, the third-generation Swift has surpassed the mid-life point, but it does get regular appearance and equipment upgrades in order to maintain competitiveness in the Thai eco car market.
The 2022 Swift line-up starts with the GL at 557,000 baht, GL Plus at 567,000 baht and range-topping GLX at 629,000 baht.
We recently drove the Swift GLX and found out why it’s still one of the popular choices for those looking for an affordable 5-door hatchback.
Design
The third-gen Swift continues the tradition of good packaging that comes with just the right amount of features in order to keep prices down.
According to Suzuki, the Swift is built on the Heartect platform that’s lightweight, offering good handling and fuel economy.
While the front-end design is highlighted by the LED projector headlights and a chrome strip running across the grille, the side profile features a floating roof design, rear door handles on the C-pillar and 16-inch alloy wheels with 185/65 Bridgestone Ecopia tyres. The rear gets a roof spoiler with third brake light, wiper and LED lights.
The interior of the Swift appears pretty conventional, and being an eco car there isn’t much luxury either, with a large amount of plastics around the cabin. The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, adjustable for both reach and rake, does offer a nice sporty touch though.
The instrument cluster consists of two analogue dials with a 4.2-inch digital display in between that’s not the most modern-looking, but does offer a large amount of information and displays (including G-Force). There’s an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as well as 12V outlet plus USB/HDMI port.
The GLX gets automatic air-conditioning, rearview camera, 60-40 split-folding rear seats, seven bottle/cup holders and six airbags.
There is adequate interior space, with enough headroom and knee room for a 6-footer both front and rear. Four people would fit in comfortably in the Swift, but a fifth adult may feel cramped.
There’s 265 litres of boot space that can be increased by folding the rear seat backrests. However, you won’t get a flat cargo floor, and the rear boot lip is high adding to the inconvenience when loading and unloading large and heavy items.
Performance
Distributor Suzuki Motor Thailand recently organised a media driving event for the Swift GLX at the Bira Circuit in Pattaya. The goal was to present the dynamic side of the Swift, which was originally designed with European driving conditions in mind.
There are several powertrains offered for the Swift in various markets around the world. In Thailand, however, it needs to conform to the Eco Car regulations, and ends up with only one engine choice — the K12M 1.2 litre Booster Jet engine capable of developing 83hp and 108Nm, with claimed average fuel economy of 23kpl.
This is not the most desirable engine choice for the Swift as there is also a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 111hp and 160Nm (as well as hybrid) that is not offered in Thailand.
Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT, giving the 910kg Swift 0-100kph acceleration in roughly 13secs and a top speed of 170kph. The transmission does not come with a manual mode, but there is a sport button on the gearshift knob that helps spice things up a bit.
One of the nice things about the Swift is its handling. The steering has a nice weight and the suspension does offer a good level of grip as it is being driven fast through the progressive slalom station laid out on the Bira Circuit track.
Other test stations included an area that shows off the Swift’s 9.6m turning circle, as well as an emergency braking station. While lower trims get rear drum brakes, the GLX gets discs all-round that deliver better stopping performance.
Despite the roominess, ride comfort isn’t a strong point in the Swift, as the suspension doesn’t soak up shock and vibration from potholes or broken roads that well.
While standard safety features are offered, the Thai-spec Swift misses out on intelligent safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot/lane-keeping assistance or rear cross-traffic alert that’s available in other markets. It is possible to add these features, but the retail pricing would also have to be increased, and that’s not something Suzuki is willing to do.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a five-door hatchback that’s stylish, spacious and fun to drive, the Suzuki Swift is worth considering.
While the equipment level or cabin materials may not be up there, the pricing is competitive with decent fuel economy and affordable spare parts.
Pros: Price, spacious, fun-to-drive Cons: No high-tech features, cheapish interior
Suzuki Swift GLX
Price: 629,000 baht
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve
Displacement: 1,197cc
Max power: 83hp/6,000rpm
Max torque: 108Nm/4,400rpm
Transmission: CVT
Dimensions
Length: 3,845mm
Width: 1,735mm
Height: 1,495mm
Weight: 910kg
Keyword: No frills fun The Suzuki Swift stays lean on price and equipment