2008 Suzuki Swift ST 1.5 VVT

Summary:

Great comfort, design and economy, a little more trunk size would have been greater

Faults:

Squeaky on the rear end, perhaps in the rear seat. Gone when I changed the upholstery.

General Comments:

The swift that I own is the Completely Knocked Down version, assembled in Indonesia. Unlike its predecessor (CBU from Japan), many options are gone, e.g. airbags, ABS, EBD, fog lamp. The quality of upholstery is downgraded, probably to reduce the cost to around USD 1400 from initial price of USD 1700 for CBU version (on the road). Dark colored interior and upholstery is not so comfortable to sit on, and the plastic panel brings noise when driven on harsh surface.

Anyhow, the design of the structure is still Italian, so it still retains the goodness of Swift as positively reviewed all around the world. The fact is, as I tried the Swift and Jazz; noticeably the Swift is much more comfortable, and as I tried at high speed, it's still firm and the steering is pretty accurate.

The size-wise, the Swift cannot beat the Jazz, particularly for the trunk size. Clearly European design neglects the needs for trunk space, but it is still better than the Yaris.

The 1.5 l VVT engine is strong enough to handle this size of car, easy on overtaking. The fuel economy could reach 15 km/liter on semi urban (not highways), but on city trips, it drops to only 11km/l.

With 17" alloy wheel fitted, it looks pretty much like Mini Cooper :-)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2008

22nd Feb 2009, 21:47

I recently saw a new Swift and it is a great looking little car. The Swift used to be sold in the U.S. by both Suzuki and Geo (as a Geo Metro). I am sad to see this very economical and beautiful little car no longer sold in my country. Hopefully at some point perhaps GM can import it again, as they did as the Metro.

13th Dec 2009, 02:30

Wondering why Indonesian CKD cars always ignore the safety aspect to reduce cost...

Removing airbags, ABS and other safety devices.

20th Oct 2010, 23:35

If you want more safety in a car, then you should buy an expensive car.

22nd Oct 2010, 15:20

Re: buying a more expensive car.

You should buy the safest car in the price bracket. It is a valid point that safety items should not be deleted in certain markets.

2006 Suzuki Swift GL 1.5 petrol VVT

Summary:

Brilliant small car with good looks

Faults:

Brake dust deposits on front brake pads - cleaned under warranty.

Hint of noises from somewhere within the dashboard. But these are intermittent.

Outside noise is quite noticeable from inside.

General Comments:

Loved it since first time I saw it. Suzuki made a wise decision to 'adapt' Mini's design cues, hence the funky & exceptional styling.

This car has great value for money. It's got power windows, remote central locking with immobilizer, MP3/WMA CD head unit with steering wheel remote, and a simplified trip computer which shows only the outside temp and average/real-time fuel consumption. There's no other car here within the same price level that provides as many niceties as it does.

Build quality is high, panel fits excellent and the cabin has a simplistic approach yet still shows a tasteful design. I love the gear lever movement, it feels just right in your palm and shifts easily yet firmly between gears.

And it's got quite some power for a 1.5L engine. Acceleration is quick from 3000 rpm upwards. Fuel consumption is excellent at 12.5 km / liter.

My complaint would probably go to the cramped rear seating. The seat backs are almost flat and they are too firm for long distance trips. Lucky I'm the driver and not the passenger.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2006