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Suzuki's Swift has a facelift to transform into a sportier style [Derby Evening Telegraph (England)](Derby Evening Telegraph (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) THE latest version of the Suzuki Swift delivers up to 67.3mpg economy as well as having low emissions. The 1.3-litre DDiS car is powered by a new 75PS diesel engine with emissions of 109g/km with the result that it costs just Pounds 20 to tax. Combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg gives it an estimated driving range of more than 500 miles. Available only in five-door form and in SZ3 trim, it costs Pounds 12,890 with the SZ3 deal including seven airbags; air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a USB port and heated electric door mirrors. Suzuki boasts that its Euro 5 emissions turbocharged engine is smooth, responsive and offers maximum torque of 190Nm from just 1,750rpm. The rest to 62mph sprint is achieved in 12.7 seconds. It offers an 8% improvement in fuel consumption and produces 9% lower tailpipe emissions than the 1.3-litre diesel used in the previous Swift. There's no more popular Suzuki in Britain than the Swift supermini. The little model accounts for more than a third of all the Japanese company's sales in this country yet it is still a car that's often overlooked when buyers are considering a vehicle of its size. It is, however, a little car with a lot to offer and it's now even better following a thorough makeover with the latest versions arriving in UK dealers last September. A sporty demeanour makes the Swift fun to drive and it is also very accommodating for a vehicle of its size. Although slightly larger in its new, third-generation form, the model has not lost any of its charm and remains a little car that attracts a second look by mirroring its predecessor by being very much in the style of BMW's Mini. Externally, the updating of the car has been evolutionary rather than revolutionary but much has changed. For a start, the new model is longer, taller and marginally wider than before and the result is a roomier cabin. It also has a fresh face thanks to redesigned front lights and a more upright grille. At the rear, new tail-lights are striking. The car's wide stance and its broad shoulders give an overall impression of the vehicle being a sportier supermini and that's very much the case because it has more dynamic handling than many vehicles in its class. Factor in lower running costs than in the case of the last- generation Swift, plus highly impressive safety credentials and extremely comfortable seating and the new model is a highly credible, enjoyable and impressive little car. Prices start at Pounds 10,210 in respect of a three-door SZ2 version with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. [email protected] (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |