Suzuki Swift gets an upgrade in UK, expect similar changes in India

The Swift is one of Suzuki’s world strategic models and makes strong statements in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling as well as offering low fuel consumption. The Suzuki Swift in Europe is also with a Sport variant that has a 1.6-litre petrol engine. In addition to seven airbags and ESP as standard, front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric front windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The top of the line also gets air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, integrated audio unit and bluetooth connectivity with music streaming facility. Now, all the safety features aren’t available in the Indian car market at the moment.

As part of the minor change specification upgrades from June 2014, all Swift models will be fitted with LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) and front fog lights. A gear-shift indicator has now been added to help aid fuel efficiency as well as Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) for added driver safety.

The top of the line variant in the UK also gets navigation and DAB digital radio as standard to the already high specification that includes automatic air conditioning, electric rear windows, rear privacy glass (five door models), push button keyless start, automatic headlamps, cruise control and power folding mirrors with integrated turn indicators.

The engines on offer in the UK are similar to what India gets, there is the powertrain is a Euro V compliant 1.2-litre engine incorporating Dual VVT (Variable intake and exhaust Valve Timing) that produces 92bhp at 6,000rpm with a torque figure of 118Nm at 4,800rpm. The major difference in the two engines in UK and India is the pollution control ability, we have the Euro IV, while Europe has Euro V. The petrol is more popular than the diesel, and the total Swift diesel market share is less than 10 percent. Hence, Suzuki has taken the decision to discontinue this model from the range this year.

Following good sales success in Japan and several European Countries, Suzuki took the positive decision in mid-2013 to launch the 4x4 model in the UK. This model is available as a five door 1.2 petrol model with manual transmission. Thanks to the use of small and lightweight components Swift 4x4 is just 65kg heavier than an equivalent 2WD petrol model. Apart from 4x4 badging and a slightly increased body ride height of 25mm. We don’t expect them to get the 4x4 variant as our market is still young for such variants.