A new kind of compact car. A new philosophy and a new beginning.
The 2005 Geneva Motor Show presents the ideal opportunity to introduce both our new Swift compact, as well as our fresh new brand philosophy, which we've chosen to call 'Way of Life!' Like all our products, the Swift has been designed to deliver a driving experience with genuine worldwide appeal.
Radical innovation: The story behind the new Suzuki Swift
Suzuki recently embarked on a radical new programme of innovation: a mission aimed at reaffirming and strengthening Suzuki's position as a compact-car innovator; a mission destined to yield vehicles embodying the unique DNA of a company that's not only a world leader in compact cars but also the world's dominant force in motorcycles.
The motoring public's first view of Suzuki's new way forward came at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, where Suzuki unveiled the Concept-S, a racy, rally-inspired concept vehicle that reflected influences from Suzuki's two- and four-wheel racing activities and combined the benefits of Suzuki's racing heredity with cutting-edge technological features.
2. Exterior designA head-turning fusion of dynamism and stability
Suzuki's exciting new direction in car design is instantly apparent in the exterior styling of the new Swift.
At the sides of the new Swift, clearly defined shoulder lines are complemented by boldly flared wheel arches and side sills that further emphasize the car's strength and stability. The shoulder lines flow toward rear combination lamps that curve forward to meet them above the rear wheels, creating a uniquely solid, sporty, and well-integrated look.
And at the very rear, a substantial-looking, expressively styled tailgate meets a large, wide rear bumper that forms a solid visual base for the lower part of the body. At the top of the tailgate, the roof's trailing edge is shaped as a spoiler - a design that not only looks sporty and enhances aerodynamic performance but also realizes a valuable 1kg weight saving over a conventional bolt-on plastic spoiler.
3. Interior designA cockpit designed for true driving pleasure
Inside the new Swift, the driver enjoys an environment that reflects a focus on style, sportiness, and driving pleasure.
The audio and climate-control systems are easy to operate thanks to optimally large, dial-type controls. For added convenience, the audio system can also be operated using optional steering-wheel-mounted controls.
The front seats offer superior support and hold, and each one has a class-leading fore-aft slide range of 240mm. Plus, the driver's seat has a height adjuster with an up-down range of 30mm. A tilt-adjustable steering column further accommodates for every driver. Even a relatively small person can easily find the optimal seating position for confident driving and easy pedal operation.
4. PowertrainEfficient, enjoyable performance for every driving situation
For efficient, enjoyable performance that meets every driver's needs, the new Swift comes with a choice of three comprehensively upgraded engines (the 1.3-litre M13A petrol engine, the 1.5-litre M15A petrol engine, and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine) and with choice of transmissions (a five-speed manual, a five-speed Manual Transmission Automated, and a four-speed automatic).
5. ChassisNewly conceived systems for next-generation ride and handling
With the new Swift, Suzuki's chassis engineers targeted a dynamic driving experience together with a ride that feels sophisticated and comfortable. They achieved this difficult balance by integrating the body with a newly developed platform incorporating specially conceived chassis systems.
The front suspension has a new design in which the lower arms, steering gearbox, and rear engine mounting are attached to a suspension subframe. This design gives significantly higher mounting rigidity, which translates into lower road noise and a stronger feeling of stability.
The new Swift breaks further new ground by being equipped with torsion-beam rear suspension, which gives a superior combination of handling stability and ride comfort. One specific merit of the new arrangement is low unsprung weight, which enables camber angle and toe-in to be controlled effectively for accurate and predictable handling. Another merit is a space-efficient layout that permits a low, flat luggage-area floor.
6. Safety and securityClass-leading protection from collisions and theft
Peace of mind for users is always a top priority for Suzuki, so the new Swift incorporates the latest technologies for safety and security.
Developing the body from scratch enabled the engineering team to realize an outstandingly crashworthy structure; one in which high-tensile steel and tailored blanks are used extensively to ensure lightness and strength. It also enabled the team to adopt structures (notably in the bonnet, fenders, wipers, and front bumper) that help protect pedestrians in the event of contact.
7. UtilityCleverly arranged space for daily convenience
Although the new Swift has dimensions that make it easy to manage on the road, clever use of interior space realizes exceptional people- and luggage-carrying flexibility.
With all seats in use, the luggage area has a generous capacity of 213L (VDA). The luggage area is tall enough to allow a large suitcase to be loaded vertically. Plus, the luggage-area floor is smooth and flat thanks the newly adopted torsion-beam rear suspension.
8. ColoursA wide range of stylish body colours
The new Swift is available in 11 stylish body colours. Ten of the body colours were newly developed using environment-friendly water-based paint. Each body colour is a perfect complement for the new Swift's eye-catching contours and proportions.
9. An exciting worldwide promotionThis TVCF uses young world-class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to promote the all-new Suzuki Swift's agile handling and dynamic performance. The TVCF features the Swift's agile handling as it chases a football through the city streets. Displaying the fine-tuned footwork of a world-class footballer, the nimble Swift is a world-class performer as well.
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. 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 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.
