Fifth-generation Swift

Suzuki released the fifth iteration of its popular Swift light car to Australian showrooms in June, 2017 with a four-variant range.

Starting with the base GL, Suzuki fitted its entry-level Swift with a manual gearbox (the only one in the range) and a 66kW/120Nm 1.2-litre Dualjet engine.

However, the GL tipped the scales at just 855kg, enabling a fuel economy figure of 4.6 litres per 100km. Standard equipment included cruise control, Bluetooth, 15-inch steel wheels and daytime running lights.

Stepping up to the GL Navigator added a continuous variable transmission (CVT), 16-inch wheels, front foglights, reversing camera and 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Top-spec GLX Turbos made use of an 82kW/160Nm turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and six-speed torque converting automatic transmission, returning a fuel consumption figure of 5.1L/100km.

Suzuki revealed the Sport model in late 2017. Compared to the regular cooking Swifts, it gained a more protrusive and aggressively styled nosecone, unique LED headlights, a much wider grille with honeycomb motifs, larger foglight housings, aero-optimised under-spoilers, carbon-fibre-style elements for the grille, lip spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser, fresh 17-inch alloys wearing 195/45R17 tyres and dual tailpipes.

Aiding the Sport’s transformation from warm to hot-hatch status was an 80kg drop in kerb weight, to just 970kg, a lighter (yet stronger) body with more spot welds for increased rigidity.

Under the bonnet was a 1.4-litre direct-injection four-pot turbo with intercooler delivering 103kW of power at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque between 2500-3000rpm. Driving the front wheels was a six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed torque-converter auto.