Review: Suzuki Mk.5 Swift (2005-10)

Overview

Released in February 2005, the Suzuki Mk.5 Swift was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hamamatsu, Japan, the front-wheel drive Mk.5 Swift was initially powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. In September 2006, however, the range was expanded by ‘Sport’ variants which were powered by 1.6-litre engines.

M15A and M16A engines

Of the engines,

• The 1.5-litre M15A engine had all-aluminium construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.5:1; and,
• The 1.6-litre M16A engine had similar properties but a higher compression ratio of 11.1:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The Mk.5 Swift was 3695 mm long, 1690 mm wide, 1500 mm tall and had a 2390 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Mk.5 Swift had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Suzuki Swift included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Swift S and Sport were also fitted with front side and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants).

From July 2007, the Swift Sport was fitted with electronic stability control and traction control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2005 Suzuki Swift with a 1.3-litre petrol engine – and equipped dual front, front side and curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28.52 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver, while upper leg protection was marginal for the front passenger. Furthermore, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver in the side impact test.

Features: Swift, S and Sport

Standard features for the Suzuki Swift included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, leather steering wheel, power steering and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.

The Swift S was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and, for manual models, a short-shift gear lever. Beyond this, the Swift Sport added 16-inch alloy wheels with stiffer Monroe shock absorbers, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and rear spoiler.

Swift RE (Rally Edition)

Compared to the entry-level Swift, the Swift RE variants featured unique 15-inch alloy wheels, a sports body kit (side skirts, front spoiler, upper and lower rear spoiler) and ‘RE’ decals.

2008 Swift S Limited Edition

In April 2008, a Limited Edition of the S variant was released; the S Limited Edition was distinguished by its cruise control and steering wheel audio controls.

2009 Swift 100th Anniversary

In April 2009, a 100th Anniversary edition was released. Compared to the standard Swift, the 100th Anniversary edition featured 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, Alcantara interior trim, front fog lights, keyless start and indicators integrated within the door mirrors. The 100th Anniversary was available in Kashmir Blue and Maroon Brown paint finishes.

2010 Swift Beat

In March 2010, a limited-run Beat edition was released. Compared to the standard Swift, the Beat edition featured 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear spoiler.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Suzuki Mk.5 Swift