Item: 2011 Suzuki Mk.6 Swift
Rating: 3.5

Impressive ride/handling balance
Spacious interior
Quiet, well-insulated cabin
Well-weighted steering provides good feedback

1.4-litre engine lacks low-rev torque
Four-speed auto and five-speed manual transmissions lack ratios of rivals
Swift GA and GL omit telescopic steering wheel adjustment
Unjustified retail price premium for Swift Sport

Review: Suzuki Mk.6-I Swift (2011-13)

Overview

Released in February 2011, the Suzuki Mk.6 Series I (Mk.6-I) Swift was a small, five-door hatchback. The front-wheel drive Mk.6 Swift was initially powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In February 2012, a Sport variant was released that was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission with seven pre-set ratios (with steering wheel gearshift paddles for sequential shifting).

The Australian-delivered Mk.6 Swift was initially manufactured in Hamamatsu, Japan, but production switched to Rayong, Thailand, in April 2013.

K14B and M16A engines

Of the engines,

The 1.4-litre K14B engine had all-aluminium construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1; and,
The 1.6-litre M16A engine differed in that it had a variable intake system and a compression ratio of 11.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Suzuki Mk.5 Swift , the Mk.6 Swift was 155 mm longer (at 3850 mm), 5 mm wider (1695 mm), 10 mm taller (1510 mm) and had a 40 mm longer wheelbase (2430 mm). Furthermore, the Mk.6 Swift body achieved a 15 per cent increase in torsional rigidity, while kerb mass increased by 25 kg to 1025 kg.

The Mk.6 Swift had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Suzuki Mk.6-I Swift specifications
Variant	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
GA, GL, GLX	2011-13	1.4-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	70 kW at 6000 rpm	130 Nm at 4000 rpm
Extreme	2012-13	1.4-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	70 kW at 6000 rpm	130 Nm at 4000 rpm
RE1, RE2	2012	1.4-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	70 kW at 6000 rpm	130 Nm at 4000 rpm
Sport	2012-13	1.6-litre petrol I4	6sp man., 7sp CVT	100 kW at 6900 rpm	160 Nm at 4400 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mk.6.I Swift included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a Mk.6 Swift with a 1.2-litre petrol engine received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset crash test, there was slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact test, protection of the chest was adequate, but chest protection in the pole test was only marginal. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection score of 35.55 out of 37.

Features: Swift GA, GL and GLX

Standard features for the entry-level Swift GA included a four speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (USB/MP3, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a height adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Swift GL was further equipped with a six speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and body-coloured door handles and mirrors. In April 2013, standard features for the GL were extended to include cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.

Finally, the range-topping Swift GLX featured 16-inch alloy wheels (with rear disc brakes), climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, proximity key with starter button and telescopic steering wheel adjustment. From April 2013, the GLX was also fitted with cruise control.

Features: Swift Sport

Relative to the GLX, the Sport was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, cruise control and bi-xenon headlights. The Sport could also be identified by its more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, roof spoiler, twin exhausts and a metallic diffuser.

Compared to the standard Swift variants, the Sport had increased spring rates (by 15 per cent at the front and 30 per cent at the rear), larger wheel bearings and a more rigid torsion beam and bushings.

2012 Swift RE1 and Swift RE2

Limited-run RE1 and RE2 variants were released in 2012, both of which had similar features to the GL variants but were distinguished by their 16-inch alloy wheels, body stripes, chrome door handles, roof mounted spoilers and dark-tint tail-lights.

2012 Swift Extreme

In September 2012, limited-run Extreme variants were released. Compared to the GA, the Extreme variants featured 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, silver interior stitching and seat fabrics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome interior trim. The Extreme variants were also fitted with a rear roof spoiler and silver colour door handles.

Review: Suzuki Mk.6-II Swift (2013-17)