Customers in Japan received their refreshed Suzuki Swift lineup in spring, and now the miniature hatchback is coming to Europe as well. New additions include wheels, chromed grille strip and mild-hybrid powertrain in all versions.
Electric starters, which were only available at a premium earlier, are now included by default. The one-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine left the lineup due to incompatibility with the electric add-on.
The 1.2-liter non-turbo four-cylinder now boasts combined fuel injection and an inlet electric phase-shifter. In order to comply with Euro-6 standards, it goes down from 90 to 83 hp (from 67 to 62 kW, respectively) and from 120 to 107 Nm (90 – 79 lb-ft). The 12V starter contributes 3 hp (2.2 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) of its own via a drive belt. The hybrid system only engages during initial acceleration, and it does not look like it is that efficient, judging by 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 12.2 seconds.
The traction battery grows from 3 ampere-hours to 10 Ah, and the manual transmission supports optional AWD, which adds a coupling on the rear axle.
The Swift Sport went electrified prior to the facelift, landing with a 48V starter-generator capable of 14 hp (10 kW) and 53 Nm (39 lb-ft) and an inverter hidden under the passenger seat. Its 1.4-liter engine also takes a performance hit for the sake of Euro-6, dropping from 140 to 129 hp (104 – 96 kW). The peak torque still manages to rise somewhat from 230 to 235 Nm (170 – 173 lb-ft). The new Swift Sport is heavier than the old one, so it sprints 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds with a stick shifter (previously 8.1 s). Top speed stays unchanged at 210 km/h (130 mph).
Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control and an up-to-date infotainment system. The color palette has also been expanded. Sales in Europe should begin later this month, Suzuki reports.