Overview of the Suzuki Swift
Suzuki's first passenger car in Australia became immensely popular during the 1980s and 1990s as a fun and well-priced little hatchback.
A sporty GTi variant, which ran from 1989 to 2000, became something of a cult car among keen drivers on a tight budget.
Strangely, there was a five-year sabbatical for the Swift - its place taken by the less-appealing Ignis - before it returned to welcome arms in 2005.
It's since continued its popularity with city-car buyers.
SUZUKI SWIFT GENERATIONS (SINCE 2005)
2005-2011
2011-2017
2017 onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
1.2L 4-cylinder: 4.6 to 4.8 litres per 100km
1.0L 3-cylinder turbo: 5.1 litres per 100km
1.4L 4-cylinder turbo (Sport): 6.1 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or six months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $175 and $469. Suzuki Swift parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO SUZUKI SWIFT
Ford Fiesta
Kia Rio
Mazda 2
Toyota Yaris
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: SUZUKI SWIFT (2011 to 2017)
The Swift generally has a good reputation in the trade, but a few recalls have blotted that copybook slightly.
The recalls involve all sorts of things from potentially leaky fuel-filler pipes to loose bolts that join the engine to the gearbox and even poorly fitted water pumps.
Perhaps the most serious was a flaw in the manufacture of the steering assembly that could see water leak into the steering and rust the internal bits, leading to early wear and, potentially, steering failure.
The other serious recall was to check the braking system which, thanks to a manufacturing flaw, could lose fluid, leading to brake failure.
It's worth checking with a Suzuki dealer that these recalls have been completed on any vehicle you're considering.
The Swift has always been popular with younger drivers, so check for poorly repaired crash damage. Check that the service record doesn't have any gaps.
