Suzuki New Swift (ZC72S)

2011 Suzuki Swift (ZC72S)

Slated for Japanese sales this September, the sixth-generation Suzuki Swift (Third-generation in the JDM category) was made to be an honest eco-car not just for Japan, but also for the rest of Asian and European markets. While the Swift Sports variant is just an issue of the past, most Suzuki enthusiasts will have to make do with just the regular version. The Swift's exterior was just an improved look of the previous generation with the side view that is similar to the Nissan Juke. On the rear view, the new Swift achieved a sexier curve, leaving the Toyota Passo and the Nissan March wave their white flags because the new Swift's attractive design beats the odds of these Japanese compacts.

On the inside, the Swift uses the interior found on Suzuki's medium sedan, the Kizashi. Once you get inside on the new Swift, you might have a split-second decision which is which because the Swift's interior is similar to the Kizashi. Who knows, this Kizashi-style interior will be outfitted to future Suzuki models as we say it.

With its styling cues, the new Suzuki Swift comes with the breakthrough K12B engine that produces a power output of 91PS/6,000rpm and the torque output of 12.0kg･m/4,800rpm. When armed with the 5-speed manual, the fuel efficiency will be 21.0km/L but with the CVT equipped on the new Swift, the fuel efficiency reaches to an optimum 23.0km/L. Not bad for an eco-car, outwitting the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Passo, but not well enough to fight the Nissan March because its fuel efficiency is way beyond compare.

My thoughts about the Swift:
With this compact having just the decent details, and with the Swift Sports variant coming very very soon, this Swift was made to be a decent competitor to the new Toyota Passo and the new Nissan March. Think about it, will Suzuki Philippines bring the new Swift here? The answer has a 60:40 fold, it may or it may not come but this compact is a perfect alternative to the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Jazz (Fit in other countries). Oh the contrary, you do not need to show her how the Swift's paddle shifters work, because she knows how you handle the new Swift well. The new Suzuki Swift will be available in Japan this September and the rest of the world sometime.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation