Suzuki Swift auto 2005 review

With only a 1.5-litre four cylinder engine on board, the Swift struggles at times.

But the gated four speed auto has a good spread of ratios and it is easy to flick between gears.

• This is the car Suzuki has been waiting for. It looks great, particularly in profile, with a much stronger, muscular presence than the current crop of tall goofy looking gokarts.
• Build quality is impressive and so is the price which starts at $15,990. You get a lot of car for your money and it makes the Swift a strong contender for car of the year.
• 1.5-litre four cylinder twin cam engine delivers 74kW of power and 133Nm of torque. It's a double overhead cam unit, but Suzuki was producing this kind of power almost 20 years ago with its 1.3-litre GTi. Can't wait for the GTi version of this car, with say the 1.8-litre engine from the Liana.
• Gated four-speed auto lends itself to manual changes. There's not much oomph in top gear but a flick left finds third gear for overtaking. Pull back from here for second. Couldn't be easier.
• Brakes are a disc/drum combo. Loses points in this department, but they seem up to the task.
• Standard equipment includes aircondition- ing, two airbags, ABS brakes, electric mirrors and windows, keyless entry, six speaker in dash CD stereo system, audio controls on a leather steering wheel.
• Suspension is geared towards ride rather than handling and a version with sports suspension is another item for our wish list. Handles pretty well just the same, with an occasional bouncy moment.
• Economy is excellent at a claimed 7.5L/100km for the auto and it runs on standard unleaded. You can coach yourself to drive more economically with the instantaneous readout from the trip computer.
• Sporty touches include a three spoke leather steering wheel, stumpy gear shift lever and illuminated ring around the speedometer. A smallish computer screen located atop and centre of the dash shows time, fuel consump- tion, and outside temperature.
• Good audio for the money with six speakers including a subwoofer located under the driver's seat.
• Bit disappointed with the way the upholstery is are finished. Almost like after market seat covers with tie offs flapping around.
• For $2000 more you get the Swift S with fog lamps, alloy wheels, and side and curtain airbags.

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