Suzuki Swift Problems

Back in 1989 when Suzuki launched the Swift it was virtually alone in the light hatch segment. There were lots of small cars at the time, but the Swift was a light little hatch that was smaller again and almost formed its own market segment.Suzuki has never had much more than a toehold in the Australian market despite having a reputation for solid engineering.The company is better known for its motorcycles, while its cars have been quirky with a strong connection to their two-wheel cousins in an engineering sense.It’s that motorcycle connection that helps explain the nature of the company’s cars, which have always been light with power delivered by small jewel-like engines that love to be revved.The Swift GTi was the sporty version of the Swift hatch. It was a pocket rocket that won a following with younger drivers who came to admire its giant-killing capacity when pitted against bigger and much more powerful cars in rallying and on the racetrack.MODEL WATCHThe SF Swift first saw light of day here in 1989. It was a cute little car offered as a three-door or five-door hatch, and while it was a small car it was really a size below most of the other small cars on the market.Its formula, one Suzuki seemed to adopt from its experience in building motorcycles, was of a light car with a free-revving engine that resulted in an impressive power-to-weight ratio.Japanese motorcycle manufacturers long understood the value of the power-to-weight formula as a way of achieving high performance without the need for a big engine.In that sense the Swift was a motorcycle on four wheels, but it’s that same philosophy that presents problems in the used car scene.The GTi was the sporty model in the Swift range. It came only as a three-door hatch and boasted more thrills than frills.It was dressed up with body-coloured bumpers that gave it a sporty look, but other than that there were few cosmetic changes to the basic Swift.Weighing a mere 830 kg fully dressed the GTi didn’t need much in the way of grunt to get it moving swiftly.Power was provided by a diminutive 1.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine that was able to generate 74 kW when at its angriest, which was when it was spinning at 6450 revs. Maximum torque was a tiny 113 Nm at 4950 revs.A five-speed manual gearbox processed the power before sending it on to the front wheels for transfer to the road.To get the best out of it you had to clamp your right foot to the floor and keep it there. Soft peddling would get you nowhere.In fact, even when you did rev it the result was hardly likely to take your breath away. Under the pressure of a stopwatch a Swift GTi would still take more than 17 seconds to cover the standing 400-metre sprint.The reality was that the GTi wasn’t that quick in a straight line, but that wasn’t its strength. The GTi came into its own when the road twisted and turned, its low weight helped make it nimble, which was the real key to its appeal.While it handled well its suspension was firm and its ride too hard to appeal to anyone but the young enthusiast.The list of standard features was quite short, consisting of fog lamps, power windows and mirrors, sports seats and trim, and four-speaker radio-cassette sound.IN THE SHOPThe GTi’s light construction, and the real chance they have been driven hard and fast by enthusiasts, means they need be approached with caution. Look for doors that have sagged, hatches that don’t quite fit the body openings properly, and general squeaks and rattles.Many have been used in competition over the years so look for odd holes and modifications to fit safety equipment like fire extinguishers, racing harnesses and roll cages. Steer clear of any car that appears to have been used in that way.While the engine is a gem it should be checked thoroughly for wear. Watch for oil smoke from the exhaust, which might indicate worn rings or other deeper internal issues needing attention.Listen for clicking noises from the front suspension when turning, which suggests the CV joints are worn and need replacing.Ask for a service record that shows the GTi has been regularly and properly serviced, including regular changes of engine coolant.IN A CRASHLight construction, the capacity to go quickly, and a lack of ABS anti-skid brakes and airbags means the GTi doesn’t score highly on the safety scale.In recent real life crash surveys the Swift has been rated significantly worse than average, not a good report at all.OWNERS SAYHenry Chung once owned a 1997 Suzuki Swift GTi and his memory of it was that it was a zippy little hatchback that loved to be revved, but was economical to run, easy to maintain and could be readily modified to increase its performance. But its back seats were cramped and it was prone to sticking tappets, its CV joints wore quickly and blue smoke could be seen occasionally coming from the exhaust.LOOK FOR• Rattling engine• Exhaust smoke• Ticking front suspension• Cramped interior• Body squeaks and rattles• Poor crash protection• Agile handlingTHE BOTTOM LINEHot hatch has seen better days, best to be avoided.RATING45/100

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA

The cars were produced between September 2010 and last month, with 55,146 shipped to the domestic market and 53,801 others that were exported to countries including to Australia, Mexico, and Europe.Suzuki said that an inadequate connection on the rubber fuel filler hose could cause petrol to leak. Four cases of such leakage have been reported in Japan, but they did not lead to any accidents, the statement revealed."There have been no reports of such defects abroad,'' the spokesman added. "About the exported cars, we will deal with them in keeping with local procedures of the countries concerned.''In March, Suzuki recalled about 93,000 Swifts, including 11,000 in Australia, to repair the fuel filling system.