The Suzuki Swift is still a super sweet car!

[SVOboy]

Too bad you can't buy it in the US...I was really impressed by the look of these when I saw a bunch last summer in Japan, but this bit of news I found even more impressing:

Due to what Suzuki is calling a "revision in engine emissions," the Swift 1.3-liter DDiS model has had its CO2 rating reduced from 124g/km to 119g/km, placing it in the UK's Vehicle Excise Duty Band B, which has an annual charge of £35 per year. Additionally, the Swift DDiS will be free of any Congestion Charges in London due to its emissions of less than 120g/km of C02.

The new Swift will probably be a decent drive, with 125 lb ft (170 Nm) at just 2000 rpm being plenty to get the little car moving. What's more, the turbo diesel mill will return 61.4 mpg in the Combined cycle. Priced at £10,515 in the U.K., the new DDiS model lies in the middle of the Swift range and marks a pretty decent value for the money. Press release after the break.

Press Release:

Suzuki Swift - Now Even Kinder to Your Wallet

Lower emissions and exemption from London congestion charge for 1.3-litre DDiS model

The Suzuki Swift offers a blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics in the compact car segment and has the individuality to attract the most discerning of supermini customers.

As with all Suzuki models, cost of ownership is already low for the Swift range and now customers choosing the 1.3-litre DDiS model are even better off thanks to the latest revision in engine emissions. The CO2 rating has been reduced from 124g/km to just 119g/km which places the model in the 'B' Band VED rating and an annual charge of just £35 per year, a saving of £80.

Also, from late October this year, the DDiS model will qualify for exemption from the London Congestion Charge, representing a saving of around £2,000 per year to a commuter driving into the capital.

The 1.3-litre common rail diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler provides smooth, effortless progress even at low engine speeds. With the wide spread of torque peaking at 125 lb ft (170 Nm) at just 2000 rpm it provides superb flexibility. The engine is mated to the same quick-shifting five-speed manual transmission that's used in petrol models and is capable of 61.4 mpg in the Combined cycle.

All Swift models have a comprehensive standard specification which includes radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and tinted glass, while 1.5 GLX models and 1.3 DDiS gain air conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lamps and keyless entry and start.

As well as being an enjoyable and inexpensive car to own, the Swift is a secure place to be in the event of an accident. When launched three years ago, Swift was awarded 4 Stars for occupant protection, 3 Stars for child protection and an impressive 3 Stars for pedestrian protection by Euro NCAP.
All models incorporate as standard driver and passenger front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, three point ELR seatbelts for all seats and child seat ISOFIX attachments on the rear seat.

The 1.3-litre DDiS is priced at £10,515 and pricing for the Swift range starts at just £8,260 for the three door 1.3-litre GL model, rising to £11,915 for the high performance 123hp 1.6-litre Sport.
[Source: Suzuki]

From: ABG

[tasdrouille]

The Suzuki Swift is currently sold in Canada, but it's getting a bad rep as they are just unreliable and inefficient rebadged Daewoos. I would however really consider a Suzuki made swift as a small commuter.

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

The Suzuki Swift is currently sold in Canada, but it's getting a bad rep as they are just unreliable and inefficient rebadged Daewoos. I would however really consider a Suzuki made swift as a small commuter.

I resemble that remark.

It does have quite the good looks in my opinion.

[tasdrouille]

Well, maybe I generalized a bit. I owned a 2004 swift+ for 3 years and was stating my opinion. I agree it looks good and there's a lot of inside space for such a small car. But the motor, the 2004 at least, was a real gas hog for the size. The car was very prone to rust. The parts were also only available through the stealer and were really expensive.

I had a very good experience with a 91 swift in the past, and not so much with the 2004. That's why I would only consider a Suzuki made swift.

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

But the motor, the 2004 at least, was a real gas hog for the size. The parts were also only available through the stealer and were really expensive.

I agree with everything you said.

[Ryland]

UK£ 10 515 = 20,752 U.S. dollars

That seems a little high, but then again I don't normally buy new cars.

[rmay635703]

The 010 swift is supposed to be coming back to america.

Is it Anything like the Geo Metro or just a plain pile?

Suzuki Swift coming to the U.S. in 2010 — Autoblog

[SVOboy]

That's great news...I've always loved the car

[tjts1]

Why does Suzuki sell rebadged Daewoos and Fiats in the US when it builds its own brilliant cars over seas?

[Frank Lee]

Can't believe the 1.0 is gone. I think it's a good mill and further development could have made it even better.

I liked the styling direction of the older Metro/Swift better- more sleek, less chunky, although in spite of saying that the new one looks good too.

Now if only they would decide to provide rust protection and yes, stop raping the customer at the parts counter. Those two things alone would keep me from patronizing them.