A GOOD ATTITUDE TO HYBRID

Suzuki GB PLC is pleased to announce further availability of its Special Edition Swift Attitude which is now Hybrid equipped and limited to just 350 cars. The Attitude is based on the popular SZ-T model and offers a unique exterior design from its numerous styling upgrades. Swift Attitude offers good affordability and low running costs and is one of the most powerful and economical cars amongst its direct competitors.

In addition to the comprehensive SZ-T standard specification which includes air conditioning, smartphone link display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, rear privacy glass and LED daytime running lights, Attitude adds mesh front grille with chrome trim, rear upper spoiler and front, side and rear carbon effect skirts.

With its unique to model styling upgrades and 1.2-litre Dualjet Hybrid engine, Attitude offers a sporting design and is ideal for younger buyers who may perhaps aspire to the 1.4-litre Sport Hybrid model in the future.

Attitude Hybrid is powered by Suzuki's K12C 1.2-litre Dualjet four cylinder engine and 12 volt Hybrid system with an output of 90PS and is equipped with five speed manual transmission. It has a CO2 emissions figure of 121g/km (WLTP regulation) and WLTP Combined fuel consumption is 52.7 mpg.

Suzuki pioneered the compact and low cost 12V Hybrid system in 2016 and it is ideally suited to its small cars such as Swift; the hybrid components add just 10kg to the overall kerb weight whilst reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 11 per cent.

The Hybrid system is a compact and lightweight unit that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor. the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.

Until the end of September 2020 or when stocks run out, Swift Attitude is priced at £15,999 and available with a very attractive Zero per cent PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) offer too. A deposit of £2,312 is all that is required followed by 48 monthly payments of just £189 and a final optional payment of £4,615 to keep the car.

Swift Attitude is available in Fervent Red as a solid colour and Pure White, Premium Silver, Super Black, Speedy Blue, Mineral Grey and Burning Red as metallic colours as a £485 cost option.

by Suzuki

The Suzuki Swift was introduced in 1985 and has remained in production to the present day. In the United States marketplace, the production of the Swift ended in 2000.

When the Suzuki Swift was first introduced, it was named the SA-310, and was renamed in 1986 to Swift. Under the hood was a straight-three cylinder engine that displaced 993cc and produced 50 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took 14.9 seconds with top speed being achieved at 145 km/h. The engine may not have been very powerful, but it was very lightweight, weighing only 63 kg. A variety of optional engines were available, which included a turbocharged version.

The Swift was sold under various names and badgings, including the Pontiac Firefly, Chevrolet Sprint, Geo Metro, and Maruti Esteem.

The first series of the Swift was the MK1, produced from 1984 through 1988. Two versions were available, a 1-liter GA and 1.0-liter GL. The GA was a 'minimalistic' vehicle, with plastic wheel covers and a five-speed gearbox. The GL also had a five-speed gearbox but added a sunroof and alloy wheels. In some markets, the GL came with air conditioning.

The GTi version came equipped with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that had an aluminum block and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and cast aluminum high-compression pistons. Power was rather impressive, producing just over 100 horsepower. It was available in a limited number of markets, including Europe and the Asian-Pacific markets.

The second generation of the Swift was introduced in 1989 and remained in production until 1991. Its design was all-new and featured many curves and a rounder body. It had many mechanical improvements, including four-wheel independent suspension. Under the hood was a 1-liter 3-cylinder engine; optional equipment included a 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The three-cylinder engine produced just over 50 horsepower. The GTi version had an improved engine, now producing over 100 horsepower. Also included with the GTi were disc brakes which helped keep the car in the driver's control.

In the North American market, there were two trim levels available in 1989, including a 3-door GTi and a 5-door GLX. In 1990, the GTi name changed to GT. Volkswagen had laid claim to the name, and demanded Suzuki change it - which they did.

In 1992, the third generation of the Swift was introduced, remaining in production until 1994. It had the same body style as the MKII; the major changes were the bumpers, taillights, and interior. Mechanical changes followed, such as larger sway-bars for the GT/GTi versions.

In North America, Suzuki Swift production ended in 1994. In Japan, the Swift (known there as the Cultus) ended in 1998. In Europe, it was called the MK 2 Type 1 and remained in production until 2003.

A special edition of the Suzuki Swift, called the Suzuki Swift MK3.5, was offered from 1995 through 2001 to the North American public.

The Swift MK4 was introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004. It is currently in production in the European market and in Japan and many other countries. Sales are reported to be very solid.

by Dan Vaughan