2011 Suzuki Swift.
Latest generation of Japanese brand's biggest-selling car looks almost identical to the old model - but it brings a host of improvements including class-leading fuel economy, albeit with a drop in power.
It's no overstatement to describe the latest-generation Swift as a crucial car for Suzuki Australia - not when the nameplate accounts for more than half of total sales.
The company has shifted 65,000 Swifts since the last model was launched in 2005, with two million sold globally, so it's perhaps no surprise that Suzuki has barely tinkered with the formula.
Suzuki called its development program for the new model "More Swift", which it says reflected its aim to take an evolutionary approach to improving areas such as efficiency, sportiness and quality.
Even the styling is remarkably similar, though the Swift grows in every dimension - notably length, which sees the distance between front and rear bumpers extend by 95mm. A 40mm wheelbase increase contributes to more interior space and improved high-speed stability.
Pricing, though, takes a slight step backwards - with the entry-level Swift reverting to its 2005 launch cost of $15,990 (plus on-road costs).
The base Swift adopts the GA designation as part of a revised naming system for trim levels, followed in sequence by the $16,690 mid-spec GL and $18,990 top-tier GLX.
The Swift GA, which Suzuki says will account for a fifth of Swift sales while the GL and GLX share 40 per cent each, is available with a five-speed manual gearbox only. A four-speed auto is a $1700 option for the other models, taking the GL and GLX to recommended prices of $18,390 and $20,690 respectively (before on-road costs).
All Swifts, though, are powered by the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder, a new engine that is lighter than the 1.5-litre unit it replaces but with less power.
Most car makers these days are building downsized engines that produce more power as well as using less fuel, though the Swift's four-cylinder is successful only in reducing fuel consumption.
Power and torque drop by 4kW and 3Nm to outputs of 70kW and 130Nm, but at least the manual Swifts can boast class-leading efficiency with 5.5 litres per 100km - down from 6.3L/100km. The auto also drinks less - down from 6.6 to 6.2L/100km.
The previous Swift was fun to drive but Suzuki's engineers have targeted incremental improvements to driving dynamics. Body stiffness has been increased by 15 per cent, the electric steering adopts a variable-ratio set-up, there are slightly thicker brake discs for the 15-inch-wheeled GA and GL models, and the carryover suspension has been tweaked to help reduce body roll, or leaning through corners.
More extensive use of high-strength steel has also contributed to an improved NCAP crash rating, with the new Swift gaining an extra star to score the maximum five-star rating.
Safety features also include seven airbags for the all-new interior and electronic stability control on every model.
The base Swift GA is otherwise limited to features such as four-speaker audio, power windows/mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels, with the GL adding items such as leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, six-speaker audio and tachometer (rev counter).
Stepping up to the range-topping GLX brings 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/start, Bluetooth, climate control and foglights. It's also the only Swift to feature a steering wheel that adjusts for reach as well as height.
A successor to the 1.6-litre-engined Swift Sport is expected later this year but don't hold your breath for a return of the cult Swift GTi.
Suzuki Australia believes the new model can boost Swift sales by at least 10 per cent, putting further pressure on key rivals such as the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and Mazda2.
