Suzuki Swift 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Suzuki Australia has introduced its four-tier Swift line-up into showrooms this week, with the fifth-generation light car kicking off from $15,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level GL variant.

A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine – which produces 66kW of power at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4400rpm – propels all model grades, except for the flagship GXL Turbo.

In GL guise, this powerplant is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox exclusively, while the two mid-range variants employ a CVT auto.

Standard kit for the 870kg GL includes six airbags, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, cruise control, speed limiter, power windows and side mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels with 175/65 tyres, daytime running lights (DRLs) and privacy glass. 

The GXL Turbo has a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that punches out 82kW at 5500rpm.

Meanwhile, fuel consumption is rated at 4.6L/100km on the combined-cycle test, with 106g/km of CO2.

Stepping up to the $17,990 GL Navigator adds a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, reversing camera, front foglights and 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 185/55 rubber.

Spending an extra $1000 will put buyers into the GL Navigator with Safety Pack, which includes auto emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, weaving alert and an LCD multi-info display. 

The GL Navigator and above include a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio and reversing camera.

Both GL Navigator grades weigh 900kg and sip 4.8L/100km while emitting 110g/km of CO2.

Topping the line-up at $22,990 is the aforementioned GXL Turbo, which upgrades its powertrain to a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that punches out 82kW at 5500rpm and 160Nm between 1500-4000rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. 

Thanks to the more powerful engine and 915kg kerb weight, fuel economy and CO2 emissions climb to 5.1L/100km and 119g/km respectively.

Equipment levels in this variant extend to climate control, telescopic-adjustable steering wheel, chrome door handles, keyless entry and start, LED headlights and DRLs, LED tail-lights, folding side mirrors with integrated indicators, 16-inch polished alloy rims and high-beam assist – which is a Suzuki first.

Six different paint colours are on offer, including 'Burning Red Pearl Metallic', 'Premium Silver Metallic', 'Speedy Blue Metallic', 'Super Black Pearl', 'Pure Pearl White' and 'Mineral Gray' with 'Super Black'-coloured roof.

All Swift grades measure in at 3840mm long, 1735mm wide and 1495mm high with a 2450mm wheelbase, while 242 litres – or 556L  when the rear seats are stowed – of luggage capacity is provided.

According to Suzuki Australia, 55 per cent of Swift sales are expected to be for the GL Navigator, with the GXL Turbo next best at 20 per cent. The Japanese brand has also forecast that 600 units will be sold locally per month.

However, the new model will face competition from within as the Baleno GL and GLX Turbo are priced identically to the Swift GL Navigator and GLX Turbo respectively, but the carmarker says the two vehicles appeal to different customer demographics despite being in the same segment.

Has Suzuki priced the Swift sharply enough to help it make a dent in the light car segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.