Its time to think four wheel drive

Suzuki have released some new models to their Supermini Swift Range. The Suzuki Swift 4×4 Five Door and now the popular Swift Sport also comes as a Five Door.

The Suzuki Swift has long been a popular choice in the Supermini Segment  and is now available with a full time four wheel drive system. This new model is well priced with low emissions 126g/km, Five Star Euro NCAP Safety and great economy in a very reliable small family car.

This new Suzuki Swift 4×4 5-door can only increase this popularity. Drive went to the launch of the new range and experienced the cars on some fine roads in North Wales.

Of course we aren’t talking SUV here, the Swift 4×4 is still a very capable car for slippery potholed roads, bringing the added fully automatic and permanent 4-wheel drive needed for the long tricky winters in the UK year in, year out. The 4×4 is 65kg heavier than the Swift front-wheel drive model, this does reduce fuel economy 5.2mpg. However the added re-assurance of the 4×4 transmission would still be a plus for owners with four-wheel drive requirements. The Swift 4×4 on snow combined with the Suzuki Winter Tyre programme is certain to be a combination to beat.

The New Swift 4×4 arrives in Britain as a result of great sales in Japan and in other European Countries. It will only be available with the 1.2 petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission. The grades available are the SZ3 and SZ4. The interiors are well matched to the car, hard wearing and attractive. The interior is roomy enough for four and although the car is very compact space is well presented. The SZ3 and SZ4 options are highly specced and dependent on your needs whether the extra cost is worthwhile. The main additions on the higher priced SZ4 are the attractive daytime running lights, cruise control, automatic climate control, rear privacy glass and keyless entry with a start button.

Read the Drive.co.uk Review of the Suzuki Swift Sport which is now also available as a Five Door Model.

On the road the car feels like the Swift many people know and love, agile , but still with the fun factor that it has always had. Now it just comes with a more attached feeling. Still not an overly quick car with a 0-62mph time of 13.4 seconds and a top speed of 102mph. Gears need to be used to keep the car moving, it is an easy car to drive and the overall feeling is a positive plus and once on the move it zips along and is enjoyable and comfortable to be in.

Watch the Drive.co.uk 10 Second Car Video of the Suzuki Swift 4×4

Outside the car looks more rugged with the addition of a neat looking rear diffuser, front and rear plating and cladding on the sills. The cars looks more up-to date and the chunkier look and higher ride enhances its overall appearance.

Drive Verdict – A strong contender for a small family four wheel drive for safer all-weather driving.

Tech spec: Suzuki Swift 4×4

Pricing for the Swift 4×4 1.2 SZ3 £13,819 on the road or with the Suzuki VAT Free offer Pricing £11,516 or with the combined extra equipment of the SZ4 £15,739, VAT Free offer Pricing £13,116

Drive managed to test both cars at the launch

Max Power: 94ps @ 6000rpm

Max Torque: 118 Lbft@ 4800rpm

Max Speed 102mph

Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 13.4 seconds

Claimed MPG: Urban 43.4,  Extra Urban 57.6,  Combined 51.3

CO2 Emissions 126g/km

VED Band D –  Zero Cost first 12 Months then £105

NCAP Safety Rating 5

Read More Suzuki Articles at Drive.co.uk/Suzuki

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