2005 SUZUKI Swift 3 Doors 1.3L DDiS 5MT FWD (69 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Suzuki unveiled the fourth generation of the Swift at the Paris Motor Show with a three and a five-door version, specially designed for the European market.

The Japanese carmaker already had a factory in Hungary, and after an unsuccessful WagonR and SX4 lineups built for Europe in cooperation with other carmakers, it decided to go on its own and develop the Swift from the ground up and sell it on the small-segment. Thus, it matched the saying, “If you want a job done right, then do-it-yourself”. It was a major step forward for Suzuki, and the result matched the expectations.

With its rounded shapes and vertical, swept-back headlights, the Swift stood apart from its competitors due to its high greenhouse and tall door panels. Its blacked A- and B-pillars made the car looked like it had a floating roof. Its 3.7m (12.14 ft) length qualified it as a city vehicle, while its 2.4m (7.8 ft) wheelbase was just 10 cm (4″) shy of a Golf MK4’s. The three-door version offered easier access inside the car and small, fixed windows for the rear passengers.

Inside, Suzuki used its kei-car experience and installed tall seats that led to plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. Even though it was often criticized for the driving position, many of its customers were happy since they were shorter and could see better than in most of the other city-segment vehicles.

Suzuki installed a choice of four engines under the Swift’s hood. While the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gasoline engines were shared with its five-door sibling, the 125 hp 1.6-liter unit was installed exclusively on the three-door Swift. A 1.3-liter turbo-diesel engine was carried over from Fiat and offered for the entire range.