The Suzuki Swift IV, produced between 2004 and 2010, represents a significant evolution in Suzuki’s popular supermini. This generation of the Swift, while not officially sold in the United States, was a key model for Suzuki in Europe, Asia, and other global markets. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Yaris, the Swift IV offered a blend of affordability, practicality, and a surprisingly engaging driving experience. The 1.3 DDiS variant, equipped with a diesel engine and automatic transmission, catered to buyers seeking fuel efficiency and ease of use, particularly in regions where diesel fuel was more prevalent and economically advantageous. This article details the technical specifications and characteristics of the Suzuki Swift IV 1.3 DDiS (70 Hp) Automatic.
Suzuki Swift IV 1.3 DDiS: An Overview
The Swift IV marked a departure from its predecessor, adopting a more modern and rounded design. It was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, offering flexibility to suit different lifestyles. The 1.3 DDiS engine, a common choice in Europe due to favorable tax regulations for smaller diesel engines, provided a balance between performance and economy. The availability of an automatic transmission further broadened its appeal, making it accessible to a wider range of drivers. While the US market largely favored larger vehicles, the Swift IV’s compact size and efficient engine would have aligned with growing trends towards fuel economy and urban mobility had it been offered stateside.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Swift IV 1.3 DDiS is a 1.248-liter (76.16 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z13DT. This engine produces 70 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. Despite its modest power output, the engine’s torque characteristics provide reasonable acceleration and good drivability in everyday conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.2 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 15.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.3 kg/Nm, indicating a relatively efficient powertrain.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Swift IV is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback available with either three or five doors. Its compact dimensions – 3695 mm (145.47 in) in length, 1690 mm (66.54 in) in width, and 1500 mm (59.06 in) in height – make it well-suited for navigating congested urban environments. The interior comfortably accommodates five passengers. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The trunk offers a minimum of 213 liters (7.52 cu. ft.) of cargo space, expandable to 562 liters (19.85 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Swift IV’s design prioritized practicality and affordability, with a focus on providing a functional and reliable vehicle for everyday use. The interior, while simple, was designed for durability and ease of maintenance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Swift |
| Generation | Swift IV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 DDiS (70 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 70 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1750 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z13DT |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69.6 mm (2.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1065 kg (2347.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1525 kg (3362.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 213 l (7.52 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 562 l (19.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3695 mm (145.47 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm (93.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 |
The Suzuki Swift IV 1.3 DDiS Automatic, while not a performance car, offered a practical and economical transportation solution for a wide range of buyers. Its compact size, fuel-efficient engine, and available automatic transmission made it a popular choice in markets where these attributes were highly valued. The Swift IV continues to be appreciated for its reliability and affordability, making it a common sight on European roads even today.
