The Suzuki Swift IV, produced between 2004 and 2010, represents the fourth generation of the popular Suzuki Swift subcompact hatchback. While not initially a major player in the North American market, the Swift has enjoyed considerable success in Europe, Asia, and Australia as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly sporty small car. The 1.5 i 16V model, equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 102 horsepower, was a mainstay of the lineup, offering a balance of performance and economy. This generation marked a significant departure from its predecessors, adopting a more modern design and improved mechanicals.
Suzuki Swift IV 1.5 i 16V: A Detailed Overview
The Swift IV aimed to appeal to a broader audience than previous iterations. It offered a choice of three or five-door body styles, catering to different lifestyle needs. The 1.5 i 16V variant specifically targeted buyers seeking a practical and economical vehicle for daily commuting and urban driving, with enough power for occasional highway trips. It competed with other subcompact hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Yaris, offering a distinctive blend of Japanese engineering and styling.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Swift IV 1.5 i 16V lies the M15A engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant delivers 102 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 133 Nm (98.1 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4100 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 9.5 seconds, while 0-100 km/h is achieved in 10 seconds. The car boasts a top speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The power-to-weight ratio of 9.9 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 7.6 kg/Nm contribute to a surprisingly lively driving experience for a vehicle in this class. Fuel economy is a strong point, with urban consumption rated at 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg), and extra-urban consumption at 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Swift IV adopted a more rounded and contemporary design compared to earlier models. The hatchback body style provides a practical and versatile cargo area, with a minimum capacity of 213 liters (7.52 cu. ft.) expanding to 562 liters (19.85 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The interior was designed with functionality in mind, offering seating for five passengers. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The Swift IV’s suspension utilizes coil springs in the front and a torsion beam setup in the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The steering employs a rack and pinion system for precise handling. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels fitted with 185/60 R15 tires. The 3 or 5-door configuration offered flexibility for different user needs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Swift |
| Generation | Swift IV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 i 16V (102 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 102 Hp @ 5900 rpm |
| Torque | 133 Nm @ 4100 rpm (98.1 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M15A |
| Engine displacement | 1490 cm3 (90.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1010 kg (2226.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 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 track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Suzuki Swift IV 1.5 i 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a compelling package of affordability, efficiency, and practicality. Its success in international markets demonstrated Suzuki’s ability to create a well-rounded and appealing subcompact vehicle. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and economical used car.
