The Suzuki Swift V 1.2 (94 Hp) 5D, produced between 2010 and 2013, represents a significant iteration of Suzuki’s globally popular supermini. While not officially sold in the United States, the Swift holds a prominent position in the European, Asian, and Australian markets as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical hatchback. This generation, known as the Swift V, focused on refining the previous model’s strengths with improvements to fuel economy, safety, and interior comfort. It competed directly with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Yaris, offering a compelling alternative with its distinctive styling and nimble handling.
Suzuki Swift V: A Detailed Overview
The Swift V 1.2 aimed to provide a balance between practicality and driving enjoyment. It was offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback, catering to families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle for urban and suburban environments. The “V” designation typically indicated a trim level offering a good level of standard equipment, making it a popular choice for buyers looking for value.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Swift V 1.2 is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K12B. This engine produces 94 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 118 Nm (87.03 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4800 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the K12B engine is known for its efficiency and responsiveness in everyday driving conditions. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.7 seconds. The Swift V 1.2 boasts a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). A key strength of this powertrain is its fuel economy, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 US mpg or 56.5 UK mpg). The engine’s weight-to-power ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.6 kg/Nm, contributing to its relatively agile feel.
Design & Features
The Suzuki Swift V 1.2 features a contemporary hatchback design for its time. Its rounded edges and relatively compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight city streets. The five-door configuration provides convenient access to the rear seats, enhancing its practicality. Inside, the Swift V offers seating for five passengers, although rear legroom is somewhat limited. The interior design is functional and straightforward, with a focus on durability and ease of use. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, and higher trim levels may have included additional airbags. The Swift V’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance. Standard tire sizes were 175/65 R15 or 185/55 R16, depending on the trim level.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Swift |
| Generation | Swift V |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (94 Hp) 5D |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 94 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 4800 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K12B |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 74.2 mm (2.92 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.1 l (3.28 US qt | 2.73 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1020 kg (2248.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1480 kg (3262.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 3850 mm (151.57 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2430 mm (95.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.6 m (31.5 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 175/65 R15; 185/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
The Suzuki Swift V 1.2 (94 Hp) 5D, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid and dependable choice in the supermini segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability made it a popular option for buyers in its target markets. It continues to be appreciated for its reliability and ease of maintenance, making it a common sight on roads throughout Europe and Asia.
