New Dualjet engine unveiled for stunning Suzuki Swift

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

Suzuki is determined to strengthen its UK position with the January arrival of a new and much more efficient engine for Swift.

The company has recognised opposition growth in this lower end of the market with Fiesta and Corsa both boasting efficient one-litre alternatives  and launched a new 1.2-litre petrol unit incorporating Suzuki’s latest technology, utilising twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy.

That means fewer trips to the petrol pump, startling fuel figures and emission levels lower than the vehicle excise charge level. 

The new technology, known as Dualjet, has resulted in Swift  boasting 65.7mpg on the combined fuel consumption cycle, representing a 16 per cent improvement over the current petrol engine.

Another benefit of Dualjet technology is reduced CO₂ emissions of 99g/km, meaning that Swift models with this engine are now exempt from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) charges.

Outwardly the test car looked no different and to be honest it was impossible to tell it apart from the current petrol model – the only difference will be in the driver’s pocket.

When the car arrives in showrooms in January it will cost you an extra £500 but owners will recoup the extra spend pretty quickly. Add the money you save on visits to the pumps to the £175 saving on excise licence costs and it makes sense to choose the new Dualjet model.

It’s a complex system but the new technology positions the fuel injectors closer to the engine inlet valves allows for a finer fuel mixture which provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. Internal modifications to the engine include the use of a new type of inlet port and combustion chamber with other mechanical parts also modified to reduce frictional losses and provide smoother running.

The maximum power output is 90PS versus 94PS for the current petrol engine with a slightly increased torque figure of 120Nm at 4,400rpm versus 118Nm at 4,800rpm.

Other modifications include slight alterations to gear ratios for greater flexibility on the road, and the addition of Engine Auto Stop Start (EASS).

The new Dualjet technology for Swift will initially be available as an optional engine choice on SZ4 two wheel drive models.

There are, of course, better equipped opponents to Swift and while you get what you pay for with this model inside the cabin there’s a dynamic feel and attractive black seats with colour-coding stripes.

Global sales of Swift have now passed the four million mark since launch in 2004 – eighteen months after the celebration of three million units. Launched in the UK in May 2005; more than 90,000 Swifts have been sold and now account for around 30 per cent of the UK sales mix.

Since June 2014 all Swift models are fitted as standard with LED daytime running lights and front fog lights. A gear shift indicator was also added on manual models to help aid fuel efficiency as well as a Tyre Pressure Monitor System.

Swift is available in four clearly defined specification grades, SZ2, SZ3, SZ4 plus Swift Sport; in addition to seven airbags and ESP as standard, SZ2 has front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric front windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

There’s a MP3/WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls. SZ3 adds air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, an integrated audio unit with bluetooth connectivity, including music streaming facility.

Since June 2014, SZ4 models are equipped with navigation and DAB digital radio as standard equipment which adds to the already high specification that includes automatic air conditioning, electric rear windows, rear privacy glass, push button keyless start, automatic headlamps, cruise control and mirrors with integrated turn indicators.

That’s a pretty high spec for a car that will only set you back £11,500 in January.