Suzuki's brand new Swift is proof that stylish concept show cars can make it into production.

With styling that is dynamic and substantial, the Swift closely follows the look of the Suzuki Concept-S car first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2002 and then the Concept-S2.

The S2 was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and, while it was an open-top sports car, it was dimensionally similar to the production Swift now unveiled in New Zealand.

Yet Swift is much more than a pretty face. It is a quantum leap in design, flair and interior quality, and a Japanese car developed in Europe for today's world markets.

Code-named YN2, the 2005 Swift is already earning a reputation as a class-leading small car for its strong performance and endearing handling and trim road-holding.

With the widest overall wheel tracks in the class – 1,470mm at the front and 1,480mm rear – the Swift has a wide stance and a friendly character with distinctive looks that are all too rare today.

The wraparound glasshouse and black finish on the A- and B-pillars add to the integration of the body style, while body-colour, pullout door handles add a further touch of class. Vertically stacked headlamps incorporate twin indicator units and make a strong statement.

Wheel arches are boldly flared and the distinctive waistline rises to the rear where it is met by a superbly shaped tail, indicator and brake light clusters. The deep tailgate meets a large rear bumper that forms a solid visual base for the lower part of the body.

At the top of the tailgate, the roof's trailing edge is shaped like a spoiler, helping to produce a drag coefficient of 0.32.

Special mounting rigidity allows the power assisted rack and pinion steering to impart good feel while high body rigidity enables the suspension and steering systems to work to their full potential. The Swift's 15-inch diameter wheels are fitted with 185/60R series tyres.

MacPherson strut and coil spring suspension is used up front. Suspension lower arms, steering, gearbox and rear engine mountings are attached to a suspension frame rather than to the body, while the lower arms are a rigid new L-shaped design.
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