March 1, 2005
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March 1, 2005 |
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4. Powertrain Efficient, enjoyable performance for every driving situation For efficient, enjoyable performance that meets every driverfs needs, the new Swift comes with a choice of three comprehensively upgraded engines (the 1.3-litre M13A petrol engine, the 1.5-litre M15A petrol engine, and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine) and with choice of transmissions (a five-speed manual, an automated five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic). Each engine is tuned with an emphasis on performance at low and mid-range speeds (crucial in urban driving situations and on winding country roads) and incorporates a range of advanced technologies. Key technologies of the petrol engines include variable valve timing (used with the 1.5-litre petrol engine), which helps to maximize torque and power throughout the rev range. The 1.3-litre diesel engine has a common-rail fuel-injection system for superior performance, emission control, and fuel efficiency. It breathes through an intercooled turbocharger, which helps to realize a strong, flat torque curve with smooth response even at low engine speeds. The transmissions also reflect Suzukifs focus on driving pleasure. Key features are as follows: The five-speed manual transmission (used with both petrol engines and DDiS) has an updated short-stroke design with comprehensively enhanced shift linkages that give a firm, quick shift feel. And the automated five-speed manual transmission (used with the 1.3-litre petrol engine) offers the merits of both automated shifting and manual shifting for easy, fuel-efficient driving. Its automated mode has two driver-selectable settings: Economy mode, which emphasizes fuel economy, and normal mode, which emphasizes drivability. The four-speed automatic transmission (used with the 1.5-litre petrol engine) has a gated shift lever that allows the driver to enjoy shifting gears for added exhilaration. This feature is common among sports saloons and coupes but has rarely been seen in the supermini category. 5. Chassis Newly conceived systems for next-generation ride and handling With the new Swift, Suzukifs chassis engineers targeted a dynamic driving experience together with a ride that feels sophisticated and comfortable. They achieved this difficult balance by integrating the body with a newly developed platform incorporating specially conceived chassis systems. The newly developed platform provides the new Swift with wide treads (front: 1470mm, rear: 1480mm), a great overall width (1,690mm), and a long wheelbase (2,380mm). These dimensions not only benefit interior spaciousness but also help to enable superior on-road stability and comfort. The front suspension has a new design in which the lower arms, steering gearbox, and rear engine mounting are attached to a suspension subframe. This design gives significantly higher mounting rigidity, which translates into lower road noise and a stronger feeling of stability. The new Swift breaks further new ground by being equipped with torsion-beam rear suspension, which gives a superior combination of handling stability and ride comfort. One specific merit of the new arrangement is low unsprung weight, which enables camber angle and toe-in to be controlled effectively for accurate and predictable handling. Another merit is a space-efficient layout that permits a low, flat luggage-area floor. To further enhance the driving experience, the power-assisted steering system has a newly developed steering gearbox that gives a more direct feel. And for further controllability, the braking system has an upgraded design in which increased caliper rigidity and other enhancements give sure stopping power. |
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