Manual Suzuki Swift GL Navigator launched in Australia

In a rare win for manual car drivers, Suzuki Australia has upgraded the equipment for the entry level version of its Swift light car. Upgraded from GL to GL Navigator spec, the entry price of 2019 Suzuki Swift ownership has climbed by $1,000 to $16,990 drive away though standard equipment has increased significantly.

In dealerships now, the upgrading of equipment of the entry Swift now means that the whole Suzuki range is equipped with a reversing camera and satellite navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology.

Suzuki Australia General Manager – Automobile, Michael Pachota said the introduction of the Swift GL Navigator in manual is setting the benchmark for value packed automobiles in the light car market.

“The introduction of a manual transmission Swift GL Navigator is certainly an outstanding opportunity to showcase the superb value offered throughout the Suzuki product range for Australian consumers.”

Further adding “We pride ourselves on providing some of the best value products in the light car segment, only aided by today’s announcement of an expanded Swift range” said Pachota.

Formerly priced at $15,990 drive away, the Suzuki Swift GL Navigator manual is now priced at $16,990 drive away – an increase of $1,000, though standard equipment has been increased with the addition of a 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a reversing camera, as well as LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

This means that, unlike many other cars on sale in Australia, drivers are not being penalised in standard equipment because they have chosen a manual transmission.

That’s in addition to a two-speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, cruise control, front foglamps and LED tailights. Further up the range, the Suzuki Swift earns autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, climate control air conditioning and automatic headlights and wipers, as well as a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine in the GLX Turbo, or a 1.4-litre turbo petrol in the Sport.

Mechanical changes have not been made for this update, with the entry Suzuki Swift still powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Producing a peak 66kW and 120Nm of torque, the Swift is no performance car, though it is frugal at a claimed 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle and a claimed 90g/km of CO2. The Swift uses a five-speed manual, or a CVT automatic in upper models. Choose a Swift Sport and a six-speed manual or automatic is available, the latter coming standard on the 1.0-litre turbo GLX Turbo.

Suzuki Swift sales in 2018 have been positive, with healthy growth recorded so far. Sitting fourth place in the segment behind the Hyundai Accent (12,130), Mazda2 (8,419) and Toyota Yaris (7,305), the Swift has sold 6,289 cars so far this year – an improvement of 38.6 percent over this time last year.