What's the news?
Suzuki has added a four-wheel drive version of the Swift to its UK range; it will be available this month. It is aimed at customers who need a little extra traction on slippery surfaces but who don't want an off-road style vehicle.
Two trim levels are available: SZ3 and SZ4. Both come with a 25mm raised ride height and 4x4 badges. The SZ3 is otherwise identical to its two-wheel drive counterpart while the SZ4 gets a more rugged appearance with skid plates at both ends, black wheel arch extensions and black side skirts.
All-wheel drive Swifts come with the 1.2-litre petrol engine and manual transmission. A viscous coupling automatically sends drive to the rear wheels when it is needed. Lightweight, compact components have been used and the 4x4 system adds 65kg to the weight of the vehicle. The CO2 figure is 126g/km, which is 10g/km more than the front-wheel drive model.
Anything else?
Prices start at £11,516 for the Swift SZ3 4x4 and the SZ4 is £13,116; both versions are included in Suzuki's extended VAT-free promotion.
Also joining the Swift line-up is a five-door variant of the Swift Sport junior hot hatch.
John Lambert - 10 Jul 2013