Suzuki Makes a Swift Return to Malaysia
The Return of Suzuki
Kuala Lumpur, 16 May 2005- The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Mr. Osamu Suzuki, personally attended the official public launch of the Suzuki Swift 5 door hatchback at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel today, signifying the return of the sporty Suzuki brand to Malaysia. The Suzuki franchise in Malaysia is held by Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad.
Amidst clouds of ‘smoke’, and accompanied by a cacophony of drum beaters, the Suzuki Swift was unveiled to more than 500 members of the general press, motoring media, dealers and invited guests.
The Suzuki Swift comes in 6 colours, and is equipped with a DOHC 1.5 litre, 16-valve fuel injected engine with Variable Valve Timing, developing 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 133 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, the Swift is front-wheel drive, and has a claimed top speed of 170 km/hr.
Suspension is Macpherson struts in front, and a torsion beam axle at the rear, with coil springs all round. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at the front, while the rear is fitted with drums. A 4-wheel ABS system is standard. Size-wise, the Suzuki Swift is 3695mm long, 1690mm wide, and is 1510mm high. Wheelbase is 2390mm, and overall weight is between 1050kg to 1060kg, depending on specification level. Wheels are 15 inch alloys, fitted with 185/60 R 15 tyres.
Safety items other than the ABS are, EBD, a collapsible steering column, leg injury mitigating brake and clutch pedals (manual), front seatbelt pre-tensioners, twin front airbags, and tamper-resistant door locks.
According to Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Mohd Saleh Sulong, Group Chairman of DRB-HICOM Berhad, the company aims to sell between 400 to 500 units of the Swift a month for this year. He also stated that Suzuki will launch two other models to complement the current range in a couple of months.
The Suzuki Swift is priced at between RM79, 800 (basic model, price on the road without insurance), and RM84, 000 for the special edition.
