2004 Suzuki Swift+ Test Drive

A so-called entry level 5-door hatchback, virtually identical to the Chevrolet Aveo. Front-wheel-drive. 1.6 liter, 4-cylinders. Small engine, big heart. Small exterior, big interior. Small price, big warranty.

Heritage

It began life as a Daewoo product but when GM bought the company the Swift+/Aveo was updated mechanically by Suzuki, given a style refresher by Italy's Giugiaro/ItalDesign, had its development overseen by General Motors engineers in Detroit. A global product if there ever was one! Suzuki, in case, you're not aware, is also a GM subsidiary, which explains the Aveo connection. The Swift+ is available in Canada, not yet in America, but reliable sources inform us it will shortly be added to Suzuki's US portfolio. If you can't wait, use this review as a guide to what you'll get in a Chevrolet Aveo. With one exception: the Aveo is also available as a conventional 4-door sedan. Which makes as much sense as wearing dress shoes to compete in the Boston Marathon.

Coachwork

This critic is a believer in 5-door hatchbacks. They're so logical, one wonders why they're not more successful. Maybe, with the price of fuel rising and lifestyles adjusting, that will change. The 2004 Suzuki Swift+ represents a new breed of small hatch made taller in order to maximise interior roominess. This results in a profile that seems odd to North Americans but is acceptable in other countries; kudos to ItalDesign for breaking up those flat sides with interesting character lines. And to the doubters I say step inside the front or rear doors and be grateful for the ease of entry, ample headroom, sense of spaciousness. Up front there's a dashtop deep enough for a picnic though you may not notice thanks to an extension of the console to a unique information panel you can view without taking your eyes off the road. An AM/FM radio with CD player and four speakers is included, with few controls to confuse the easily confused. Some materials feel cheap but seats are comfortable and the monotone trim is calming. Trunk space with the rear seatback raised is mostly vertical however the 60/40 folding seats flip forward easily and the privacy tray can be removed in seconds, creating a spacious cargo compartment.

On the Road

Most 2004 Suzuki Swift+ and Chevrolet Aveo buyers will be seeking a comfortable ride with enough performance to keep up with traffic. They won't be disappointed. Though the engine is a 1.6 liter four with 103 hp, it is thoroughly sophisticated in design and has that lovely virtue of most small, lightweight engines in that it feels lively and loves to rev. (Big-engine fans, measuring everything in 0-60 acceleration numbers, don't know what they're missing.) Our test car came with a 5-speed manual that, unfortunately, stirred like a spoon in a jam jar. And the clutch take-up was like dancing with a partner who has two left feet. I recommend the optional automatic for all but die-hard enthusiasts. Cruising at 70+ mph is quiet; passing acceleration is more than adequate and you won't be spending much on fuel. Turning circle is tight, steering turn-in not as responsive as the competition. In curves the Swift+ leans enough to remind you that it's a tall car then settles to an acceptable level. Translation? Not as much fun as a Toyota Echo but far more spacious. For buyers in this class, that's what matters.

Summary

There are two ways to look at this car. From a marketer's view, it's an inexpensive way for GM to participate at the low end of the market and for Suzuki, a method of bringing back those legions of people who bought the original Swift and felt they'd been deserted. For you, a potential owner, this is a common-sense vehicle suitable as a second car, affordable first car, or an off-to-school gift from Dads with money to spare. Car nuts may be disappointed because the Swift+ lacks precision handling. But those who appreciate money in the bank and are delighted with hatchback roominess can overlook such faults knowing that the real fun lies in how a car can meet their needs economically and do so day after day. This is a delightful package overall, good value for money, and as we said in the beginning, if you can't wait for the 2004 Suzuki Swift+ to migrate south of the border, check out the Chevrolet Aveo. Everything written here applies equally.