the last samurai, from € 6,000
What are collectables?
These are cars of particular interest and therefore deserving of preservation. Not necessarily old, yet they exist in a defined quantity, either because the manufacturer has decided so, or because their production is stopped. Then, they take advantage of features that make them especially desirable: an engine, a chassis, a design, or a concept. Finally, they are likely to see their rating increase. An additional argument to collect them before everyone else!
Why is the Suzuki Swift Sport II collectable?
It is one of the very last small sports light and relatively simple technically. It thus benefits from angry mechanics and a very lively chassis, which allow it to exude a very particular driving pleasure, while reacting, that current cars, electrified and heavy, cannot reproduce. The Swift Sport therefore embodies an unfortunately bygone era. Finally, its flawless reliability and simple maintenance make it inexpensive in the long term.
I know, a car that’s ten years old or less that arrives in collection, it’s weird. Especially if it is not a hypercar intended for a handful of billionaires capable of giving it a zebra-style covering! But, the Suzuki Swift Sport II is just a small sports car, light and fun like we don’t do anymore!
Deriving from the one released in 2006, it judiciously improves certain points, which one does not necessarily suspect when it is presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011. On the outside, it strongly resembles its predecessor, even if it does not share with her no body panel. Ditto under the hood, where we find the 1.6 l atmospheric gasoline, all the same pushed from 125 hp to 136 hp. Better, it harnesses a box with no more five but six reports, which results in lower CO2 emissions (yes, there was already a penalty). 146 g / km, that didn’t have any consequences…
For their part, the running gear seems unchanged. However, they have been refined. It should be noted that the Swift Sport was developed under the aegis of Naoyuki Takeuchi, an engineer specializing in ground links for 27 years. He equipped it with shock absorbers comprising an internal counter-effect spring, intended to better combat the roll.
In doing so, he was able to soften the anti-roll bars, to the benefit on the one hand comfort, on the other hand grip on bad roads. The rear axle receives new silentblocs, whose hardened front improves stability, and the rear, softer, increases the filtration of inequalities.
Another tip: a sensor measures the deformation of the steering rods, with very finely evaluated rigidity, then sends the information to the computer of the electric assistance motor, which will react accordingly. Details ? Yes, but it’s the final 5% in a car’s design that makes all the difference.
Inside, the finish improves and the equipment is enriched, the auto air conditioning, cruise control and multifunction steering wheel being standard for example. However, there is no question of sliding bench.
Why ? Because it requires a reinforced floor, which, with its rail, results in a heavier weight of around fifty kilos, causing an increase in CO2 emissions … Xenon headlamps are still delivered automatically, everything like the disconnectable ESP.
Displayed at € 17,300 (current € 18,500 according to INSEE: we could still have fun on the cheap…) when it was marketed in 2012, the Swift Sport is attractive, so it is experiencing its small success. In 2014, it benefited from a very light restyling, the technique not being modified. The Japanese (so to speak since it is made in Hungary) is bowing out in 2017.
How much does it cost ?
The price of Swift Sport II less than 200,000 km does not seem to fall below 6,000 €, while at 150,000 km, we are already at 7,500 €. Count € 9,000 to go under 100,000 km, the most expensive remaining at € 14,000 (for approximately 30,000 km). Interestingly, the Swift Sport III starts at 14,500 €: would its predecessor please more?
Which version to choose?
Between phases 1 and 2, the differences are not very significant, and therefore do not justify a preference. Choose the car in the best possible condition.
Collector’s versions
These are the ones with very low mileage and in perfect condition, without modification.
What to watch?
To be honest, not much. The Swift Sport II corrected the flaws of the I, which suffered from a weakness in the box. At most, there are a few reminders, concerning possible brake fluid leaks, rear axle screws that come loose and rear brake caliper problems. Normally everything was solved under warranty.
Obviously, as this is a small sports car, track down wear related to rough use: condition of the front axle rims and silentblocs, clutch, universal joints… Even if no recurring fault has been noted. An enviable reliability, corroborated by the very good rankings obtained by Suzuki in reliability surveys.
Driving
Serious finish but without luxury on board, where the presentation is still much more chic than on board the previous model. Seats and steering wheel adjustable widely, we find a good driving position, a little high certainly. It doesn’t only have drawbacks in terms of visibility though.
Press the start button. From the first few meters, we can measure all the progress made by this second generation. Improved soundproofing, much better filtration, the Swift II proves to be very civilized and smooth when driving. As for the 6th gear, it lowers the engine speed and therefore the noise on the motorway. And on the sport side? Good surprise, the Swift has not lost any of the qualities of its predecessor.
Precise front axle, informative steering, good grip, stern which is placed when the foot is lifted in support, very well proportioned damping, reconciling good body maintenance and rigorous trajectory holding on rough edges… Everything is there!
We have fun frankly in the virolos, especially as the engine takes its 7200 rpm. It is not a violent one, but allied to the very pleasant 6 box to handle, it takes the car more than with dignity, even if it lacks punch under 4000 rpm. The weight limited to 1,045 kg is a precious ally! Only the brakes, certainly powerful, lack a bit of hot behavior.
In short, a small sports car and not a fighter plane, a pleasant and practical car on a daily basis, adoring that it is whipped on small roads. As for consumption, it will not ruin you, amounting to 7.5 l 100 km.
The youngtimer alternative
Suzuki Swift GTI (1989-1995)
It was sold very little here, the fault of the 3% quota affecting Japanese cars in France and fierce competition from French sports, then the best in the world. Importantly, the Suzuki Swift GTI was only imported from 1992 to 1995.
In addition, it lacks power against the tenors of the category (101 hp for its 1.3 l atmo with 16 valves) but its weight remaining limited to 830 kg, it delivers very decent performance: 188 km / h peak. In addition, it offers interesting equipment (electric windows and mirrors, adjustable steering wheel, power steering) for a reasonable price: 84,000 F, against 89,400 F for a Peugeot 106 XSI for example (95 hp). A sporty youngtimer and offbeat, available from € 3,500.
Suzuki Swift Sport II 2012, technical sheet
- Engine: 4-cylinder in-line, 1,586 cc
- Power supply: electronic injection
- Suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar (AV); torsion axle, coil springs anti-roll bar (AR)
- Transmission: 6 manual gearbox, traction
- Power: 136 hp at 6,900 rpm
- Torque: 148 Nm at 4,400 rpm
- Weight: 1,045 kg
- Maximum speed: 195 km / h (manufacturer data)
- 0 to 100 km / h: 8.7 s (manufacturer data)
> To find Swift Sport advertisements, visit the La Centrale website.
