SWIFT SPORT

Suzuki Swift Sport 5 door 2014 review

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Verdict

4

The updates to the Suzuki Swift Sport for 2014 don’t exactly run to much, but the new infotainment system works well and adds even more appeal to an already well-equipped car. It doesn’t cost much extra either, meaning the Swift Sport remains great value and great fun.

Suzuki has ushered in the new year by adding a combined sat-nav and DAB radio infotainment unit to the standard kit of the Suzuki Swift Sport. However, the price of the five-door model tested here has crept up by £250, too.

• Full Suzuki Swift Sport review

The Swift Sport remains one of the best-handling superminis you can buy, and is a real pleasure to drive, whether it’s just to pop to the shops or to take on a twisty B-road. Its naturally aspirated engine is only a modest performer when you compare it to the 182bhp turbocharged Ford Fiesta ST.

That adds to the fun, though, as you have to pick your lines through bends with care, so you maximise momentum, and work the slick six-speed gearbox to keep the engine spinning above 4,000rpm. All the while you’re enjoying the nicely weighted steering and strong brakes, too.

It’s a great little hatchback when you’re not pushing hard, too. The dampers are provided by specialists Monroe and strike a great compromise between getting the best out of the chassis when you’re going for it, and giving a surprisingly supple ride when you’re just cruising around town.

The sports seats offer lots of support, too, once you get them in the right position. It’s not quite as sharp to drive, nor as quick, but the Swift feels more comfortable than the hot Fiesta, while the five-door option means that it’s more practical despite being smaller.

• Best hot hatchbacks

The Swift’s radio/CD player did feature a display akin to an early-90s Casio watch. Now it’s been replaced by a similar unit to that fitted to higher-spec Suzuki SX4 S-Cross models. It’s not a bespoke system, but in a cheaper car like the Swift it fits just fine. It’s easy to use, too, so pairing your smartphone with the Bluetooth is simple, the sat-nav screen is easy to use and follow, and DAB radio reception is strong. The steering wheel has volume and phone controls, too, which help to make the infotainment system feel well integrated into the car.

The styling might be a tad derivative – there’s more than a hint ofMINI in the way it looks – but the Swift Sport is still a handsome enough supermini. It’s a bit bland on the inside, too, but the cabin is spacious and there’s loads of equipment thrown in. Add in the excellent chassis, and the Swift Sport remains the best ‘warm’ hatchback on sale.

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Submitted by Nick on Mon, 2014-02-03 12:58.

This is a good car but the new Mini Cooper has better performance, lower emissions, probably more fun to drive, doesn't look like a Skoda Fabia and doesn't cost much more. Having said that this is so much better than any other small Japanese hatchback than I can think of. It has character.

Submitted by Nick on Mon, 2014-02-03 13:01.

Oh and it's styling is based on the Mini (as is the Fabia) which is why I compared it.

Submitted by DAB+ on Mon, 2014-02-03 15:31.

It's great that Suzuki provides a DAB radio in the Swift Sport as standard in England. In Australia the BMW M6 Grand Coupe costs just under AUS $300,000 and DAB radio is not standard. It is a $920 option. Well done to Suzuki. Hope that it does the same in Australia.

Submitted by AJ on Mon, 2014-02-03 20:35.

Are you suggesting that all B - segment euro cars have character?! IMO this is a quality sadly lacking in the likes of the Corsa, Polo, Fabia, Punto, etc

Submitted by Nick on Tue, 2014-02-04 00:24.

Mini, Fiesta, DS3, 500/Panda, Renault Twingo and Clio Hot Hatches are fun to drive and/or have character IMO.

Submitted by VStrom on Tue, 2014-02-04 21:54.

Suzuki cars are underrated in Europe. Their marketing people need to go to work, buyers are missing out on good kit.

Submitted by Sti on Fri, 2014-02-07 21:09.

You say that, yet Suzuki have attracted plenty of praise with recent models such as the Swift/Swift Sport, Splash and SX4 and S-Cross. IMO they are overlooked by buyers rather than underrated.

Submitted by VStrom on Tue, 2014-02-11 00:42.

It is overlooked by buyers because it is underrated by buyers. Praise is not being heard.

Clutch Plate

Whether one drives a commercial vehicle a car or a tractor, a well-maintained and good quality clutch plate is a necessity. The clutch platescome in various designs with full-fledged research and development, highest technology and international standards. One should use a clutch plate, which is thoroughly tested and field proven . A wide range of clutch plates are available in the market for different makes of vehicles. 


A clutch is a useful device present in every vehicle one drives. It is a mechanism for transmitting rotation. These devices with two rotating shafts are required for the proper functioning of a vehicle. While one of the shafts is driven by a motor or pulley, the other one drives another device. The clutch joins the two shafts and they spin at the same speed or are decoupled to spin at different speeds. 

Clutch Plates in Heavy Vehicles 

In vehicles there are one or more friction discs that are joined together or pressed against a flywheel using springs. Clutch plates found in trucks and speed cars are made of ceramic. When the clutch pedal is depressed the spring pressure is released pushing or pulling the diaphragm of the pressure plate. Thus, the friction plate is released and allowed to rotate freely. 

The clutch plate is used to increase or decrease the speed of a vehicle. However, increasing the engine speed too high engages the clutch. This, in turn, causes excessive clutch plate wear. 

There are two types of clutches available- wet and dry. While the wet clutch is bathed in a cooling lubricating fluid, a dry clutch is not. A wet clutch gives good quality performance and lasts long due to the clean surfaces. But, they lose some energy to the liquid and can be slippery. 

Clutch Plates in Automobiles and Motorcycles 

Clutch plate in a car is controlled by the left-most pedal. This makes use of hydraulics or a cable connection. The clutch may be physically located in close proximity to the pedal, but remote means of actuation are required to remove the effect of slight engine movement. If there is no pressure on the pedal, it means that the clutch plates are engaged. It gets disengaged once the clutch pedal is depressed. Cars can also function with manual transmission. In this there are cogs that have matching teeth to synchronize the speed. One can select gears with the help of these cogs. 

In motorcycles, the clutch is operated by the clutch lever. One can engage the clutch plate by applying no pressure on the lever. Pulling the lever back towards the rider disengages the clutch plates. Slipper clutch plates are often used by racing motorcycles to get rid of engine braking.
 

Car Thermostats

Car thermostats, as the name suggest, are devices that maintain the car temperature. The device is attached to a switch in the car that turns on the heater. If the car gets cold, the heater is turned on and when it is hot, the air conditioner is turned on. In automobiles there is a thermostatically controlled valve in the passenger compartment’s that regulates the water flow and the temperature. 
Car thermostat uses an internal combustion engine to control the flow of the coolant. If the car gets hot, the thermostat is opened and the coolant passes through the cylinder head. It looses heat and the water pump propels the coolant around the system. If one needs to heat the car, the thermostat can be closed which will prevent the flow. 

Car thermostats make use of a wax pellet, which is inside a sealed chamber. These thermostats can maintain different temperatures. Nowadays, many modern engines have come up which can run at over 80°C or 180°F. 

Car Thermostats Maintenance 

Car thermostats need very good maintenance as they play an important role in the performance of cars. These heat sensitive valves should be checked or changed during the radiator servicing. Thermostats are small and reasonably priced items. 
The following steps should be taken for removing or replacing car thermostats:

1. One needs to put the car on level ground and then drain the cooling system.
2. Remove the thermostat and remember how it is positioned to put it back the same way.
3. Remove any thick-crusted corrosion without letting it drop inside the water jacket.
4. Clean the rims of the thermostat housing cover.
5. Insert the new thermostat.
6. Put on a new gasket and replace and tighten housing.
7. Run the engine to check for leaks.
8. Drive the car and check for the proper functioning of the new thermostat.
9. Conclude with a final inspection for coolant leaks.

Car Alternators

Truck, derived from the Greek word "trochos" meaning "wheel" is a vehicle that carries goods and materials. While there are luxury cars to carry people around, there are trucks that carry large and heavy goods and materials from one place to another.
Alternators are electromechanical device used in automobiles to convert mechanical energy to alternating current electrical energy. While some of the alternators use rotating magnetic field, some use linear . 

Earlier alternators were developed by Michael Faraday and Hippolyte Pixii. Later Faraday developed the "rotating rectangle. Lord Kelvin and Sebastian Ferranti also developed early alternators. With time, alternators were designed for varying alternating-current frequencies. 

Function of Alternators 

The functioning of alternators is same as that of the DC generators. As the magnetic field around a conductor changes, a current is induced in the conductor. The rotating magnet or the rotor turns and it cuts the field across the conductors. Thus, an electrical current is produced which causes the rotor to turn. This rotating magnetic field causes an AC voltage in the stator windings. 

In automobiles, alternators are used to charge the battery and to power a car's electric system when its engine is running. One of the biggest advantages of using alternators is that you do not have to use commutator. Therefore, the alternator becomes simpler, lighter, less expensive and rougher. 

Alternators used in passenger vehicles and light trucks use Lundell or claw-pole field construction. Salient-pole alternators are used in larger vehicles. The modern day automotive alternators have a voltage regulator built into them. The efficiency of these alternators is limited by various factors like iron loss, fan-cooling loss, bearing loss, copper loss and the voltage drop in the diode bridges. 

The automotive alternators used in buses are very large. The old automobiles with negligible lighting and electronic devices have 30-ampere alternator. The 70 amperes alternators are used in passenger cars and light trucks. The largest automotive alternators are mostly water-cooled or oil-cooled. 

Alternators in Hybrid automobiles

Alternators in Hybrid automobiles are combined motor or generator that not only crank the internal combustion engine when starting, but also provides it with additional mechanical power for accelerating. They also charge a large storage battery when the vehicle is running at steady speed. 

Automobile Accessories

The auto industry in India is seeing a high growth trajectory with aiming to reach 10- 12% increase in sales in the year 2010. Showing robust consumer demand in this sector, the nation has already become a cynosure for global auto players like Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and General Motor. Owing to this, one can also see rising demands for automobile accessories among the consumers.

All the car lovers like to get the best in auto accessories to adorn their favorite vehicle. However, it is interesting to note that along with adding an extra zing to the looks of your car, these accessories help you in its maintenance process. The accessories save your vehicle from direct damages and keep its main components in better condition. They are the best ways to ensure longevity for the cars. And, it is this reason why many car owners prefer to buy good accessories.

Types of Automobile Accessories

The range of automotive accessories is wide and diverse. Some of the popular categories in automobile accessory range are:

Body Polishes/ Paints:

These provide extra protective layer to the body of your car. These substances make the surface of a vehicle shining and glossy.

Maintenance Supplies:

The products that fall under this category of automobile accessories are oils, greases and fluids. These are used on the components of the vehicles for smooth functioning and better performance. 

Seats & Seat Covers:

You can choose acrylic fur, velour, polyester, neoprene and cotton seats for your car to enhance its looks and for comfort. These seats last for a longer period of time. These are waterproof and don't catch stains. Or else, you can look for a nice and stylish cover for your seat to protect it from dust and rain.

Car Care Products and Devices:

These automobile accessories help in washing, cleaning, polishing and repairing of the vehicles. Vacuum cleaners, polishing pads, water blades and cleaning sponges fall in this category. The car care products and devices range begin from Rs. 250 to Rs.1, 199.00.

Audio Equipments:

The audio devices for car are meant for sheer fun and enjoyment. The range in this category is inclusive of all the latest electronic products that are mobile and user-friendly. You can operate them easily. Some of the widely used audio devices are:

• Car Speakers
• FM Modulators
• Amplifiers
• Car MP3 Players
• Car Cassette Players
• Car CD Players

The good quality audio devices price range starts from Rs.6, 999.00. 

Video Equipments:

Video devices are the latest fad among the car users. These devices enable you to watch movies or TV programs in running car. You can access internet or play video games in the comfort of your car. In some luxury cars, you will find video tools with navigational features that enable access to GPS data and maps. You would find DVD players and video screen common in this category. You can buy a video device for your car at Rs.7, 899.00.

Security Equipments:

The security tools that form an integral part of automobile accessories are alarm sirens, central locking system, flashers warning light fittings among various others. Some of the security gadgets can be availed in the range of Rs.1, 699.00.

Other Automotive Accessories:

Apart from the above mentioned ones, you can also look for carpets, door visors, alloy wheels, fog lamps, perfumes and mats to better the look of your car.

Automobile Accessories Stores in India

Some of the stores that provide fabulous range of automotive accessories in India are listed below:

Automobile Accessories Stores	Address
Carax	105/1/1/4, Pune Bangalore highway, Next to Radha hotel, Pune, Maharashtra 411045 Ph No: 09833252197
Amrit Auto Stores	#12, 3rd Cross, Journalist Colony Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002 Ph No: 080 41159908
Auto Mate Car Accessories	Chakaraparambu, N H No 47 Vyttila, Ernakulam, Kerala 680032 Ph No: 0484 2339596
Bansal Automobiles	41, Transport Nagar Jaipur, Rajasthan 302003 Ph No: 0141 2640286
Prince Automovers Pvt Ltd	153, Near Nirankari Colony Dhirpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110009 Ph No: 011 27415163
Sri Murugan Lubricants	35 (Old No:17), Walltax Road, Old Washermenpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600021 Ph No: 044 - 25203653
Exide Industries Limited	Circus Ave, Bhawanipur Kolkata, West Bengal Ph No: 033 2283 2120
Maruti Suzuki India Limited	602, Madhava Building, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051 Ph No: 022 26590165
Ball Bearing & Machinery Stores	Address: 140/24, KPM New Extention,
Behind Reddy Building,	J.C Road, Bangalore- 560002 Ph No: (080) 41324465, 9845564545
Hi Tech Industrial Stores	Address: 161/3, S.P Road, Near - City Market, Bangalore- 560002 Ph No: (080) 22124109
IN Army Store	Address: 146, Chandni Chowk Road, Near St Mary's Basilica Church, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore- 560051 Ph No: 9916384797
Imperial Motor Stores	Address: 381, 4th Floor, Lamington Road, Opposite Dena Bank, Opera House, Mumbai- 400004 Ph No: (022) 23893295
AN Auto Stores	Address: New-41, Old-10, Nagappa Mudali Street, Near EB Office, Pudupet, Mount Road, Chennai- 600002 Ph No: (044) 28514724
Madras Mill Stores	Address: 149/162 Broadway Main Road, Near - ING Vysya, Broadway, Chennai- 600108 Ph No: (044) 25222171, (044) 25231030
Universal Auto Stores	Address: 15-2-697, Siddiamber Bazar, Near Siddiamber Bazar Masjid Hyderabad- 500012 Ph No: (040) 24600749
Paris Auto Stores	Address: Union Bank Of India Road, Dudheshwar, Near Water Tank, Ahmedabad- 380004 Ph No: (079) 25624055, 9825047138
New Disposal Stores	Address: 584, Ghoda Peer Chowk, Nana peth, Near PGI Hall, PMC- 411011 Ph No: (020) 26336300, 9823096026
Bombay Pipe Stores	Address: 3/1, 1st Floor, Mango Lane, Dalhousie, Near Coal India Office, Kolkata- 700001 Ph No: (033) 30229711, (033) 22489711, 9331019394
Oriental Compressor Accessories Private Limited	Address: 171/1/1, Picnic Garden Road, Tiljala, Kolkata- 700039, Ph No: (033) 23450283
Delhi Mill Stores	Address: 2A, BP, Faridabad Old, Faridabad- 121001 Ph No: (0129) 2413082

Assembly Flywheel

An assembly flywheel is an integral part of an automobile. A flywheel is a rotating disc that stores kinetic energy. These devices resist changes in their rotational speed and steady the rotation of the shaft. An assembly flywheel is used to produce very high power pulses. 
The principle of the flywheel is discovered in the Neolithic spindle and the potter's wheel. This mechanical device is used for equalizing the speed of rotation- this was first described in the Kitab al-Filaha of the Andalusian engineer Ibn Bassal. 

Recently, assembly flywheels are the main power storage devices used in vehicles. The flywheel energy storage accelerates a flywheel to a very high speed and conserves the energy as rotational energy. Once the flywheel is slowed down the energy gets converted back. Electricity is often used to accelerate and decelerate the flywheel. 

The advanced assembly flywheel systems have rotors made of high strength carbon-composite filaments. The rotors are balanced by bearings inside a vacuum chamber, which reduces friction. It is linked to a combination electric motor. 

Applications of Assembly Flywheel 
The applications of assembly flywheel are:

• Transportation
• Uninterrupted power supply
• Laboratories
• Amusement Ride
• Pulse power
• Motor sports

Advantages of Assembly Flywheel 
The advantages of assembly flywheel are:

• They are not affected by temperature changes or memory effect.
• They are environment friendly
• By this it is possible to know the exact amount of energy stored.
• Flywheels act as gyroscopes, which may be harmful to the vehicle's handling characteristics while turning.

Disadvantages of Assembly Flywheel 
The disadvantages of assembly flywheel are:

• Danger of explosive shattering of the massive wheel due to overload
• The use of flywheel design is limited as its tensile strength is used for the rotor.
• Danger of flywheel explosion
• For these dangers containment vessels are used as a safety precaution which increase the total mass of the device.
• Assembly flywheels can be used for improving stability in curves

Popular Auto Spare Parts manufacturers

Popular Auto Spare Parts manufacturers

Some of the Popular Auto Spare Parts manufacturers incorporate:

• ArvinMeritor,
• Bosch,
• Continental,
• Delphi,
• ThyssenKrupp Automotive,
• TRW Automotive and
• Visteon

Types of Auto Spare Parts

The different types of Auto spare parts are:

1. Auto Electrical Parts
   • Starters,
   • Armatures,
   • Commutators,
   • Field Coils,
   • Starter Bendix Drives,
   • Alternators,
   • Rotors,
   • Stators,
   • Housings,
   • Flash Relays,
   • Carbon Brushes
2. Nuts & Bolts
   • Hub Bolts,
   • T- Bolts,
   • Washers,
   • Nuts,
   • U-Bolts
3. Transmission Parts
   • Gears,
   • Tie-Rod Ends,
   • Ball Joints,
   • U-J Cross
4. Brake Parts & Rubber Components
   • Brake Hoses,
   • Fuel Lines,
   • Engine Mountings,
   • Supports,
   • Brake Pipes,
   • Fuel Injection Pipes