What is it?
The Japanese firm feels there’s still a huge need for small, light, efficient, and well-priced small cars, and with rivals such as Ford, Kia and Nissan abandoning this market it thinks customers are being ignored. It estimates some 250,000 Brits have bought a supermini in the last three years but won’t be able to buy another due to a dwindling range of models on offer. So, it’s launched a brand new Swift to appeal to this rather sizeable group of people.
What’s new?
The design, though similar to previous Swifts, is new, the interior is new and just when carmakers are cancelling the development of new petrol engines, Suzuki has crafted a totally new one. It’s only really the platform that’s not shiny new as it’s a development of the old model’s.
What’s under the bonnet?
The engine also comes with a 12V mild hybrid system to help with efficiency – speaking of which, at 64.2mpg, it’s right at the top of the tree for fuel economy, and the cleanest by coughing out just 99g/km of CO2. Suzuki is even offering a four-wheel drive version with a 25mm increase in ride height – it arrives later this year.
What’s it like to drive?
The old Swift always had a slightly overly firm suspension set-up, and though engaging to drive, it was always outshone by a Fiesta. This new one is quieter on the move, it’s slightly softer and deals better with bumps and potholes, and with the Fiesta being no more, the Swift is arguably the class leader for handling – the fact that the car is very light (it weighs under 1,000kg) certainly helps here. It’s a very enjoyable car to drive and a lovely contrast to often overly heavy EVs.
How does it look?
This line is most noticeable at the front as it forms the leading edge of the clamshell bonnet, but sadly it has the look of the bonnet not being closed properly. It’s still a handsome car, though, and looks distinctive from its rivals.
What’s it like inside?
The high-mounted nine-inch touchscreen doesn’t have the most attractive software around, but as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard you won’t be using it that much. Happily, Suzuki hasn’t followed some rivals by burying the heated controls in the touchscreen as there’s a row of buttons for that, and there’s even a manual handbrake.
Space in the rear is good with decent head and kneeroom, and two people will be comfortable. At 265 litres (expanding to 980 litres with the seats folded), boot space is about right too.
What’s the spec like?
Ultra, from £19,799, tops the range and gets polished alloys, automatic climate control and electric folding mirrors. The four-wheel drive Swift will cost £21,049 when it arrives later this year.
Verdict
Its keen pricing and frugality will be enough to win over most buyers, but this is also a well-packaged small car that is brimming with character thanks to an eager engine and sharp handling.
