Suzuki Swift hatchback (2010 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Put a photograph of the 2010 Suzuki Swift next to the car it succeeds and you’ll wonder what makes it new. However, in real life it looks much fresher and stands up to comparison with its rivals. The large lights and curvy lines set it apart. The doors distinctively cut into the roof, which appears to have been influenced by the shape of the MINI’s. Bear in mind that the cheapest SZ2 versions don’t come with alloy wheels.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

Suzuki has given the Swift an attractive cabin with good attention to detail. There is less design flair evident than in some rivals though, such as the Ford Fiesta. While the operation of all the controls is smooth and satisfyingly tactile, many of the plastics used are quite hard to touch. This detracts from the overall feeling of quality. The instruments are clear and modern looking, but it’s a little inconvenient to have to reach into the dashboard and press a tiny stalk-like button to alter the read-out from the on-board computer.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

There’s plenty of space in the Swift, especially for tall people. The boot is quite small though at 211 litres. Compare that to the Fiesta’s 295 litres. Adding to the problem is that access to the space is quite restricted by the shape of the rear of the car. There is no reach adjustment for the steering wheel on the SZ2 and SZ3 versions. Thankfully the driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment and overall it’s quite comfortable. Notably, there are loads of little storage areas to put your bits and pieces.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

This is the Swift’s trump card. It copes admirably with badly-maintained urban roads, giving its occupants a comfortable ride. However, from the driver’s perspective it’s quite a fun little car. It’s agile and keen to turn into corners. It also retains its composure on the motorway or under heavy braking. We found the steering a little on the light side, though that will appeal to many buyers, especially when parking. In all, the Swift sits near the top of its class for ride and handling.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

When equipped with the best-selling 1.2-litre petrol engine, the Swift will surprise many. It produces about 93bhp and it feels eager at all times. It’s refined and responds well to being extended. This model is quicker than the equivalent Fiesta – and feels it. The Sport model features a 125bhp 1.6-litre engine, which gives the Swift junior hot hatch status. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard throughout and it’s really impressive. Its action is light, though the Swift could do with a sixth gear on long motorway journeys. We also tried an automatic and it stifles the engine’s performance somewhat.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

Fuel economy has been significantly improved over the previous Swift thanks to the addition of all-new engines. The 1.2-litre petrol model averages 56.5mpg and emits 116g/km of CO2. The automatic version is less efficient, at 50.4mpg, and makes the Swift more expensive to tax. Those figures are better than the Fiesta and are on a par with the more expensive Corsa. Some rivals are cheaper to insure, with the Swift sitting in insurance groups 8-9, though other costs should be kept to a minimum.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Although Suzuki has a good reputation for reliability, the previous Swift was the subject of a few recalls. At the time of writing, the 2010 car is too new to have taken part in any reliability or ownership surveys, but we’d expect it to do better. The Swift certainly gives the impression that it is well made and the driving controls, engine and gearbox all have a polished, well-developed feel.

Our rating: 3

8. Safety

Suzuki achieved a maximum five stars for adult occupant protection in the Swift. It also scored well  for child occupant protection. The Fiesta and Corsa achieved similar scores. All versions of the Swift are fitted with seven airbags and electronic stability programme as standard, along with the expected anti-lock brakes. It’s one of the safest cars in the class.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

In comparison to some manufacturers, Suzuki’s line-up seems a little barren. However, that makes it simple to choose a version that suits you. There’s simply SZ2, SZ3, SZ4 and Sport. We’d urge you to go for at least an SZ3 version, as from here up air-con and alloy wheels are standard. Saying that, all models get electric front windows, a stereo with USB connectivity and a nice steering wheel with controls for the stereo on it. SZ4 models are then loaded with equipment including cruise control, automatic headlights, Bluetooth connectivity and even rear privacy glass.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

Low running costs and a competitive purchase price will lure buyers into Suzuki showrooms, but we reckon it’ll impress even more on the road. Make sure you take the Swift for a test drive, as it gives the established class leaders a good run for their money.

Our rating: 4