Suzuki Swift Hatchback (2005 - ) review

Supermini buyers, by and large, are a very style-conscious lot, so it’s a good job that there’s a lot to like about the way the Suzuki Swift looks. The front end is dominated by the big, angular headlamps, while the rakish roofline and curvy rear haunches lend it a sporty feel. Bear in mind that the cheapest SZ2 versions don’t come with alloy wheels, but the rest do. Range-topping SZ4 models also have privacy glass, while the 4×4 models have wheelarch extensions and underbody protection. Sport models also come with a racy-looking bodykit.

The Swift’s cabin doesn’t have the outright quality of some rivals, because most of the plastics on display are hard to the touch and a little lacking in tactility. That said, they look a lot smarter than they feel, so the cabin still has a degree of sophistication. The interior design is simple and, despite having less aesthetic flair than many rivals, finding and using all the various knobs and switches is easy. All models get a height-adjustable driver’s seat, too, but most models only have a height-adjustable steering wheel – you have to climb up to SZ4 trim before you get rake adjustment.

The Swift’s high roof means there’s ample headroom in every seat, but tall passengers won’t be thrilled with the rear legroom. It’s just about sufficient to cater for most adults, but rivals offer more room to stretch out. The boot is also quite small at 211 litres and the shape of the tailgate opening restricts access to the available space. However, all models come with a split-folding rear bench that allows you to boost your cargo-carrying capacity and there are loads of little storage areas dotted around the cabin for your bits and pieces.

The Swift is great fun to drive, with good grip, excellent body control and impressive balance. The responsive steering also makes the car keen to turn into corners, adding to the Swift’s up-and-at-’em nature, but it could do with a little more weight and there isn’t much feedback through the wheel. Granted, there’s a firm edge to the ride that won’t be to all tastes, but many drivers will forgive it that, thanks to the Swift’s sporty character. This character is especially evident in the Swift Sport, which makes a great budget hot hatch. There’s also a 4×4 version which is only available in SZ3 and SZ4 trim. While this is never going to be a hardcore off-roader, the extra traction and ride-height on offer does allow it to traverse more tricky terrain than its front-wheel drive sibling.

The best-selling engine is the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol producing 93bhp. It doesn’t have a great deal of low-down pull, so you have to work it really quite hard to extract a decent level of acceleration. When you oblige, however, you might be surprised by how quick it feels, and it all adds to the Swift’s sporty nature. The Swift Sport has a 134bhp 1.6-litre engine, which has the same rev-hungry character, but the pace it delivers gives the Sport true junior hot hatch status. There’s also a diesel choice, a 1.2 (although Suzuki calls it a 1.3) with 74bhp, but we haven’t tried this version yet. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models except the Sport, which gets a six-speeder. Both ‘boxes are satisfyingly slick, but models with the five-speeder are irritating on the motorway, because the engines buzz away noisily (you hear a fair amount of wind and road noise, too). A four-speed automatic gearbox is available with the 1.2 petrol, but it stifles the performance.

The Swift is competitively priced when compared with its rivals and, although resale values aren’t the strongest in the class, they’re not bad, either. The Swift’s fuel economy is competitive, too: the 1.2-litre petrol model averages 56.4mpg and emits 116g/km of CO2. The automatic version is less efficient at 50.3mpg, which also makes it more expensive to tax. The diesel is the star performer, with figures of 72.3mpg and 101g/km. Some rivals are cheaper to insure, but the gap isn’t vast.

Suzuki has a good reputation for reliability, which is backed up by the company’s impressive performance in Warranty Direct’s manufacturer standings: it currently sits very near the top. The Swift doesn’t have as high a reliability score as other Suzuki models, but the score it has is far from disgraceful. The Swift certainly gives the impression that it is solidly made, while the engines and gearboxes all have a polished, well-developed feel.

The Swift achieved the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, keeping pace with most of its rivals. All versions of the Swift are fitted with seven airbags and electronic stability programme as standard, along with the expected anti-lock brakes.

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 are simply SZ2, SZ3, SZ4 and Sport trim levels. 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.

Low running costs and competitive purchase prices will lure buyers into Suzuki showrooms, but we reckon the Swift will impress potential buyers even more once they get it out on the road. For driving fun, it gives its established rivals a good run for their money.