Latest Swift breaks the mould with rounded design while retaining nimble driving experience and adding mild-hybrid technology as standard as well as introducing advanced safety features and more tech than ever before.
The Swift range starts from £19,199 and comes in two trim levels. It’s available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox, or a CVT automatic ‘box at an additional £1,250. It can even come with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP 4-wheel-drive system paired to the manual ‘box for the same additional cost.
The entry level ‘Motion’ features 16-inch alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, adaptive cruise control, rear view camera and parking sensors, heated front seats, wireless smartphone link, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor, and keyless entry and start.
Standard safety on the Swift includes dual sensor brake support (automatic emergency braking), lane keeping assist, driver monitoring system, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, weaving alert, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, ecall, adaptive cruise control, and high beam assist.
An ‘Ultra’ starts from £20,299 and adds polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, rear heater outlet, electrically folding door mirrors with integrated indicator, and height adjustable front seatbelts.
Engine wise, all Swift models comes with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, supported with a mild-hybrid battery to offer a total power output of 82hp. Seeing you from 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds, and with a top speed of 103 mph, the Swift has a claimed return of 64.2 mpg. (Stats for manual ‘box)
Weighing in at less than a tonne, the model tested and pictured, a Swift Ultra with the 5-speed manual ‘box, returned just over 60 mpg during my week with it. Which is fantastic given I live semi-rural and it got it’s legs stretched every day on B roads.
The lack of weight means that the Swift cruises along without much of a fuss. Getting a little noisy when asked to progress in haste when already at speed. But as a city car, it copes as expected with out of town use, with an agility that is just fantastic compared to rivals.
The curvaceous exterior allows for a spacious cabin where, all central controls are intentionally angled towards the driver for enhanced convenience and focus on the road. The flat bottom steering wheel adds sporty flair to the new Swift, while keeping you comfy in the optimum driving position.
Given it’s pricing in the market, inside remains fairly utilitarian. But it’s not sore or the eyes, and it is fairly comfortable with a young family. Four adults would become uncomfortable on a long run, but Swift, with its 5-doors, can cope alright.
Infotainment is good, easy to use, and simple. The boot maybe isn’t the biggest in this segment, but it is a fair and usable space, and I am sure not the smallest in the class either.
Eight paint colours are available, four of which come with the option of a contrasting black roof. Flame Orange, as pictured and tested, is the Suzuki Swift standard colour which is included within the retail price. All other colours and 2-tone options range from £600 to £850 extra.
Suzuki Swift does what it says on the tin, it’s affordable, easily parked, well equipped and durable. Now with 0% APR**, from £139 a month PCP on the Swift Mild Hybrid Motion (T&C’s apply). Suzuki offer a 3-year warranty as standard.
