3. Suzuki Swift

On test: Suzuki Swift 1.5 (2005 onwards model)

Overview:

• Model: Suzuki Swift
• Bodystyle: 5-door hatchback
• Engine: 1.5–litres, 4 cylinder Petrol
• Transmission: 5–speed manual

What is it?

This is a straight-done-the-line, middle-of-the-road supermini of that sort that Suzuki hasn’t really offered before. Certainly there have been plenty of small cars, a Suzuki speciality, but almost without exception they have been niche models rather than falling into the mainstream. Now, with the claim that this new, Hungarian-built Swift is going to be “more enjoyable to drive than any rival”, it has a lot to live up to. There are two petrol engines, 1.3 and 1.6, a 1.3-litre Fiat diesel and a choice of two body styles, 3 and 5-door. The 1.5 comes with the option of a traditional four-speed automatic, while 1.3 buyers have the chance to choose an automated manual (no clutch pedal but you still shift the gears by hand).

Where does it fit?

As we’ve discovered, the Swift is aimed head-on at the Fiesta, Corsa, Clio and two-dozen other superminis. Where it fits in the confused Suzuki range is more puzzling, for it seems smaller but more expensive than the Ignis (which is known as the Swift in Japan). The 1.3-litre Suzuki Wagon R isn’t that much different in size either.

Is it for you?

Suzuki has something of a low profile in the UK, despite selling over 37,000 cars a year. Suzuki buyers traditionally cite value for money and the aura of Japanese reliability behind their purchase decision. The brand is certainly a step away from the standard Japanese fare, and it’s easy to see that the new Swift could catch on as a bit of a style icon.

What does it do well?

The 1.5-litre Swift gets a sophisticated variable-valve timing engine with 100bhp. That’s a country mile away from the Renault Clio Cup and its rivals, but the Swift is both more affordable and easier to insure. And it’s good fun to drive too. There may not be loads of pulling power at low speeds, but the engine is eager to rev hard and the slick gearbox makes it a pleasure to zip up and down the gears. The steering is well weighted and precise, but this Swift is, at the same time, very straightforward to drive in town with a decent ride and reasonable noise levels.

What doesn’t it do well?

If you drive the Swift in a determined manner the engine noise gets pretty intrusive, though most drivers would trade this off for the performance. The steering wheel adjust only for tilt, not reach, and some will find the driving position a little compromised. The rear seat is too soft and consequently doesn’t give adults the support they might need. The boot will take a single large case standing upright, but the rear seats need to be folded – quite a fiddly operation – to gain real luggage space.

What’s it like to live with?

Easy. No-one is going to find this small Suzuki a challenge to drive or use. There’s an excess of headroom and good legroom for a small car, both front and rear. The front seats are well-shaped and comfortable, the ride is fine without being exceptional and there’s air conditioning as standard on the GLX model. There are six airbags with 4 stars for occupant safety in the EuroNCAP safety tests and a commendable 3 stars for pedestrians. The 1.5–litre will produce well over 40mpg. You can even get keyless entry, so you never need to take the keys out of your pocket or handbag.

Would we buy it?

The new Swift hits nearly all the right buttons and we were quite charmed. It works well in both a city environment yet is eminently useable – and fun – out on the open road. Designed with European drivers in mind, it’s much classier both inside and out than anything Suzuki has produced previously.