The Suzuki Swift is a charming alternative to the usual suspects and a great choice if you're after a good small car. For those who want something a little different to the norm, it makes for an intriguing choice – instead of just choosing a Ford Fiesta.
With an almost endless list of alternatives, the Suzuki Swift has done well to stand out from the pack. Rivals to the Swift include the Skoda Fabia, the reliable Hyundai i20 and the ever popular Vauxhall Corsa. What the Suzuki Swift offers is bags of character and a particularly engaging driving experience. Keen pricing also makes it look something of a bargain.
The Suzuki Swift is a charming and likeable small car, with handsome styling and the ability to deliver fun for those behind the wheel. This combination is what gives the Suzuki Swift its unique selling point, and helps it stand out in a crowded market place.
For those who want to enjoy their daily commute, the Suzuki Swift has accurate steering that provides plenty of feedback to the driver. Although the standard 1.2-litre engine isn’t especially powerful, the Suzuki Swift proves that high speeds aren’t essential to have fun. Only the Ford Fiesta offers better handling, but it’s worth noting that the Suzuki Swift’s ride quality can feel a little firm.
Aiding the Suzuki Swift driving experience is Suzuki’s commitment to keeping weight down. This has benefits for handling and fuel economy, but can also be apparent when you take a seat in the Suzuki Swift’s cabin. Compared to some rivals, there is an absence of soft-touch trim.
Instead, the Suzuki Swift features hard plastics, but ones that have been put together with precision. Notably, Suzuki often scores highly in reliability surveys. Equipment such as standard LED headlights and air conditioning add to the Swift’s daily usability
Despite its small dimensions, the Suzuki Swift manages to accommodate passengers well. Four adults will be able to fit inside, while installing child seats on the rear bench should not be a challenge. Boot space is a little tight compared to class rivals, but at least the rear seats fold to accommodate more luggage when needed.
As something of a leftfield option, the Suzuki Swift will appeal to those who want a small used car that delivers an enjoyable driving experience. Suzuki’s strong reputation for reliability, and even the Suzuki Swift’s good looks, will make it a winner for many.
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Suzuki has updated the Swift's engine range, so newer cars have a single 1.2-litre mild hybrid petrol option, which should be enough for most eventualities. Older cars were available with a punchier 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, and its rev-hungry nature really suits the Suzuki Swift’s fun-loving character.
The entry-level Suzuki Swift SZ-L comes with alloy wheels, LED headlights, air con, DAB, air conditioning and adaptive cruise, which is a nice haul of kit. Even so we'd recommend moving up to the mid-spec SZ-T, which adds extra safety kit plus a smartphone link to give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
On earlier cars, entry-level SZ-L trim will be a little basic for some: it has steel wheels rather than alloys, and it only has a basic stereo. Our favoured trim is the next rung up the ladder, SZ-T, which gives you glitzier wheels and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, as well as front foglamps and a reversing camera.
The later models of this Suzuki Swift are offered with just one engine, available with either front-wheel drive or Allgrip all-wheel drive. Mild-hybrid technology is standard, with either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox fitted. Earlier cars used a 1.2-litre petrol or turbocharged 1.0-litre Boosterjet that is a fun motor to use and suits the the Swift well.
Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet: This turbocharged 1.0-litre motor with 111PS is bags of fun in the Swift, pulling much harder than its 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds would leave you to believe. It sounds keen, too, and offers 65.6mpg and 97g/km.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet: The key attraction of this 68PS engine is its 98g/km carbon dioxide emissions allied to 61.4mpg claimed average economy. Acceleration needs a leisurely 11.9 seconds to get from rest to 62mph and it's not the quietest engine in the Swift range, never mind in the supermini sector.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet MHEV: Offered across all trim levels, the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine likes to be revved. It produces a modest 83hp, although this is less of an issue with the Suzuki Swift’s low weight. Fitted with the optional CVT automatic gearbox, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds. The manual gearbox offers average fuel economy of up to 59.7mpg.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet MHEV Allgrip: For those who need extra traction, the Allgrip version combines the same 1.2-litre mild-hybrid engine with all-wheel drive. It can only be chosen with the manual gearbox, while the Allgrip system sees fuel economy fall to an average of 52.3mpg.
Suzuki Swift SZ-3: This was the starting point of the range when this Swift was launched and it's a touch spartan for some tastes. You get manual air-con, electric front windows, LED daytime running lights, privacy glass, remote locking and a leather steering wheel, but you have to make do with steel wheels.
Suzuki Swift SZ-L: This version of the Suzuki Swift may feel a little light on equipment. However, it still features LED headlights, manual air conditioning and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. Big-car functions such as automatic headlights and adaptive cruise control are included, but smartphone connectivity is limited to Bluetooth only.
Suzuki Swift SZ-T: With added equipment, the Suzuki Swift SZ-T delivers a more luxurious experience. Rear parking sensors bring extra practicality, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are included. Safety is also improved, thanks to lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
Suzuki Swift Attitude: As the name suggests, this model brought a bit of sporting edge to the Swift with a body kit. However, it was largely the same as the SZ-T in every other respect.
Suzuki Swift SZ5: For the Suzuki Swift with everything, the SZ5 packs in the metaphorical kitchen sink. Climate control, a rear-view camera, satellite navigation and keyless entry are all part of the deal. It is the only Suzuki Swift to have rear electric windows, and even gains LED lighting for the rear number plate.
The Suzuki Swift’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 3,845mm
Width: 1,735mm
Height: 1,495mm
Ground clearance: 120mm
The Suzuki Swift’s boot space is:
265 litres
579 litres with rear seats folded
Whichever Suzuki Swift you choose from this generation, all used examples will cost you £180 per year in road tax at the time of writing.
For a small car, the Suzuki Swift might be pricier to insure than you imagine. The entry-level Suzuki Swift SZ-L version sits in insurance group 20 (out of 50), with the SZ-T and SZ5 given similar ratings. For comparison, a similar-sized Ford Fiesta starts from insurance group 2.
Read our full Suzuki Swift review