Goodness me, what a wig-lifting blast the new Suzuki Swift Sport turns out to be!
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Volkswagen promote the Up GTI as “the people’s supercar” and “the most fun you can have on four wheels for less than £14000”.
Neil Lyndon takes some twists and bends in the hair raising Suzuki Swift Sport Hatchback
Both claims have powerful merits; but the new Swift Sport is a close runner for the first title and is certainly the most fun on four wheels under £18000.
There was a moment in 2017 when Suzuki knocked £1500 off the £17999 asking price for the Sport, which put it in touching distance of knocking the Up GTI off both of its pedestals. Alas, that brief moment of madness has passed but the Sport is still an irresistibly desirable little package – especially considering that it comes fully equipped, with no expensive extras to add (unlike any version of the Up GTI you would want).
The 1.4 litre turbocharged Boosterjet is the same 138 bhp engine as in the excellent Vitara S. Such is the overall lightness of this delectable hatchback, however, that it feels as if it needs to be chained down to prevent it from rocketing away as soon as you rest an unwary toe on the throttle pedal. Acceleration from 0-60 mph in eight seconds will do me any day.
The close-ratio six-speed gearbox is so snappy and quick that you feel almost as if you’re in a rally car. Brakes are muscular, with enlarged discs at the front compared with the standard Swift. Steering is sharp, precise and communicative. Suspension set-up is tuned to a T. Ride is accommodating enough to deal with Britain’s disgraceful road surfaces but firm enough to keep you securely braced in your comfortable sports seat. Taking twists and bends at higher speeds induces a touch of roll in the body but grip is deeply reassuring at all times.
The list of standard kit is endless. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and body kit; twin chrome tailpipes; reversing camera; excellent touchscreen infotainment system with all the gizmos; air conditioning; six airbags; lane departure and collision warnings.
If you ran a check over the cost of adding this lot to an UP GTI, you probably wouldn’t find the final price far short of the Swift Sport’s £17999.
The boot may be a touch ungenerous at 265l of luggage space and the rear seat may lack room for knees that are more than 15 years old but those shortcomings are more than offset, in my mind, by the profound reassurance of Suzuki’s outstanding record for customer satisfaction and after-sales service.
I’d happily put my own money down for this car and might even do exactly that when my son is ready for a step-up from his Picanto.
A single guy on the lam couldn’t look for more delight in a car.
Car reviewed: All-New Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet MT - Price on the road £17,999 0-62mph 8.1 secs Top speed 130mph Fuel Economy combined 50.4mpg CO2 emissions 125g/km Engine 1373cc 4-Cylinder Boosterjet EU6 Max Power 140hp@5500rpm Torque 230Nm@2500rpm Transmission 6-speed manual
Snappy and quick gearbox
Fabulous tuned suspension
Endless kit as standard
Slightly small boot
What the others say about the Suzuki Swift Sport Hatchback on YouTube...
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