Suzuki Swift 1.2 SZ4
Japanese baby is clean, frugal and fun to drive. But will lack of practicality count against it?
The Suzuki Swift has grown up. When the new car arrived last year it was bigger and better than its predecessor – not that a casual observer would be able to tell, as the latest model looks virtually identical to the car it replaced.
Study the spec sheet, though, and you’ll see that it’s 90mm longer, 10mm taller and has a 50mm longer wheelbase than before. These changes were designed to provide more space, but the rest of the conservative design owes a debt to the previous model.
The high waistline, rounded tail and smartly sculpted front end combine with a wraparound-style windscreen to give the Swift a neat and attractive profile. Plus, with smart touches such as black A and B-pillars, colour-coded door handles and white indicator repeaters across the range, the car looks upmarket for an affordable supermini.
This impression is reinforced from the driver’s seat, where the simply designed cabin has a very grown-up feel. Material quality is good in most places, and the layout is very easy to live with.
The tactile multifunction wheel adjusts for reach and height on SZ4 models, and the driving position is comfortable, while standard equipment includes Bluetooth, cruise control, climate control and keyless start.
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The increased dimensions ensure the latest Swift has more rear legroom than its predecessor. However, it still can’t match the spacious accommodation offered by its bigger rivals in this test. Adults seated in the back will find their knees pinched against the front seats, while the rising window line and darkened glass make it feel a bit claustrophobic.
The biggest problem, though, is the tiny 213-litre boot – easily the smallest on test. Not only is it 82 litres down on the Fiesta, but the luggage space is narrow and the lower edge of the sill is high.
The driving experience goes some way to compensating for the lack of space. The Swift strikes an impressive balance between comfort and fun. Its suspension does a good job of ironing out rough surfaces, while body roll is well controlled.
In bends, the Swift reacts keenly to each turn of the steering wheel, with plenty of front-end bite. The driving experience is far more communicative than the numb Yaris. There isn’t the same feedback that you get in the Ford, and the gearshift lacks the snappy action of the Mazda, but the well balanced chassis runs the Fiesta closest for dynamic appeal. The smooth and willing 1.2-litre engine is equally enjoyable. Only the six-speed Yaris recorded better performance figures. And while you have to work the Suzuki hard, it thrives on revs.
The fact that the Swift is the lightest car in the test helps here, and it’s also good news for efficiency. The Japanese machine has the lowest emissions of our quartet and returned 32.3mpg over the course of our test. All of which makes its small boot and tight rear cabin a real shame.
Details
Chart position: 2
WHY: The diminutive Suzuki has already won an Auto Express group test. The latest Swift is bigger than before, with a smart exterior and an upmarket cabin.
