Motoring editor Andy Russell is pleasantly surprised by the all-new Suzuki Swift supermini – competent, attractive and fun to drive.
Driving so many different cars can be like opening a present. Some big, exciting ones are more packaging than present, some small ones are a pleasant surprise. Suzuki's new Swift is definitely the latter.
The Swift has never sprung to mind when I think about superminis but, judging by the number of old models, it's proved popular over the past 12 years.
Looks and image
Little wonder the new version carries forward the Swift DNA while taking the styling to a new level – I loved that little 'shark fin' kink in the bodywork up to the black panel with the disguised rear door handle. It looks more grown up.
In reality, it's actually 10mm shorter, 15mm lower but 40mm wider for a low, squat stance. There's an extra 20mm between the front and back wheels – not a lot but, with clever packaging, it means a lot more space.
Under the bonnet
Just two petrol options – four-cylinder 90PS naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre Dualjet and three-cylinder 111PS 1.0-litre turbo Boosterjet, both offered with mild hybrid systems in range-topping SZ5.
Called SVHS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) and weighing just 6.2kg, a belt-driven integrated starter generator boosts the engine when pulling away and accelerating, restarts the engine after idle stop and stores electricity generated under braking and slowing in a lithium-ion battery under the front passenger seat.
The star is the 1.0 Boosterjet SVHS which trickles along in traffic at very low revs, picking up strongly from 2,000rpm and revving freely with a throaty, three-cylinder note – a lot of fun, without being too fast, yet returning 55mpg to 60mpg with a best of 65mpg.
This peachy power unit is one of the best, little three-cylinder petrol units I've driven.
How it drives
Based on Suzuki's new platform, the new Swift rides well, with wheels pushed out to the corners maximising its footprint, but thumps over big bumps and potholes. It's more noticeable in the back and soon regains its composure.
Rewardingly agile on twisty roads, it boasts good steering feel and feedback, plenty of grip and just enough body movement to be entertaining but not alarming.
It all bodes well for the more powerful Swift Sport next year.
Space and comfort
That longer wheelbase has created more space inside so the Swift is surprisingly roomy and four average-sized adults can stretch their legs and enjoy decent headroom too.
It hasn't been at the expense of boot space which has grown 25% to 265 litres – not as big as some rivals but now more practical. Deep and boxy, it's all useable space but has a high sill to lift loads over. Rear seat backs split 60/40 and fold but leave a big step up from the boot floor.
At the wheel
Behind the wheel it all works well – big, clear instruments, sensible switchgear, a responsive, user-friendly touchscreen and enough seat and wheel adjustment for short and tall drivers to get comfortable.
It looks pleasant too – particularly the rotary heating and ventilation controls which also contain the settings display – but doesn't feel quite so appealing with hard plastics. At least it's well put together and glossy off-white highlight panels break the blackness.
Equipment
Entry-level 1.2 SZ3 includes six airbags, air-con, privacy glass, DAB with Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights and front electric windows. The 1.0 SZ-T adds rear-view camera, smartphone link display audio, 16in alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
SZ5, with both engines and a 1.0 automatic and 1.2 all-wheel drive, has auto air-con, polished alloys, sat-nav, forward detection system with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, auto high beam and adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, electric back windows and LED headlamps and tail lights.
Final say
Suzuki's new Swift makes huge advances – ones that will appeal to environmentally-aware motorists looking for a compact, hybrid. It also drives well, is spacious and a well-equipped, value package you can't afford to ignore.
TECH AND SPEC
Price: Suzuki Swift 1.0 SZ5 SHVS mild hybrid Boosterjet £14,499 (range £10,999 to £15,499)
Engine: 998cc, 111PS, three-cylinder turbo petrol
Performance: 0-62mph 10.6 seconds; top speed 121mph
MPG: Urban 58.8; extra urban 70.6; combined 65.7
CO2 emissions: 97g/km
Benefit-in-kind tax rate: 18%
Insurance group: 27 (out of 50)
Warranty: Three years or 60,000 miles
Will it fit in the garage? L 3,840mm; W 1,735mm ; H 1,495mm
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