THE LATEST incarnation of the Swift is short and wide and yet its body appears to be rippling with energy. Viewed from the front, side or rear, the small hatchback is unmistakably new with unique curves that make it look, dare I say, quite attractive – for this type of car.
Inside, things get even better. The Suzuki is like the TARDIS from Doctor Who – with plenty of space for a small family. A black-and-silver theme runs throughout the interior and the top of the range SZ4 five door model, on test here, includes automatic air conditioning, a Bluetooth integrated audio unit, electric rear windows, push button keyless start, automatic headlamps, rear privacy glass and cruise control as standard. The newly
designed details are packed with user-friendly functionality while the fabric seats feel supportive and look hard-wearing. Overall, Suzuki has pulled out all the stops to make the cabin feel upmarket. .
Behind the wheel the new Swift is surprisingly fun to drive, with nimble handling thanks to a wide track and short wheelbase. The steering is a tad too light, but the five-speed manual transmission is slick and effortless to use. What is really impressive though is that the car makes you feel confident and safe on the road. This is due to a range of safety technologies only found in bigger cars once upon a time. These include an
anti-lock braking system and electronic braking-force distribution. Passive-safety features include a light, reinforced, energy-absorbing body in which front crumple zones help to absorb impact energy and direct it away from the cabin. But the most notable advance in terms of protection in the new Swift is that it now has seven airbags – front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags – as standard equipment.
The Suzuki is a great car to nip around town in, and it has more than enough potential to travel further afield, although I wouldn’t recommend it as a regular long distance commuting tool. The Swift doesn’t have the largest boot in the world either and getting more than one pushchair in as well as the family shopping will be a challenge. Otherwise this offering from the Japanese automotive manufacturer is a good choice for anyone who wants a compact, nippy, city motor, with big car technology.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
- Safe √
- Nippy √
- Equipment level √
- Economical √
- Small boot X
- Very light steering X
FACTS
- Max speed: 103 mph
- 0-62 mph: 12.3 secs
- Combined mpg: 56.5
- Engine layout: 1242cc 4 cylinder 16v petrol
- Max. power (bhp): 93 at 6,000rpm
- Max. torque (lb.ft): 118Nm at 4,800rpm
- CO2: 116g/km
- Price: £12,245 OTR
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