Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/uXDZ31peSt4
The Suzuki Swift. If you ask me, it’s a likeable car; cheap and cheerful as well as being an underdog in a world that is, sorry, was dominated by the late Ford Fiesta. There’s a new fourth-generation model but can it do enough to be the next supermini king? I had a short drive in one this week to find out.
‘Interesting’ Styling
As much as I know styling is subjective, I think it’s fair to say the new Swift isn’t as much of a looker as its predecessors. Although the new version keeps the same compact dimensions as before – well done Suzuki – it looks as if a Chinese car company has tried to make a copy of a Suzuki Swift after it was described to them down the phone? Harsh? Probably, but you get my point.
Having said that, I will say it looks better in the metal than it did in the photos published from the Tokyo Motor Show. As well as a bold new look, there are new colours to go with it, including what Suzuki ‘Cool Yellow’, although I’d call it more like “Pistachio Metallic”. No matter which trim level you go for (there’s only two) you’ll get 16″ alloys, although the range-topping Ultra gets polished 16″ alloys.
A LOT As Standard
As mentioned above, there are just two trim levels to choose, making the Swift easier to buy than ever. Motion starts from £18,699, whilst Ultra starts from £19,799. In all honesty, Motion could well be all the Swift you’ll need as the list of standard kit seems almost endless. Standout features include 16” alloys, LED headlights, air conditioning, 9” touchscreen, navigation, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On top of this, there’s also a strong host of safety systems including adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and weaving alert, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The Ultra adds features 16” polished alloys, automatic air conditioning, electric door mirrors and rear passenger heater outlet.
How Does It Drive?
The new 2024 Suzuki Swift offers improved performance, better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. This is thanks to a new 1.2 litre petrol, which has three cylinders, replacing the outgoing 1.2 litre petrol, which had four cylinders. The new engine (Z12E if you like nerdy engine code) is helped out by a mild hybrid system, offering 82hp with 112Nm of torque.
This is fed to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual, although a CVT can be selected as an option and later this year once more the Swift will be available with the Allgrip AWD option. Suzuki predict the Allgrip will make up 10% of sales, and will only be available with the Ultra trim level when fitted with the 5-speed manual.
Depending on which configuration you go for, you can expect up to 64.2mpg on a combined run with CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km. To help with the efficiency the new Swift has been made more aerodynamic and it weighs as little as 949kg – that’s less that the current Mazda MX-5. Refinement has also been improved thanks to sound and vibration adhesive underneath the vehicle – the first for any Suzuki model.
Despite the improvements for the new Swift Suzuki hasn’t ruined the formula for the driving dynamics, meaning it’s still fun to drive. The 1.2 petrol is responsive enough, although you are likely to need to change down a gear for tackling hills, which is no hardship as the controls are light and easy to use. I will say that the biting point on the clutch isn’t the most obvious.
With it being a three cylinder not a four cylinder there’s the distinct three-pot grumble, which may not be to everyone’s tastes but I personally like it. Thread the Swift through a few corners and it’s easy to see the Swift DNA is still very much present with neat, tidy handling. Some may find the steering a bit too light, but for town driving it will prove to be an advantage.
That’s all good and well, but will there be a Sport?
I think the new Swift would make for a perfect Swift and I personally think the car market is crying out for a small sporty hatch as so many of them had dwindled in recent years and finding small sporty hatches that are fun to drive is becoming increasingly difficult. There’s no official word from Suzuki that there will be a Sport version but I think they’d be silly not to.
