Suzuki Swift – The Perfect Small Car

John

12 months ago

The new Suzuki Swift is here with a redesigned body, a revised engine, a refreshed interior, and some smart tech upgrades. With a quirky new exterior, enhanced tech features, and mild-hybrid efficiency, this compact hatchback is looking to punch above its weight. Whether you’re a city commuter or a first-time buyer, this Swift is out to impress.

Exterior Design: Quirky Yet Familiar

Front & Side Styling

The front end of the new Swift has had a noticeable update, with redesigned bumpers and new headlights that give it a modern touch. The bonnet, however, is a bit of a hit-or-miss — it resembles the lid of a teapot, which feels oddly British.

Moving to the side, all models come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The top-spec Ultra model features stylish diamond-cut alloys, while the lower trims get painted wheels. Subtle body creases give the car some visual flair, and interestingly, this section of the car reminds me of a MINI from a couple of generations ago.

Rear Design

At the back, the Swift looks wider and more planted than before. Despite being a compact car, it has some presence thanks to its muscular rear design. Plus, Suzuki offers a wide range of vibrant colour options, steering clear of the usual greys.

Interior & Practicality

Cabin Design & Materials

Step inside, and you’re met with a mix of shapes, textures, and materials — perhaps too many. The light-coloured trim is standard across all models, which might not suit everyone. The infotainment screen has thick bezels and dated graphics, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both available.

Thankfully, the climate controls are physical buttons, making them easier to use while driving.

Storage & Layout

Storage options include:

A key tray
Cupholders (though not large-bottle friendly)
A mobile tray
Multiple USB ports (standard, USB-C, and a media USB slot)
12V socket
Reasonable glovebox
Large door bins that fit bigger bottles

Driving Position

The steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable position.

Build Quality: Budget Signs Show

While the Swift is affordable, some of its interior materials feel cheap, with hard plastics and minimal padding throughout. The centre console has a bit of wobble, too. However, it’s not all bad:

The seat fabric is nice
The seats themselves are comfy
Leather steering wheel and gear knob come as standard
Indicator and wiper stalks feel surprisingly premium — better than those in some BMWs!

Infotainment & Tech

Infotainment System

The infotainment screen isn’t the most responsive or vibrant. There’s some lag, and the graphics are dated, but it gets the job done. Key features include:

Satellite navigation
Music and media playback
Driving stats and efficiency tracking
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

Instrument Cluster

You get traditional analogue dials with a small central digital screen. The screen provides:

Speed
Fuel economy
A quirky G-meter
Hybrid system display

Rear Seat Comfort

For a small hatchback, rear space is actually impressive:

Good leg and headroom — even for 6-foot passengers
Roomy footwells
Seats are comfy

However, it’s a tight squeeze for three adults, and there’s no USB connectivity in the back. Also, the rear door bins are small.

Child Seat Installation

Thanks to wide-opening doors and accessible ISOFIX points, fitting a child seat isn’t difficult — but you will need to slide the front seats forward.

Boot Space

At 265 litres, the Swift’s boot is one of the smallest in its class. It has:

A deep loading floor
High load lip
Narrow parcel shelf
Foldable rear seats (with a bulky step that makes loading long items tricky)

Five Annoying Things About The Suzuki Swift

Too many warning beeps, and turning off the excess speed alert requires a frustrating button combo.
Electric window motors sound cheap.
Manual fuel filler release via lever — a quirk common in Japanese cars.
No vanity mirror illumination.
Poor reversing camera quality with no washer, so it gets dirty quickly.

Five Great Things About The Suzuki Swift

All models come with:
- Heated seats
- Reversing camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
You can get an all-wheel-drive version (called the AllGrip), which is rare in this class.
It’s extremely fuel-efficient — rated for 64 mpg. Real-world average over six months was 57 mpg.
7-year warranty (if serviced annually at a Suzuki dealer).
Quick-release seat backrests — no need for endless knob-twisting.

Engine, Trims & Performance

All Suzuki Swifts come with the same engine: a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol with 82 hp. You can pick between:

5-speed manual
CVT automatic
Optional AWD

Real-World Acceleration Test

Suzuki claims 0–60 mph in 12.5 seconds
Real-world tested time: 10.8 seconds

Braking Test (60–0 mph)

Stopping distance: 38 metres (OK but not class-leading)

Driving Experience

Around Town

This is where the Swift shines:

Light steering and pedals
Smooth gear shifts
Excellent visibility (except thick front pillars)
Tiny 9.6-metre turning circle — best in class

On The Motorway

This is where the Swift feels a bit out of its depth:

Lacks punch at higher speeds due to the non-turbo engine
Cabin is noisy at 70 mph
Not ideal for long-distance travel

On Twisty Roads

The Swift comes alive thanks to its light weight and nimble handling:

Feels agile and responsive
Steering is precise
Minimal body roll
Fun to drive overall

There’s a bit of clutch surge during quick gear changes, but it’s a minor issue.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Swift isn’t just another budget hatchback. It’s a confident, characterful, and economical little car that handles like a go-kart and offers genuine driving joy in the city. Yes, it has flaws — but if you’re looking for affordable fun, it ticks a lot of boxes.

FAQs

Is the Suzuki Swift good for first-time drivers?

Yes! It’s affordable, easy to drive, and comes with plenty of safety features.

Does the Suzuki Swift have a turbocharged engine?

Nope. It uses a naturally aspirated 1.2L engine paired with a mild hybrid.

How reliable is the Suzuki Swift?

Suzuki has a strong reputation for reliability, and the extended 7-year warranty adds peace of mind.

Can I get the Swift with four-wheel drive?

Yes — the AllGrip model offers AWD, which is rare in this segment.

What’s the best alternative to the Swift?

The Renault Clio is a strong rival, offering more space and slightly better refinement for similar money.