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.
See Also:
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- Best Year For Ford F150
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- The Ultra-Rare Bentley Batur Convertible
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