Name: Suzuki Swift Review
Item: Suzuki Swift
Author: Gumtree.com

The small hatchback market is a busy place, with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Corsa jostling for space with cost-conscious superminis like the Toyota Yaris. The Suzuki Swift is something of an outsider in this competition, and doesn’t sell in the same kind of numbers as some of its rivals. It has much to recommend it though, being spacious, boasting impressive safety stats and standing out as one of the most fun cars of its type to drive.

Visit the Suzuki Swift model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a good-looking and practical car that’s fun to drive, bringing something a bit different to the small car segment.

Pros

Good looks

Impressive range of equipment

Feels exciting to drive

Cons

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Not as cheap as some of its rivals

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Little space in the boot and not much more in the back seat

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Servicing is pricey

The Swift got a major makeover in 2017, bringing in a new design along with improved engines and a raft of new equipment. The latest version comes in three trim levels: SZ-L, SZ-T and SZ5. The 2010-2017 model was offered with five different trims, including a 4×4, plus the Swift Sport with its own trim.

Driving performance of the Suzuki Swift

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

As you might expect from a small car, the Swift is in its element around town, but it won’t feel out of its depth on the motorway. All versions offer respectable performance, but if it’s driving fun you’re looking for, the 1.6-litre Swift Sport is the pick of the bunch – its 136 brake horsepower engine will take you from 0 to 60 in 8.7 seconds. For those less bothered about the race away from the traffic lights, the 1.2-litre petrol engine will take 12.3 seconds to get up to the same speed. Solid steering, light weight and agile handling mean it takes corners like a go-kart, and it’s easy to park and wind through busy streets. The ride might not be the smoothest around town, particularly in the back, but that’s down to the same slightly firm suspension that makes it so fun to drive on twisting roads.

Safety and reliability of the Suzuki Swift

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Most of the Suzuki Swift range has been awarded four out of five stars from Euro NCAP, but the entry-level SZ3 trim gets only three, as it lacks the safety tech of the higher-spec versions. The safety pack works hard for that extra star, with auto emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, lane departure warning and active cruise control. Stability controls, six airbags and dual Isofix child-seat mounting points are standard across the range. Suzuki has a good reputation for reliability, and Swift owners report few problems.

Under the bonnet of the Suzuki Swift

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The Swift is available with a range of engine and transmission options, all of which feel adequate and up-to-date. The turbocharged 1.0-litre engine might not be as quick as some rivals, but it definitely feels punchier than the cheaper 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Dualjet. As you might expect, stepping up to the Sport version gets you a lot more zip. The 2020 facelift streamlined the range of engines, so brand-new Swifts now all come with an 82 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine, with Suzuki’s mild hybrid system capturing energy from the brakes to help out when accelerating.

What you'll find in the Suzuki Swift

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Like its rivals the Kia Rio and the Mazda 2, the Swift is something of a looker. Contrasting door pillars, a sporty nose and cleverly combined edges and curves all add up to a cool-looking little car most will be happy to be seen in. The Sport variant has a more aggressive look, incorporating dual-colour 17-inch alloys and an expansive grille.

Comfort and interiors in the Suzuki Swift

Our Comfort Rating6 / 10

Inside, the Swift is a bit more down-to-earth, and the hard plastics are built for longevity rather than luxury. The fabric seats are similarly practical – hardly posh or plush, but not cramped either, and they offer decent support. The rear seats will fold to extend the space in that little boot, but unlike those in some of the Swift’s rivals they won’t go completely flat. All variants come with a flat-bottomed, leather-surfaced steering wheel.

What features you'll find in the Suzuki Swift

Our Features Rating8 / 10

All modern Swifts come with a 7-inch touchscreen, which dominates the dash and offers smartphone mirroring. You might not find it as intuitive as the systems in rival models, but the rest of the controls are easy to figure out and use. Adding the safety pack mentioned above turns the Swift into probably the best-equipped affordable hatch out there when it comes to safety features, while the Swift GLX Turbo version comes with keyless entry, push-button start and climate control.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Suzuki Swift

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The small engines make the Swift a pretty frugal car, whatever version you’re in. Even the thirstiest set-up, the 1.0-litre engine with the automatic gearbox, delivers an official figure of 46.9 mpg. The Dualjet can get you up to 55.4 mpg. If you’re looking to cut some costs when doing a lot of city driving, this makes for an excellent choice.

Running costs of the Suzuki Swift

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

Servicing costs are pretty average for a car of this kind, but look out for the costs of insurance. Repairing a damaged Swift is reckoned by insurance experts to be relatively expensive. While this car has many things that make it attractive to younger drivers, the insurance premiums might not be one of them, and it’s probably worth getting a quote before committing to the Swift.

Our verdict of the Suzuki Swift

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Suzuki Swift offers a range of models for drivers who want something a bit different in an affordable hatch, from entry-level bargains to competitive warm hatches.

Suzuki Swift Review