Suzuki’s attractive Swift supermini has always lacked the recognition it deserved, despite selling 127,000 in the UK and 5.4 million worldwide. Minis and Fiestas always outshone the Suzuki, despite the Swift being very good to drive.
An all-new third generation version arrives this month and it is 10 per cent lighter, nearly 20 per cent more powerful and eight per cent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing model. There are two engine choices and the 1.0-litre turbocharged triple in the top-of-the-range Boosterjet version is a real gem. We have yet to try the less powerful 1.2-litre four-cylinder Dualjet unit.
Highly refined and willing, the Boosterjet produces 111PS, while emitting 104g/km of CO2 and a claimed 61.4mpg and maximum speed of 121mph. Top trim SZ5 cars also have Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system which lowers CO2 emissions to 97g/km.
The new car is slightly shorter and 120kg lighter than before, but has a longer wheelbase, more passenger room and 25 per cent more bootspace. It is also slightly lower and wider than before, and, to my eye, better looking.
All Boosterjet cars get rear view camera, alloys and foglamps, and the top-trim models get sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, dual sensor brake support, mild hybrid system and LED headlamps.
It feels grippy and nimble, and there is no discernible roll on swiftly taken corners. For such a tiny engine, it is remarkably quiet, smooth and lively, and cruises at motorway speeds without fuss. It is actually tricky to find anything to dislike about the new Swift. Okay — the sat-nav went a bit wonky a couple of times. There. I found something.
Suzuki Swift SZ5 Boosterjet
Top speed: 121mph
C02: 97g/km
MPG: 61.4
Price: To be announced
