I bought this car so that I had a small 5 door car that was fun to drive.
It certainly fulfils all of those!
It's small such that parking is a doddle and you can squeeze it into spaces most cars cant' get into, but the size of the interior doesn't feel cramped as a result.
The boot space is somewhat limited by but still plenty enough for the shopping or a pram/pushchair.
Handling is great too. just point and shoot with great visibility through the big windows and with large wing mirrors.
It's also economical so won't cost you a fortune to run (although servicing costs can be high e.g. £16 per spark plug).
I do have an issue with the biting point on the clutch. It has a very high biting point which I've read others complaining about so must be common to the Swift. the result of this is over-revving of the engine until you get used to it.
Anyway it's a good little run about for cities and not too bad for short motorway journeys too.
For anyone who's under the age of 40, the Swift Sport is just excellent. It's not the best car for people over 6 ft but for anyone under, it's belting. I'd happily recommend one to new drivers or mums and dads who need some poke.
Inside, it's well made and full of kit! It's got a lovely feel to all the plastics and I think it'll stand up well to the kids. Outside, it looks European enough and quite stylish.
I'd recommend the Sport just because of how it handles. It's so chuckable - much like a MINI. It really does handle well and controls it' 120bhp very impressively.
8.9 seconds to 60 and 128mph top end is enough to keep anyone happy.
Just a great car overall!
Suzuki doesn't have a great reputation in the UK, but I really think the Suzuki Swift is doing its best to change that. It is, without question, the company's best effort, and paves the way for future exciting models. I chose the 1.5 GLX Swift as it's quick enough to live with, economical enough to put up with and full of all the kit I wanted - including key-less entry.
If you can afford the Sport, go for it. But just remember, it will drink fuel. I've had it for about 3 years now, and while the interior quality leaves a little to be desired, the rest of the car is easily European quality.
Think of it like a Mini but without the awful stigma attached. It's a little donkey that is easy to park, reliable, soft and comfortable. It's ever car you'll ever need. Probably.
For anyone who thinks that Suzuki can't make a proper car - take a look at the Swift. The second you sit inside, you'll change your mind. I decided to get the Sport version with 120bhp as it covers 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed just below 130mph.
Thanks to its low weight, it feels every bit as quick as it looks. The sporty 17inch wheels, curvy body and ergonomic interior help keep the Swift looking European and modern. Suzuki really has stepped their game up with the Swift.
Inside, you'll probably be a little disappointed; the boot is desperately small and if you're over 5ft 11, you'll struggle to find a comfortable driving position. But still, it's worth being cramped for an exciting drive down the A and B roads.
What can I say about this car?
Great looking car! The 1.5 is quick which produces around about 100bhp. The car pulls very well up hills in the low rev range(s) and is very responsive when overtaking at the higher end.
The car handles very well round corners and feels solidly attached to the ground at all times.
The heated and electrically adjustable mirrors are great, and quite large for a car of its size. The engine bay looks good, and with a gold manifold gives you something to show off to your friends.
The keyless entry system on the Swift is the only one of its kind I know, and is also really good, eventhough it is a bit strange to get used to in the beginning.
There is also a key fob with the hidden key which is a nice addition and you can see the level of attention that Suzuki has made with this model hence justifying the price of the car.
I must say that the seats are really comfortable! You feel securely held when going round corners and they're easy to get out of.
The adjustable steering column is much appreciated by me, being well over 6ft, with the headunit and window / door lock buttons in easy reach whilst driving.
The gear stick is also reassuringly solid, and looks great with the optional chrome trim.
The pedals on the swift take a while to get used to. The clutch has a very high biting point and cannot be adjusted, which caused me major difficulty to start with. The brake are perfect and the car stops very quickly.
For a car that feels so big, and it does feel very wide when you're driving it, both the boot space and leg room are comparable to other super minis out there.
However that said if you're not taking the whole family on holiday in this car, the back seats fold down very efficiently giving you ample space to carry a excessive amount of stuff for two people.
In the front, the cabin space is exceptional, and with any car of this size I believe that there is going to be a compromise somewhere in terms of available space.
Overall it's a great car!