Suzuki Swift - conservative, traditional as ever
At first glance, the Suzuki Swift seems somewhat outdated. Upon closer inspection, that's exactly what gives it its charm. It resembles its predecessors very much - but the price has increased, though it remains below the 20,000 Euro threshold in its base version.
Compact, light, agile - the Suzuki Swift has a few advantages that are increasingly rare today. However, it pays for this with a somewhat less refreshing conservatism. One could also call it tradition-conscious: the current generation 7 of the small car looks almost identical to versions 6 and 5. And compared to the Swift 4, the design has evolved rather gradually.
The fifth-generation model with a steep rear end now has a little more meat on its hips, but at 3.86 meters, it's still as handy as its two direct predecessors. Therefore, one shouldn't expect too much space, especially on the rear seats or in the luggage compartment. However, normal-sized individuals will find the two front seats comfortable.
Interior sober and clear
What applies to the body design also applies to the interior. While competitors in the small class now also feature large screen landscapes and colorful gimmicks, the Suzuki remains quite sober. One of the few concessions to current trends is the mounted infotainment screen, otherwise the operation runs mainly via classic switches. This is good for ergonomics and clarity, but doesn't exactly feel homely.
The hard plastic surfaces on the doors and dashboard reinforce this impression. The front seats are rather simple but offer sufficient comfort even on longer journeys, while the rear seats are less comfortable due to their short, high surfaces.
Smaller powertrain offering
One of the previous advantages of the Swift was its broad powertrain offering, which included all-wheel drive and sports variants. However, this has been reduced in the current generation: the only engine is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with mild hybrid assistance, which can be combined with front or all-wheel drive and performs surprisingly well, especially in terms of efficiency, with values around 5 liters being no problem.
Noise and vibrations are acceptable in the mid-range, and acceleration and pull at medium speed are also satisfactory. Those who quickly shift the gears of the manual five-speed transmission (an optional continuously variable automatic is available) will find that the light Swift (1070 kg) gets off the line quickly and is not a born traffic obstacle on the highway.
Modest performance
Overall, however, the performance remains modest and particularly interesting for city traffic: it takes just under 13 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, with a maximum speed of 165 km/h. Despite this, the agile Japanese car with a manual transmission is quite fun to drive, at least subjectively living up to its name. The suspension is more comfortable than sporty, offering good comfort even on poor city streets.
At 18,900 Euros, the current Swift in its base version is only just below the 20,000 Euro threshold, which some of its predecessors could even undershoot with full equipment and the most expensive powertrain. Nevertheless, the Japanese car remains one of the most affordable representatives of its class, especially considering its standard safety equipment. For an additional 1,500 Euros, the next higher trim level can be obtained, which offers a few more comfort features and, above all, an optical upgrade, as the steel wheels are then replaced by alloy wheels.
There are certainly more modern subcompacts than the Suzuki Swift. Those who prefer a classic style, however, will find a lively companion in the Swift for city life and beyond, which is also quite affordable. The Japanese model could be interesting, especially for former Ford Fiesta owners, as it's no longer in production. While it's not quite as dynamic as the Fiesta, it offers a fair amount of driving fun for its class.
Technical Specs - Suzuki Swift
- Fifth-generation subcompact
- Length: 3.86 m, Width: 1.74 m (without mirrors), Height: 1.49 m. Wheelbase: 2.45 m, Boot volume: 265-980 liters
- 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, 61 kW/82 PS, maximum torque 112 Nm, 12-Volt mild hybrid system with integrated starter generator. Front-wheel drive, five-speed manual transmission
- 0-100 km/h 12.5 s, Vmax: 165 km/h, Fuel consumption (WLTP combined): 4.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 99 g/km, Test fuel consumption: 5.2 l/100 km
- Price: starting at €18,900
Despite its modest performance, the current Suzuki Swift is a lively companion for city life and beyond, offering a fair amount of driving fun for its class. The following models are available for those seeking a more modern subcompact.
The following models are: the Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, and Hyundai i10, each offering advanced technology and more contemporary designs.
