Plenty of small cars aspire to put the super into supermini yet the truth is they are no more than good. Previously, a nameplate like the Swift from Suzuki might have been able to get away with being average – which, being honest, it pretty much was – but the landscape has changed demonstrably in the past two years.
There are now fewer B-segment options, demand is dwindling following the invention of SUVs and crossovers, and profit margins from the sale of each unit are slimmer than ever. The need to ensure this fourth-generation Swift is bang on, in all the areas that really matter, can’t be understated.
In a nutshell, the Japanese runaround brims with the latest safety gizmos, in-car technology and a petrol-sipping engine. And in a nod to keep productions costs down and this venture firmly in the black, only two models are being offered: ‘Motion’ kicks off at £18,699 before options and our ‘Ultra’ test car commands £19,799. From a distance, the Mk4 bears some resemblance to the Mk3 and if you are at all mechanically minded, you will also find they share the same, lightweight ‘Heartect’ platform.
For that reason, the dimensions have not changed, though it hasn’t prevented designers from penning fresh headlights and tail-lights, increasing the size of the front grille, and integrating a roof spoiler into the reprofiled boot-lid. There is not much to differentiate the two models, save for ‘Ultra’ examples sporting polished 16-inch alloys and the indicator light on the front wing being positioned within the wing mirror housing. Both models share the same eight-strong colour palette that includes the dazzling – and absolutely free – ‘Flame Orange Pearl’ metallic paint, and one of four black contrast roof styles.
Under that clamshell-inspired bonnet is a hybrid-assisted petrol engine. It isn’t a byword for speed or power, instead, the priority here is efficiency and doing your bit for the environment as you clock up the miles. Weighing in at 1.2-litres and comprising three cylinders, this new unit, according to Suzuki, is 8% more fuel efficient than its predecessor and nearly as powerful, too: 0-62mph can be covered off in 12.5 seconds despite the Swift having 81bhp going through the front axle, although, oddly, the top speeds for ‘Motion’ and Ultra’ vary, 103mph compared to 106mph. Speaking of axles, Suzuki also gives customers the choice of four-wheel-drive (AllGrip) for £1,250. Top speed on this occasion is 99mph.
There is enough oomph to get you where you need to be at the time you need to be there, while the application of clever adhesive to the car’s under body does a welcome job of minimising the driver and passenger(s) from noise and vibration. A slick, well machined five-speed manual aids progress and, in tandem with the light but communicative steering set-up that goads you into throwing the Swift about, you have limitless fun doing so. We have not yet sampled the £1,250 Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) and judging by this evidence we cannot think of a reason why you should opt for it – unless, of course, you are not as interested in an engaging experience nor are you as speed-conscious as others.
A featherweight body (1,389kg) aids that nimble sensation from behind the wheel. Equally crucial are the tweaks engineers have made to the Swift’s suspension. There is still a degree of roll through the corners despite the front stabiliser bar having been honed to dial this back, while at the rear the set-up is said to be more pliant when dealing with harsh lumps and bumps. All told, the ride is a step up from before and comfort levels are on an equal footing with Vauxhall’s Corsa and better than the latest 2 Hybrid from Mazda – just don’t expect it to be as polished as the class-leading Renault Clio.
That also applies on the inside where quality has also taken a welcome leap forward. Again, it won’t be giving Renault’s bosses sleepless nights, yet the Swift is not disgraced – not by a long shot. Given the price, there is a reasonable proportion of textured plastics to harder wearing materials, and actual buttons on the centre console are always welcome given the current trend to de-clutter and have most commands and options operated through a central touchscreen.
In the Swift, the multimedia display measures 9-inches and is about average as far as resolution, detail and responsiveness are concerned. If you are not a fan of the standard set-up, it can be bypassed – wirelessly – using either an Android or Apple smartphone, a feature that makes up a lengthy standard equipment list that comprises heated front seats, keyless start/stop, reversing camera, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Go for the range-topper and automatic air con and electric folding wing mirrors are both thrown into the mix.
From the driving seat, only a little effort is required to settle on a position that provides a clear view of the road ahead and your surroundings. The chairs themselves are well padded and support all the key touch points, though some more height adjustment would not go a miss. As for practicality, the car’s deceptively high roofline guarantees loads of headroom up top and in the back – but leg and shoulder room are pretty much as you were due to the same architecture underpinning both the Mk3 and Mk4.
So, is the Swift one of the best supermini brigade right now? Suzuki has done a fine job of bridging the gap to its rivals and can be sure to add to the nine-plus-million it has shifted since it arrived in the UK back in 2004. However, a restricted engine line-up, some questionable materials, and styling that won’t be to everyone’s taste means it is a good effort – just not a great one.
